Krampus in German Folklore – Who IS Krampus?

)I grew up the child of Northern German parents, so I didn’t learn about Krampus until I was much older. In my world, Knecht Ruprecht was St Nicholas’s sidekick, and Krampus lived in Bavaria and Austria. But now, because of movies and popular culture… as well as annual Krampus Runs… the myth of Krampus is becoming synonymous with German Christmas. But Who is Krampus? Where did he come from? and What is the role of Krampus in German Folklore?

krampus in german folklore

Krampus in German Folklore

So, what is the role of Krampus in German Folklore? Historians believe that the Krampus myth comes from German Paganism, back in the time before the Middle Ages when the country converted to Christianity. Until then, Germans were Poly-theistic… meaning they worshiped many gods… including many of the Norse Gods like Woden (Odin in Norway) and Krampus, thought to be the son of the Norse god, Hel.

Krampus’s name comes from the German word “Kralle” meaning claw…or from the Bavarian word “Krampn” meaning shriveled or dried out. And he is described as being half goat and half demon, with dark fur, large horns and sharp teeth, as well as claws for hands. Pagan and Christian Symbolism surround this beast. Krampus carries chains, to suggest he is bound to the Devil, and a bundle of Birch switches, which may have connection to Pagan scourging rites, to punish children. In some stories he carries a sack, and is said to carry “bad children” away. The bag is most likely left over from legends of invaders stealing children away during the Dark Ages.

Altogether, he is a massively frightening being.

Is Krampus the DEVIL? Who is Krampus?

In the 12th Century, the Catholic Church attempted to do away with the Krampus Myth because of his resemblance to the devil. The best they could do was suppress the celebrations a bit. The Krampus Legend persisted, it seems that Krampus in German folklore is just too powerful a legend to do away with. Again in the 1930s, the conservative Austrian government tried to stamp out Krampus… but it didn’t take.

Krampus as St Nicholas’s Companion

Think of Krampus as a character who balances the sweetness and light of St Nicholas. (Sort of an extension of the Dualism we see in Jesus and the Devil…. ). They aren’t considered equal, but one tempers the other. Make sense?

what is krampus

(Besides, it seems quite normal to me, as a kid who grew up in a German household, to think that with every wonderful thing, there is the possibility of something really bad happening because of wrong behavior).

St Nicholas visits homes during the night on December 5th, and leaves treats and small gifts for children who leave their shoes out for him. The tradition of gift-giving goes back to the late Middle Ages when nuns would honor St Nicholas by leaving baskets of food and clothing for the needy. Other sources say that Sailors visiting Church Festivals on December 6 to celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas, their patron saint, would pick up small gifts from Nicholas fair vendors to bring home as gifts… including small toys and treats for children.

St Nicholas Day

The celebration of the Feast Day of St Nicholas dates back to the 11th century in Germany. What makes this Winter celebration special, is that it’s the only festival that is dedicated to Children. It’s a bright spot in  a long cold German winter. Animal masked Devils have been a part of German folktales since before the 16th century, wrecking havoc and causing mischief, and the by the 17th century, the St Nicholas legend slowly assimilated the Krampus story until they were a pair.

Although the tradition of St Nicholas traveling with a companion became standard, different parts of Germany took different views.  St Nicholas traveled with Knecht Ruprect and made a Hausbesuch (visited homes) of good children and brought treats in northern Germany. But in the south, sometimes Krampus would go along and deliver the switch to naughty children… and in some cases, even took them away in his basket! In the Bavarian/Austrian Alpine region, Krampus also traveled alone, visiting children on his own. His presence was much better known in the south.

(Click to read more about St Nicholas’s other Companions here)

Krampus Parades

Today, Dec. 5th is known as Krampus night… the night when Krampus is free to roam.

Krampus Parades also known as a Krampuslauf stem from the tradition of a Perchtenlauf. Perchten (like Frau Perchta) were Wintertime spirits or ghosts. For hundreds of years, young men would dress in fur suits and wooden masks (called Larven) to chase away the evil spirits  with noise from giant cow bells or whips. They walk with a bounce or swagger to make as much noise with their bells as possible.

Today, the old traditions are making a comeback, and many Alpine communities are hosting special parades or runs in early December.

Krampus in Today’s World

Interestingly enough, Krampus is making big come-back in popular culture. Some think that this upsurge is a response to the wild commercialization of Christmas. A way of adding a darker reality into the Candy-like Sweetness that Christmas usually represents.

Today you will see Krampus everywhere! On T-shirts, in movies, even as Christmas Ornaments and Advent Calendars! There are chocolates, figurines and horns you can wear. Krampus Runs- people racing in Krampus Costumes, are a typical Dec. 5/6 event! And Krampus Parties are becoming a popular “anti-Christmas” celebration.

Krampus Cards

Gruß vom Krampus (Greetings from the Krampus)

Krampus Cards, greeting cards and postcards have been exchanged in Europe since the 1800s, usually the cards have funny rhymes or poems in them. Originally, they had more sinister pictures of Krampus (and he was often portrayed with a busty lady) but today things are toning down… and Krampus is becoming a “cute” figure. Much in the way that some people hate Valentine’s day and Cupids… Krampus is becoming the Anti-Santa.

You can even get Krampus letters  to send to your favorite “disobedient child”….

Buy Krampus Cards Here

Don’t we all have a friend who needs that Krampus Card?

Krampus Greeting Cards Set One: 20 Assorted Cards in Deluxe TinKrampus Greeting Cards Set One: 20 Assorted Cards in Deluxe TinKrampus Greeting Cards Set One: 20 Assorted Cards in Deluxe Tin

 

Wee Blue Coo Greeting Krampus Alpine Anti Santa Funny Sealed Greeting Card Plus Envelope Blank InsideWee Blue Coo Greeting Krampus Alpine Anti Santa Funny Sealed Greeting Card Plus Envelope Blank InsideWee Blue Coo Greeting Krampus Alpine Anti Santa Funny Sealed Greeting Card Plus Envelope Blank InsideCafePress Krampus Greeting Cards Greeting Card, Note Card, Birthday Card, Blank Inside MatteCafePress Krampus Greeting Cards Greeting Card, Note Card, Birthday Card, Blank Inside MatteCafePress Krampus Greeting Cards Greeting Card, Note Card, Birthday Card, Blank Inside Matte

 

Krampus Gifts

Tired of sugar and spice? Tired of thoughtful gifts that take ages to pick out for that special someone? Why not go with a Krampus gift instead??

If anything, it looks like poor Krampus may suffer from over-commercialization himself… (but I do wonder what a  Krampus soap smells like?) Find lots of unusual and interesting Krampus Gift Ideas HERE—> Krampus Gifts

krampus gifts

Rare Dirndl Krampus Shop

Looking for some great wearable Krampus Gear? For you or someone you love… (I adore my Krampus Infinity Scarf!) Check out the Rare Dirndl Krampus Collection! Click HERE —> Rare Dirndl Krampus Collection

Krampus ScarfKrampus ScarfRare Dirndl'Liebe Grüße vom Krampus' Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt | Grey‘Liebe Grüße vom Krampus’ Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt | GreyRare Dirndl

 

Krampus Meets his MatchKrampus Meets his MatchRare Dirndl

But Hurry! The shop is only open until Dec. 15th!

Read about St Nicholas’s other companions here—>Companions St Nicholas Travels With

 

krampus in german folklore

 

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