It’s finally here! The Rare Dirndl Krampus Collection for 2024! You’ll find perfect Krampus Gifts for those who prefer the sugary sweet Christmas Season with a side of menace. There is something special for all ages… from jewelry to coloring books. I love the fun Tee-Shirts and cozy Sweatshirts. And if it’s colder where you are… check out this year’s…
Category: St Nicholas Day
Who is Knecht Ruprecht? St Nicholas’s Christmas-time Companion
So much attention is showered on Krampus this time of year that it’s surprising for many to learn that most Germans aren’t familiar with the Krampus Legend. More common throughout Germany is the Knecht Ruprecht figure. But who is Knecht Ruprecht? Is he a helper? Or a demon? And how does he fit into the St Nicholas tradition? While the…
St Nicholas’s Companions- Knecht Ruprecht, Krampus,
On the evening of December 5th, children all over Germany leave their cleaned shoes outside the door for St Nicholas to fill with treats. While St Nicholas may be the same, Saint Nicholas’s companions change depending on where you are in Germany. Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht, Schwarzer Peter… even Mutter Hulla! Here is a brief explanation of each of some of…
Krampus in German Folklore – Who IS Krampus?
I grew up with Northern German parents, so I learned about Krampus when 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…
The German St Nicholas Tradition- What is St Nicholas Day?
On the evening of December 5th, children in Germany, especially in the Catholic regions, will clean their shoes and place them by the door or on the stairs, hoping that St Nicholas will come by and fill them with sweet treats and small gifts overnight. Years ago, before Christmas became a gift-giving holiday, December 6th was when children got their…