Kelly asked about Krampus, and what better time to talk about this imposing figure than...
Krampusnacht!
Tonight, Krampus will stalk the streets, handing out coal and switches to bad children. But why does this hirsute devil tromp the streets on the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas?
The real history of Krampus is a bit murky, but he’s theorized to have been a pre-Christian figure (or at least based on pagan figures) in Alpine regions.
A frightening figure that punishes naughty children served as a natural foil to a kindly saint who rewarded charity and kind children. By the 17th century, it seemed the two were virtually inseparable. They often appear together during Krampus parades.
Chains have become a common feature of the Krampus figure. It is thought that this is a Christian artifact, symbolic of the chains that bind Satan. Most Krampus costumes feature elaborate furs, goat-like legs and goat horns, though depictions have grown more creative (and fearsome) as he’s taken off in popular culture.
Since the 1800s, Krampus has appeared on holiday cards across Europe. He was originally depicted as a rather threatening figure… and sometimes, weirdly sexual. Over the years, he’s taken on a more cherubic appearance on krampuskarten, which is just so unbearably charming.
The Dollfuss regime in Austria saw the Krampus tradition banned in Austria. While undoubtedly some immigrants brought with them memories of Krampus, attempts to infuse him into American culture were almost unheard of before the internet. The tradition saw a resurgence in Austria towards the end of the 20th century, and that revival was well-timed to catch on via something called “web sites????”
I was first introduced to Krampus by Archie McPhee, and I was totally charmed by the stark contrast between the jolly joy of the Christmas season and this switch-bearing devil. The internet loved him because he offered a sort of “bah! Humbug” to the holiday season. And he’s a great stepping stone over to Kreepmas! (I also love Middle of Beyond’s Krampus merch.)
You’ve probably seen Krampus parades on the news. They have grown in recent years and have become an important part of the local winter holiday season in Europe, and even worldwide. It’s a fun way to bring a little naughty into the season (since we just can’t seem to get Saturnalia going again.)
Frau Perchta
I would be remiss not to mention the Christmas witch. She’s (usually) a stooped old crone with a huge, hooked nose. She walks with a cane and carries a giant knife hidden in her skirts. The frau wreaks havoc on those who don’t finish their spinning by Twelfth Night (because you’re not allowed to spin on holidays, you know). Fail and she might set your weaving on fire… or might disembowel you. Yikes.
It was said that she led an army of perchten - goat-legged humanoids, dressed in animal furs - through the sky during Epiphany. People would parade through the streets dressed as the perchten and put on morality plays. If the perchten sound a lot like Krampus… ding ding ding! She often appears at Krampus parades, even though her temporal territory lies more between the winter solstice and early January.
Having roast goose for Christmas may be tied to the frau. She had a goose foot, and goose fat was said to help witches fly, so best to keep the fowl out of her hands.