Krampus. Illustration: signo.net.br
Krampus is a mythical figure from Alpine folklore, especially popular in Austria, Germany, and other regions of Central Europe. He is the dark counterpart to Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards children who were good throughout the year, Krampus is responsible for punishing those who behaved badly.
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The legend says that Krampus is a creature that is half-man, half-goat, with horns, fangs, and a long red tongue. He carries chains and bells, along with a sack or basket on his back to capture naughty children. In some versions of the story, Krampus takes these children away, punishing them or even bringing them to the underworld.
The figure of Krampus is celebrated mainly on December 5th, on the so-called “Krampus Night” or “Krampusnacht.” On this day, it is common in some cities to see men dressed as Krampus scaring people in the streets as part of the celebrations.
Origin of Krampus
The origin of Krampus dates back to pre-Christian traditions in the Alpine regions of Central Europe. Many historians believe that the figure of Krampus has roots in pagan rituals that celebrated the winter solstice, and he may be associated with wild deities and nature entities that personified the harsh winter. These ancient rituals often included frightening figures, half-human and half-animal, who played the role of protecting villages from evil.
Over time, the figure of Krampus was incorporated into Christianity as an assistant to Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus) who punished naughty children, while the saint rewarded the good ones. The role of Krampus contrasted with Saint Nicholas’s benevolent character, reinforcing the idea of reward and punishment.
In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church attempted to extinguish the traditions related to Krampus, considering him a demonic figure. However, he remained deeply rooted in the popular traditions of the Alpine regions. During the 19th century, there was a revival of interest in folklore and mystical figures, and Krampus became popular again, especially in countries like Austria and Germany.
Today, Krampus is a well-known folk figure and continues to be celebrated annually on “Krampusnacht,” on December 5th, at festivals and parades where people dress as him to scare and entertain.
Illustration: signo.net.br. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
