Krampus is the Holiday Devil that traditionally accompanies St. Nicholas during the first 2 weeks of December. The eve of December 5th known as Krampusnacht on this night St. Nicholas brings gifts to the good. The bad however aren't so lucky! Right alongside St. Nicholas is Krampus. He is the punisher of the bad! Have you been naughty this year? Do you deserve a spanking or perhaps you need to be carried off entirely! Krampus gives a whole new meaning to You'd better Watch Out, You'd better not cry! I'm telling you why Krampus Claws is coming to town! The word Krampus is Old German for Claw(Krampen).
The versions above are from old postcards. As you can see there are many different types of Krampus. My Sugar Cookie version is a tamer version but don't let him fool you! He carries a Birch branch for spanking!
Some fun Krampus links:
Krampus.com
Krampus Movie
Etsy
9 comments:
I lived in Germany back in the mid to late 70's in the Stuttgart and I began celebrating St. Nicholas with my children, however, in the area I lived, they didn't refer to a Krampus, but Black Peter. So my children grew up with he being St. Nicholas' sidekick.
My daughter now carries the tradition and on Dec. 6, my grandsons wake up to their shoes filled with goodies. One year I left lumps of coal in my kid's shoes and it was a crying fest!! They didn't appreciate Mom's practical joke...I hid the goodies in another pair of shoes in their closets and blamed Black Peter!! LOL My daughter still remembers that and told me she's going to to that one of these years to her boys...told her she better not dare hurt my little guys!! LOL
Thanks for the info and for bringing back some wonderful memories.
Hi Georgia! I am familiar with Black Peter in the Neatherlands. I didn't know they refered to him as that in Germany too. I used to do the gifts in the shoe for my oldest son. I should bring back that tradition.
oops Netherlands
In France they have the Père Fouettard. And also there is the Legend of Saint Nicholas, a sinister Christmas story:
http://vraiefiction.blogspot.com/2009/12/that-butcher-story.html
What fascinating lore! I was not familiar with Krampus at all. I really loved reading all about it. I love your Krampus - so much fun. Theresa
FUN & I need to make a Krampus! '-)
Happy Holidays!
Oh I'll have to go check that legend out G! Thanks for the link.
Thank you Theresa I just learned of him myself last Christmas.
Chris oh you so need to make some!!! I'd really love to see your version of Krampus!
I love Krampus! I blogged on him a couple of times too. Folklore just doesn't get much bette than Krampus
I wasn't familiar with this, but I am now! I love your tamer version, Becca! Great job!
Hugs, Lisa
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