In the weeks leading up to Christmas, much of Europe comes alive with frightening figures known as Krampus. These monstrous beasts are thought to stalk the streets of old Austria on December 5th, punishing naughty children and warning them to behave in the coming year. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then you might want to avoid Krampus this December. Unless you enjoy being terrorized by masked men while they try to capture you! In the spirit of the season, we’ll be exploring how Krampus has evolved from a terrifying beast into a friendly figure in Alpine folklore. You’ll learn about where Krampus first appeared, what he looks like now, and how his unique traditions have spread across the Alps and beyond.
What is a Krampus?
The word "Krampus" derives from the German "Krampus" or the Austrian "Krampusz". These names mean "claw" or "cramp," which refers to the characteristic long iron claw that Krampus gifts to children. Although we often associate Krampus with Christmas, he was originally a part of an ancient pre-Christian Alpine tradition. This tradition was celebrated in the German-speaking world and the Alpine regions of Europe. Krampus is the dark companion of Saint Nicholas, the jolly old man who rewards good children each Christmas Eve. If you have been naughty, Krampus will punish you. He is a scary figure with long fangs, claws, a long tongue, and a dark brown fur suit. He also carries chains and tree branches. You can recognize him by his long tongue, which is used to scare children. You will often see Krampus during the Christmas season. He is especially popular in Austria, Switzerland, and southern Germany.
Where did Krampus come from?
Krampus has been a part of the Alpine tradition since the Middle Ages. Hoping to convert the people of the Alps to Christianity, the Catholic Church required that they replace their pagan winter celebrations with a similar holiday. They explained the new holiday as a gift-giving occasion in which St. Nicholas rewards good children and punishes bad ones. Krampus is the manifestation of this punishment and is intended to be a part of the same celebration. The Catholic Church never intended Krampus to become as popular as he has. He is most commonly associated with the Christmas holiday, and his presence at other times of the year has become increasingly rare.
How does a Krampus parade work?
A Krampus parade is a particularly terrifying Alpine tradition. As the day approaches, children are given treats by Santa and his elves. Meanwhile, parents have been secretly preparing Krampus costumes for their children’s friends. On the evening of December 5th, the Krampus figures emerge from the darkness and chase the children through the streets. They do not give sweets, they give painful, humiliating whacks with their tree branches. The children then run home to their parents, where the true punishment awaits. The children must apologize to their parents for misbehavior in the previous year and promise to be better in the coming one. Until the apology is made, the Krampus figures lurk outside the house, ready to punish any child who doesn’t comply.
The history of the Krampus
While Krampus appears in many European folk traditions, the Austrian Krampus seems to have been the first to emerge. The earliest accounts of the Alpine tradition come from the 1500s, and the first prints depicting the figures date from the late 1700s. The modern Krampus figures have changed very little since then, and Krampus parades are still regularly held across the Alps. The rest of Europe has gradually adopted the tradition over the past century, although there are some regional variations. Many parts of Eastern Europe have replaced the Krampus figures with other monsters like Gryla and the Czar Fish. Some Western European countries have their own scary figures, like the black-and-orange-clad Belsnickel in Germany and the Cau de Castella in Spain.
Can you help stop the Krampus?
If you want to help Krampus continue his tradition, you need to visit Austria during the Christmas season. You’ll find Krampus parades all over the country, especially in the southern regions. If you’d rather prevent Krampus from visiting your house, you have a few options. The best way is to simply be a good child, but if you’ve been naughty, you’ll want to employ one of the following strategies. First, you can try to be the best child you can be. If you’ve been naughty, you should apologize to your parents as soon as possible. You should also try to be nice to everyone around you. Doing so will ensure that Krampus won’t come to your house. If you’re not sure how to improve your behavior, you can ask St. Nicholas to help you out.
Where to see the Krampus in Austria
If you want to see the Krampus, you’ll want to visit the Alpine regions of Austria. The best place to see Krampus is in Innsbruck, Austria. Every year, thousands of tourists travel to Innsbruck to attend the Krampus festival. Innsbruck holds the world’s largest Krampus festival. Thousands of people attend the festival, which includes parades, concerts, and even a children’s parade where the Krampus give gifts instead of punishments. Another great place to see the Krampus is Salzburg. Salzburg’s festival attracts many tourists, so you’re likely to find a lively celebration in the streets. Salzburg also hosts a number of other winter festivities, including Advent, St. Nicholas Day, and Christmas.
Final Words
Krampus is the stuff of nightmares, but he’s also the stuff of holidays. This fearsome monster has been part of Alpine tradition since the Middle Ages, and he’s still terrifying children today. If you’re eager to be terrified, a Krampus parade is the perfect place to start. If you’re not quite ready to face this monster yet, you can always be a good child and stay out of trouble.
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