Search results
Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion to St. Nicholas. Popular festivities involving Krampus include the Krampus run, in which costumed participates parade through the streets.
20th Century, Austrian Postcard depicting St. Nikolaus and Krampus. Krampus' appearance and features are characterized by horns, hooves, fur, hooked nose, beard, dark hair, fangs, and a long tongue. Scholars have noted that the hooked nose and grotesque features mirror the antisemitic images of Jews in historical central European art.
Krampus cards in the early 20th century show him punishing children, yes, but also proposing to women. In some cards, Krampus is portrayed as a large woman whipping tiny men with her birch...
Dec 6, 2022 · The equivalent of a Christmas Devil, Krampus is a horrific beast that hunted down misbehaving children and whipped or terrified them into submission. Originally an ancient pagan tradition, Krampus was coopted into the story of Saint Nicholas.
- Who Is Krampus, Saint Nick’s Evil Counterpart?
- The Modern Krampus and Krampusnacht Celebrations
- The Perseverance of A Frightening Christmas Legend
Though descriptions of Krampus’ appearance vary from region to region, some things remain consistent: He is said to have pointed devilish horns and a long snake-like tongue. His body is covered in coarse fur, and he looks like a goat crossed with a demon. His body and arms are strung with chains and bells, and he carries a large sack or basket on h...
Today, Krampus has his own celebration on the day before the Feast of Saint Nicholas in the Alpine region. Every evening on December 5th, a night called “Krampusnacht,” elegantly dressed Saint Nicks pair up with monstrously outfitted Krampuses and make the rounds to homes and businesses, offering gifts and playful threats. Some people exchange Kram...
It’s always remarkable when ancient traditions make it to the present — but Krampus has had an especially rough fight for survival. In Austria in 1923, Krampus and all Krampusnacht activities were banned by the Fascist Christian Social Party. Their motives were a little murky. Though they agreed that Krampus was a force for evil, there seems to hav...
Dec 9, 2022 · In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wealthy urbanites, particularly in Vienna, began to exchange holiday cards that featured Krampus in many forms, including as a hairy, black beast...
Dec 5, 2016 · Since the 1800s these featured the sometimes silly, sometimes sinister Krampus. In the early 20th century Krampus was prohibited by the Austrian Fascist government, but the tradition was revived with the fall of the government after World War II.
People also ask
What does Krampus do in the early 20th century?
What is Krampusnacht?
When did Krampus become popular?
What does Krampus do at Christmas?
