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Myths, Lore & Krampus

The blog today will depart with our typical, first hand accounts of a ghostly encounter or experiences with haunted locations. Today we are going to talk about the myths, lore, celebration and legend surrounding perhaps one of the most iconic “darker” Christmas characters. Krampus is a part of a centuries-old Christmas tradition in Germany and Eastern Europe. Christmas celebrations there begin in early December, more specifically December 5th, Krampusnacht, and December 6th, Nikolaustag. Although Krampus pre-dates Christianity according to most lore and legend, Krampus and St. Nicholas have an intertwined past rooted in two very different types of Christmas celebrations.

Symbols Of Good & Evil

Krampus and St. Nicholas in Christian tradition, are symbols of good and evil. Krampus, in contrast to the kind rewarding St. Nicholas, would swat "wicked" children, stuff them in a sack, and take them away to the underworld. Krampus comes the night before St. Nicholas on December 5th better known as Krampus Night. Children hoping they wouldn’t be found by the mythic daemonic like beast slept uneasily.

The Legend Of Krampus

The legend of Krampus dates back to pre-Germanic paganism in the region. Krampus, in German is krampen, meaning claw. In art depictions of Krampus he resembles a part goat, part demon-like figure. Krampus is said to rule the world of the dead. During the rise of the Catholic church, Krampus celebrations were forbidden because of his close resemblence to the devil. Ultimately Krapmus and St. Nicholas celebrations became intertwined to highlight a balance of good(Christian St. Nicholas) and evil(Pagan Krampus). Austria's conservative Christian Social Party in 1934, also tried to to remove Krampusnacht as a celebration but ultimately failed as Krampusnacht is still upheld to this day. Elaborate costumes are made and worn the night of December 5th in honor of the demon-like beast. This day is celebrated like a festival with heavy drinking and disorderly conduct. Children of course don’t participate in the drinking, but a heavy dose of fear definitely falls upon their slumber this one time of year.

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