Krampus

Krampus is a mythological creature and as far as I have known, unique to the Germanic people.  Originally he was the wild man of the woods - the boogie man. He shakes the forest and tears up trees, he frightens little children, especially those whom have been rotten during the year.  One bad dude.

As St. Nicholas become a part of culture representing all things good, Krampus become the representation of evil.  So, if St. Nicholas is the representative of God, then Krampus is the devil or at least a want-a-be.

This is a very well dressed Krampus, usually he is more primitive (cheaply) dressed!  I guess this town must have had some Krampus bucks lying around or someone whom really got into the role.

Each village, of course, has their own idea of what Krampus looks like.  However, lately some towns have become more Hollywood-ish - with Krampus sporting huge Ibex style horns and wookie fur.  While others have remained much more traditional and primitive in their representation - almost more humorous than fearful for a child!

One of more annoying aspects has been Krampus becoming more of a Halloween character, with at least one Krampus seen whom looked more like someone from Pirates of the Caribeen, tri-corner hat and all, than the more traditional wild forest scary guy that would just as soon eat you as smack your back side pink!

Every December 6^th, on the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death in 342, someone dressed as St. Nicholas would come through the local villages.  I always figured it was one of the village fathers and interestingly never seem to be the local priest!  He would ask you your name, look in his book and then give out candy to all of the good children and usually some good advice (like attend church, obey your parents, don't do whatever the latest offense the village knew about was, use your hankie and not your sleeve, etc).

Whereas, Krampus, whom always accompany him, would give the bad children several whacks on the back end.  Guess what I got - candy or whacks...... Yah, I figured it was a conspiracy with the police over how many times I got busted every year for climbing the cherry tree in our back yard (all trees were strictly vorboten!).

But, it was a good object lesson for us - good is rewarded and evil is punished by the scary creature!

I remember Krampus as being tall and very hairy.  Of course, as an adult I realize that the hair was long hair goat skins sewn onto a costume. But, it was still frightening!