December 2007
The Legend of Krampus
by Heather Maureen Millott

From Austria, southern Germany, Switzerland, and far northern Italy the people of these European regions celebrate the eve of Krampus on December 5 followed by St. Nicholas Day on the 6th. Krampus is often a companion of St. Nicholas and travels with him - sort of an altar ego or evil twin of Santa's.

Often Krampus is seen carrying a switch (sometimes a rod, bundle of willow twigs or a whip, more modernly a broom) and a basket or sack. The sack is for carrying coal, or for stuffing naughty children into so he can carry them away. Krampus in appearance is sometimes dressed in black rags or fur, bearing a black face and unruly black hair. In many contemporary portrayals he looks like a dark and sinister version of Nicholas himself. I wonder if the "black face" made it so far down the chain of the legend that it is the reason Santa comes down the chimney covered in soot!

This freaky creature reminds me of a sort of "boosaphunt" in Norwegian tradition. I remember when I was little my mother telling us the "boosaphunt" would come carry us off if we didn't behave.

German Catholics have a man dressed as 'der Heilige Nikolaus'  (resembling a the pope and carrying a staff). This figure will go from house to house and bring gifts to children. Joining with him are several Krampusse. The Krampus who look extremely raggedy and devilish will scare the children mildly. Although the Krampus carries a switch, they only tease the children with it, while St. Nicholas hands out small gifts to the children.

Austrians, and many other European traditions celebrate what is known as the running of the krampus. Which is just as it sounds! Like the running of the bulls in Spain, every year many participate in dressing up as Krampus and running across the cobblestone streets in elaborate but scary masks and full costume array, complete with switches to handle the naughty children and generally scaring the pants off the adults. Some even brandish torches. The costumes are very elaborate, nothing short of special effects in a quality horror movie. A lot of time and preparation goes into creating the costumes.

Pagan-like in its origins traditionally, the meaning behind the Krampus run is to drive away evil and prepare nature for a not too hard winter. Some also believe it to be a fertility right. I have not yet heard of a female Krampus, they are typically younger men. There are typically two types of Krampus runs, one slightly more organized than the other. The goal is to scare children into being "good" and so smaller groups of 8 - 10 Krampus's run around neighborhoods at night clanging their cowbells and terrifying small children (who should only be watching from their windows). Some parents invite the Krampus into their home in order to teach children of the legend and instill good behavior upon them. What nice parents!

There are also larger "Krampus Groups" that have parades down the town streets. Like the parade in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria you will see groups of men strolling down the street or in one case riding a tractor during the parade. Although some locals have a problem with the runs, most of it is all in good fun and a tradition I only wish we had in the States. If my kids had grown up with the legend they would not be afraid of the Krampus. Most children that live there are not afraid because they have grown up with the event and eventually grow to love it. I have heard of some tourist adults say they would not even venture out into the
streets during the runs. I think if we participated in such, I wouldn't mind being one of Santa's little helpers!

I leave the story off here with an translated poem by Hans Theodor Woldsen Storm entitled: "Nikolausgedichte" -
Happy Krampus Eve to all!

I came out of the forest there
I must tell you Christmas feeling is in the air
All around on pine tree tops
A little golden light was propped
And overhead at heavens gates
My wide eyes saw the Christ child wait
And as I passed through the dark pines
I cried out with that clear voice of mine
Santas evil elf, old thing
Take to your legs, quick, hurrying!
Yes, yes, I must go into town
Where there are children brave and loud!

Do you have your little sack to see?
Yes, yes, my little sack is here with me!
For apple nuts and almond meat
Brave children like to eat!

Till next time,
Heather

About the Author:
Heather Millott is a Halloween artist who admits to being shamelessly addicted to primitive folk and vintage Halloween art. Each month she plans to bring us another "Curious Good.." column. If you have a story suggestion for her, feel free to email her. Visit Heather here on HalloweenArtists.com or on her website at www.witchhollowprimitives.com.