The holidays are a time when old traditions creep back into the modern world.

Stories of the bogeyman have always been a way to make children behave. The Germanic version is the Kinderschreckfigure (Child Terror Figure). This ogre-like creature would go door-to-door punishing bad kids, taking them away in a large basket, or worse.

This figure has inspired many variations, such as Der Kinderfreffer, Krecht Ruprecht, and Frau Perchta. But the most popular is undeniably Krampus. A horned, goat-footed demon, with sharp fangs and a freakishly long tongue. His name is thought to originate from the German work Krampen (Claw).

While St. Nicholas rewards good children, Krampus punished the bad. Swatting them with a bundle of birch branches, or stuffing the worst behaved children into his basket to be tortured or eaten later.

Originating from the alpine region of Austria, Bavaria, and Southern Germany; earlier traditions don’t Krampus as a single entity, but a species of creature or mountain demon.

The eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 5th) is known as Krampusnacht – or “Krampus Night”. Where hordes of people adorn large elaborate costumes and participate in Krampuslauf  (Krampus Runs). They accompany St. Nicholas by putting on a show in the Town Square, or visiting families at their homes.

The traditional costumes involved animal furs, wooden masks, and large bells hanging at the waist. The more extreme costumes could weigh up to 80 pounds.

Krampus gained more mainstream popularity in the early 2000’s, when vintage german holiday cards depicting the horned “Christmas Demon” began circulating online. These versions also depicted the horned demon with chains around his wrists, thought to be from Christian influence as an attempt to “bind the devil”.

In the modern Christmas season – Krampus is seen as the antithesis to Santa Clause, a rival rather than a partner.

Those who have been participating in these traditions for decades worry the more modern version will become just another horror figure, removed form it’s original context.

But whether Krampus is the servant of a saint, a mountain demon, a mischievous prankster, or a sinister anti-Santa from hell – he is the embodiment of traditions from past banging on the door of the modern world.

Gruss vom Krampus!

(Greetings From Krampus!)