Weihnachtsmann, Saint Nicholas and Krampus (2024)

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Weihnachtsmann, Saint Nicholas and Krampus? ›

In Central European folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as "half-goat, half-demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. This contrasts with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

The History of Krampus

Many believe that the origin of Krampus predates Christianity, and there is no doubt that there are some interesting parallels between his lore and that of other Pagan figures, but it isn't until Saint Nicholas and his holiday that Krampus really started to make an impression.

On Christmas Eve, Krampus travels with a sack or a basket strapped to his back; this is to cart off evil children for drowning, eating, or transport to Hell.

They first landed in a small town. Santa delivered his presents while Krampus, surprisingly gentle, left a piece of coal for the naughty children. As the night progressed, Santa and Krampus found a rhythm. They worked together seamlessly, spreading joy and delivering lessons.

Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas each year, parades are held throughout many of Austria's alpine villages in honor of Krampus, a demonic creature said to be the "evil twin" of St. Nicholas.

The most lenient punishment is usually being whipped by bundles of birch branches. However, for those who have done more reprehensible deeds, Krampus could throw those children in a sack, take them to Hell, torture, and finally devour them.

In essence, Krampus is the bad cop to Santa's good cop, Collins said. Krampus would often target children who behaved badly, hitting them with a tree branch known as a "switch," or even kidnapping them in a basket.

Origins of the Krampus Legend

The roots of the Krampus folklore can be traced back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions. Before Christianity spread across the region, the locals celebrated many pagan rituals, one of which honored Krampus. He was seen as the antithesis of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus).

Does Krampus have a wife? ›

Frau Perchta is often mistaken by many to be Krampus's wife or the “female Krampus” though according to most actual legends this is not true.

Max sincerely apologizes for losing his spirit; although Krampus seems to accept his apology, he still tosses Max in as well. Max awakens in his bed on Christmas morning and discovers his family alive and well downstairs, concluding what happened was just a nightmare.

Krampus's name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, and is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns.

“To be Krampus requires bells and chains. Bells signal his arrival, and chains symbolically bind him to the Catholic Church. He is, after all, St.

Krampus is one such character who comes from folklore in Austria's Alpine region, where he's been frightening children and amusing adults for hundreds of years. Krampus, the half-man, half-goat counterpart to St. Nicholas, has been apart of folklore in Austria's Alpine region for hundreds of years.

Krampus predates St. Nicholas (who later became known as Santa Claus) by hundreds of years. Christmas originated as a celebration in observance of the winter solstice.

Nicholas, who rewarded children with sweets. Krampus, in contrast, would swat "wicked" children, stuff them in a sack, and take them away to his lair. According to folklore, Krampus purportedly shows up in towns the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night.

Almost everyone is familiar with the figure of the Krampus, but perhaps less so with who he was in the original folktales. Many people refer to him as the anti-Santa, or the demon opposing Father Christmas, the arch-enemy of the red-clad, big-bearded, potbellied gentleman.

Origins of the Krampus Legend

The roots of the Krampus folklore can be traced back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions. Before Christianity spread across the region, the locals celebrated many pagan rituals, one of which honored Krampus. He was seen as the antithesis of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus).

Traditionally, Krampus is a demon sidekick of Santa Claus.