Happy Krampusnacht! Every year on December 5th, Krampusnacht is celebrated through Germany, Austria and other European Countries. What is Krampusnacht and why is it celebrated?

Story of Krampus

Krampus, Germanic for “Claw”, acts as the alternative to St. Nick. The Children on the naughty list get whipped with his switch and taken to his lair, in some versions of the story he eats them. Krampus is generally depicted as a devil like creature that is half-man, half-goat, with red eyes, long horns, and hooves. Krampus is also often depicted as wearing Chains. In Christian mythology the chains are meant to represent the binding of the Devil by Jesus Christ.

According to Historians and Anthropologists it is believed that Krampus actually pre dates Christianity and finds its origins in a Pagan tradition celebrating the Winter Solstice.

How is it celebrated?

Starting December 5th, for two weeks men dress up as Krampus with Wooden carved masks and celebrate on the streets. The Krampus goes from house to house being loud, and trying to scare naughty children. It is actually a tradition to leave the Krampus an offering of schnapps when he visits your house. In some countries St. Nick accompanies him.

Krampus has grown in popularity throughout the years and is celebrated in different places throughout the world, most recently he has become popular in the United States, due to the film Krampus, and because we love our spooky vibes all year round.