Krampus: Santa’s Evil Companion

Think Christmas is always cheerful? Tell that to the kids in Central Europe.

BY: PAYAL DASS

Artwork via Pinterest

Here in North America, the holiday season of Christmas is a joyous time of the year. The air is filled with warmth as families get together to bond over fond memories of the past. The noise of children’s laughter lingers like the chime of silver bells out on the streets. The vivid image of children in their pyjamas, sitting by the fireplace in front of the Christmas tree, awaiting dawn to open their presents as it is their reward for being good throughout the year. These are the images that often come to mind when thinking about Christmas.

For us, children are encouraged to be well-behaved throughout the year to receive presents in December. Everyone may assume that it's the same scenario across the world. However, some other countries have different traditions to drive children’s actions towards good behaviour.

In Central Europe, common folklore depicts Saint Nicholas with a companion who fulfills the second half of the deal every child makes with themselves before the holiday season. In contrast to the standard North American tradition in which children are only aware of the reward for demonstrating good behaviour, children in Central Europe get an explanation of what happens if they are not well-behaved. Children here usually assume that if they do not behave, they simply do not receive presents. 

In regions including Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Northern Italy, it is said that while St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with presents, his companion Krampus goes around punishing the children that fail to do so. 

Krampus is described as a horned figure with bloodshot eyes. He is said to be half-goat and half-demon, his face severely mangled. His mouth drips blood, with sharp teeth and an extremely long tongue used as a lasso to trap his prey. He has long, sharp claws, and a black, furry body. He is typically made out to have one human foot and one cloven hoof. His appearance aids his image of the punisher of all bad children.

Artwork via Pinterest

But how did St. Nicholas become close acquaintances with a figure who resembled a demon?

It is said that Krampus has no original links to Christmas. His first appearance in folklore dates back to pre-Germanic paganism in the region. Paganism is not exactly a traditional modern-day religion as it encompasses a wide variety of traditions that stress the value and respect for nature. It also focuses on the revival of animalistic and polytheistic religious practices. In paganism, monotheism is widely rejected as the majority of paganism focuses on Norse and Celtic teachings while also having a large influence of Anglo-Saxon culture. Pagans worship a variety of gods and goddesses and may also participate in ritual magic, although this is not a universal approach. There is strong evidence of Krampus’ having roots in Germany as his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.” 

Although much is known about the religion, less is known about the rituals pagan followers performed. This is because writing down practices associated with religion was uncommon in that particular region until the emergence of Christianity. By the time writing down religion came into question, many followers had either adopted Christian practices or were forced to convert to Christianity. It is believed that Krampus was intertwined into Christian practices and celebrations —specifically Christmas—in an attempt to preserve their pre-Germanic pagan heritage. The tradition states Krampus is the son of the Norse god of the underworld, Hel. This was the main reason the Church did not like the incorporation of Krampus into Christmas festivities.

Artwork via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

It is said that the Church had tried to ban Krampus from Christmas celebrations as it was not aligning with traditional Christian beliefs, as he had strongly resembled the devil. This may also be the reason Krampus is not widely celebrated in North American Christmas festivities. It is known that folklore that involved Krampus originated from a small, very specific region in Europe. Had this belief been confined to a particular area, it would have been extremely difficult to spread the celebrations of Krampus. This would have benefited the Church greatly as more pure Christian teachings would be practiced across the world.

Despite conflicts in traditional Christian beliefs and values, the incorporation of Krampus is still strong in Central Europe today. Krampus is still a much-feared and much-loved holiday force. 

In modern tradition, popular in Austria and Switzerland, Krampus emerges on the night of December 5. This is when Krampus joins St. Nicholas and visits families door-to-door. Here, well-behaved children get their shoes filled with candies by St. Nicholas, while bad children receive birch twigs by Krampus himself. It is said that Krampus gave children birch twigs in their shoes because, in tradition, Krampus would use birch branches to beat them, or it could be a sign that they would disappear—this means begin stuffed into Krampus’ sack where they would be taken back to his residence to be tortured and eaten. Some also say Krampus punishes naughty children by slashing them with rusty chains before dragging them in baskets, taking them to the fiery pits of hell. On the morning of December 6, St. Nicholas Day, children wake up to find their gifts or to tend their wounds.

Artwork via National Public Radio

Apart from this, Krampus is honoured in the tradition of Krampuslauf—also known as Krampus Run—this is immensely popular in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and in some parts of the Czech Republic. Based on a centuries-old tradition, young men dress up as Krampus and parade through the streets. This is considered to be an ancient pagan ritual meant to disperse winter’s ghosts. They march while ringing cowbells, occasionally with torches, covered in their traditional wooden masks. Usually, a lot of alcohol is involved in the celebration. It is said the men that parade through the town are usually intoxicated. As these men parade through the streets, they may scare and sometimes chase the spectators for some harmless fun.

Photo via Daily Mail

Although the tradition of celebrating Krampus does not take place in Canada, the Krampus Run is gaining popularity in some places in the United States. In recent times, this may be because of mainstream media. A comedic horror film based on Krampus was released in 2015, titled Krampus. This film could have educated the audience on the traditions of Krampus, displaying a certain festive appeal. The exposure to this tradition may have been appealing to many. However, the first Krampus Run to take place in America was in 2010, before the film was released, alluding to the fact that many Americans were aware of this tradition beforehand. It was organized in Colombia, South Carolina and Portland, Oregon. By 2014, there were 30 different Krampus celebrations held across the country.

The growing popularity of Krampus in America can ultimately lead to a widespread popularity among multiple other countries, ours included. It won’t be long until we start seeing Krampuslauf being held on the streets of Toronto. It could quickly become an integrated tradition associated with Christmastime, just like the exchange of gifts between loved ones or decorating a Christmas tree. If this is the case, we better get prepared for the night of December 5, and it is only a block away. We may be getting a visit from Krampus soon. 

Were you well-behaved?