It’s finally here! Rare Dirndl just released their Krampus Collection! 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 in California, I can still wear them outside during the day without freezing!).…
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 where you are in Germany. Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht, Schwarzer Peter… even Mutter Hulla! Here is a brief explanation of each of the companions as…
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.…
The German St Nicholas Tradition- What is St Nicholas Day?
My American friends will sometimes ask me What is St Nicholas Day? St. Nicholas (also spelled Nikolas and Nikolaus) is the Patron Saint of Children, and his Feast Day is celebrated on December 6th. The German St Nicholas Tradition is still very strong. Children put out their shoes, hoping they will be filled with goodies and presents. Ach, du lieber…