Kreepy Krampus

'Tis the season and all is merry....at least that's what we've come to expect in the US around this time of year.  Not such the case in Austria and many central European countries! While there is definitely a cheery Christmas spirit in the air, its not one that is welcoming santa and his elves.  Here Christmas is a much more traditional affair.  Where we may be used to leaving shoes out to be filled with sweets and gifts on Dec 6th for St. Nick, and anticipating the arrival of Santa and his reindeer on Christmas eve, Austrians celebrate the tradition of the 'Krampus' and Saint Nicholas on December 5th and 6th, and wait for the 'Christchild' or Baby Jesus to bring the gifts on Christmas eve.

You likely have no idea what the 'Krampus' is, so this post is all about introducing you to the creepiest, most disgusting christmas time tradition I believe to be in existence....

Krampus is a beast-like creature from the folklore of Alpine countries thought to punish bad children during the Yule season, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards nice ones with gifts. Krampus is said to capture particularly naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his lair. Krampus is represented as a beast-like creature, generally demonic in appearance. The creature has roots in Germanic folklore. Traditionally young men dress up as the Krampus in Austria, southern Bavaria, South Tyrol, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatiaduring the first week of December, particularly on the evening of 5 December, and roam the streets frightening children with rusty chains and bells. (Source: Wikipedia)

Essentially, Krampus is the representation of the Devil and came out in the streets of towns across Austria on the eve of December 5th to whip and beat anyone out-and-about with sticks and branches.  Lovely, right?!  And when I say this is a very, very creepy representation of the Devil- I mean it... read on:

Although Krampus appears in many variations, most share some common physical characteristics. He is hairy, usually brown or black, and has the cloven hooves and horns of a goat. His long pointed tongue lolls out. Krampus carries chains, thought to symbolize the binding of the Devil by the Christian Church. He thrashes the chains for dramatic effect. The chains are sometimes accompanied with bells of various sizes.Of more pagan origins are the ruten, bundles of birch branches that Krampus carries and occasionally swats children with. The ruten have significance in pre-Christian pagan initiation rites. The birch branches are replaced with a whip in some representations. Sometimes Krampus appears with a sack or awashtub strapped to his back; this is to cart off evil children for drowning, eating, or transport to Hell. (Wikipedia)

And finally...here is the beautiful creature itself in action running around and terrifying the little children (and adults) of Austria.  Take a look at this video...Imagine being in the face of that!