Everyone knows about Santa Claus, and how he gives good boys and girls toys but what happens to the naughty children? That responsibility falls to Krampus, Santa’s evil counterpart. Half goat and half-demon, Krampus punishes the naughty children of the world around Christmastime, according to old European legends. He became associated with Christmas and Santa Claus, as much as the Catholic church tried to ban him. Krampus is said to beat bad children with sticks and branches, but some myths have him eating them or taking them to hell. The myth states that naughty children are visited by Krampus on Krampus Night or Krampusnaucht, on December 5. He is often depicted as a humanoid half-goat, half-demon, and his name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw. He has horns like those of a ram, and a snake-like tongue.
There are various festivities surrounding Krampus, such as the Krampuslauf, or Krampus Run, where people dress as creatures and parade through the streets, often being chased. This event usually involves alcohol. These events became increasingly popular in the late 20th century as an effort to preserve cultural heritage in Germany and Austria. The Krampus Run may get its origins from the pagan ritual known as Perchtenlauf which was a procession in which people would dress up as a two-legged goat figure known as Perch.
Krampus is said to be the son of Hel from Norse mythology. Other iterations of Krampus include Belsnickle and Knecht Ruprecht in some Germanic regions, and Hans Trapp and Pere Fouettard in France. Krampus is thought to be the balance to Santa Claus, punishing those on his ‘naughty list’ in response to the ‘nice list’. During WWII, many found Krampus to be the creation of Social Democrats. Krampus’s popularity died down for a while, but now many people are once again bringing him back to the limelight. Part of this has to do with the general mood that often surrounds the holidays, a ‘bah humbug’ sort of mood in which many do not want to partake in the typical celebrations.
Some have even gone as far as creating ‘greeting cards’ featuring Krampus, although the messages on them are far from cheerful. Some depict Krampus beating children while others depict women beating men, or having Krampus defeated by a woman. Some even depict a woman as Krampus.
In the US, celebrations like the Krampus Run are becoming more popular, as well as Krampus himself. Pop culture has brought him to relevance through movies and T.V. shows as well. Much like Santa, there is Krampus merchandise in Austria and several complain that Krampus is already being too commercialized and losing the fear that made him special.
Jeri Hensley
Executive Editor/Creative Director