Krampus
Horned companion of Saint Nicholas who punishes naughty children.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
In Central and Eastern Alpine folklore, the Krampus is a horned, hairy, anthropomorphic figure who appears on the night of 5 December, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6 December. While Saint Nicholas gives small gifts to well-behaved children, the Krampus punishes those who have misbehaved, often using birch rods. The figure’s origins are uncertain; some folklorists suggest pre-Christian roots, but historians note that the Krampus is not documented until the 16th century. In traditional events like the Krampuslauf, young men dressed as the creature try to frighten audiences. The Krampus also appears on holiday greeting cards called Krampuskarten and has been adopted into global popular culture, featuring in films, television shows, and video games.
The figure’s appearance varies, but common traits include black or brown hair, horns, one human foot and one goat’s cloven hoof, a long pointed tongue, and fangs. He often carries chains—meant to symbolize the Devil’s binding by the Church—which he rattles for effect, sometimes accompanied by bells. He also carries birch branches or a whip to swat children, and a sack or basket on his back to cart off naughty children for drowning, eating, or transport to Hell. Some older versions describe children being put in the bag and taken away, a trait shared with other Saint Nicholas companions like Zwarte Piet.
The pairing of Krampus with Saint Nicholas emerged in the 17th century. Because Nicholas is a saint, it was considered inappropriate for him to deliver punishments, so a helper—such as Krampus, Farmhand Rupert, Schmutzli, Père Fouettard, or Zwarte Piet—was assigned to handle discipline. On Krampusnacht, the two figures travel together or separately, visiting homes and businesses. Saint Nicholas, dressed in Eastern Rite bishop’s vestments and carrying a golden staff, gives gifts to good children, while Krampus leaves coal and birch rods for the bad.
The tradition has a complex modern history. After the 1932 election in Austria, the Dollfuss regime and the clerical fascist Fatherland Front banned Krampus customs. In the 1950s, the Austrian government distributed pamphlets warning that encounters with Krampus could harm children’s mental health. By the end of the 20th century, however, Krampus celebrations saw a popular resurgence that continues today. The tradition is also being rev
- field
- Folklore
- nationality
- Central and Eastern Alpine (Austria, Bavaria, and neighboring regions)
- known_for
- Punishing naughty children on Krampusnacht, accompanying Saint Nicholas
Lore & Background
The origin of the Krampus figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated pre-Christian origins, although historians generally consider this unlikely, as it is not attested until the 16th century. In certain traditional parades and events such as the Krampuslauf, young men dressed as Krampus attempt to scare the audience. Krampus is featured on holiday greeting cards called Krampuskarten. In the 17th century, Krampus was paired with St. Nicholas as a helper, because it was not deemed saintly behavior for Nicholas to deliver punishments.
Reader's Guide
The Krampus tradition has faced periods of prohibition and criticism. In the aftermath of the 1932 election in Austria, the tradition was prohibited by the Dollfuss regime under the clerical fascist Fatherland Front and the Christian Social Party. In the 1950s, the Government of Austria distributed pamphlets titled 'Krampus Is an Evil Man' for fear that encounters might damage children's mental health. Towards the end of the century, a popular resurgence of Krampus celebrations occurred and continues today. The tradition is also being revived in Bavaria, along with a local artistic tradition of hand-carved wooden masks. Krampus appears in the folklore of Austria, Bavaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Northern Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. North American Krampus celebrations are a growing phenomenon.
Did You Know?
- Krampus is usually depicted with one human foot and one goat's foot, covered in black hair, with a long, snake-like tongue.
- Krampus carries chains, thought to symbolize the binding of the Devil by the Christian Church, and a bundle of birch branches to swat children.
- In the 17th century, Krampus was paired with St. Nicholas as a helper to deliver punishments, as it was not deemed saintly for Nicholas to do so.
- In 2013, after several Krampus runs in East Tyrol, eight injured people were admitted to hospital and over 60 others were treated on an outpatient basis.
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