Christmas is a time of joy, merriment and present giving, usually paired with copious amounts of alcohol and rich food. However, there are some countries in Europe that stray away from this perfect Hallmark impression of the festive season and celebrate a tradition that seems more like a sketchy idea for a horror movie than anything else (in fact, Hollywood actually made it into one last year). Enter the Krampus, horned demon-like figures who punish Austrian children that have misbehaved and chase them with sticks. Don’t worry, I’ll explain…

Naughty or nice…

The Krampus are anthropomorphic creatures from folklore who are apparently ‘half-goat’ and ‘half-demon’. While Saint Nicholas (or Santa as he’s more commonly known in our post Coca-Cola influenced society) rewards children who’ve been good by handing out presents, the Krampus come along to ‘chase away the evil spirits’, but really serve as a more terrifying reminder to misbehaving children to clean up their act the following year. They usually give out coal and ruten bundles, but in some parts are known to chase children through the streets as well.

A wonderful time of the year?

Don’t worry, these creatures don’t actually exist, but young men and important figures, like policemen and doctors, from towns and villages across Austria dress up as the strange beasts every year on Krampusnacht (the 5th of December). People travelling to any Austrian ski town for the first time often have the shock of their lives on this night, especially if they’re not warned about the festival in advance. Krampus have the authority to come into your home uninvited so there’s literally nowhere to hide, although it is possible to appease them by offering them a shot of schnapps (is the reason why this tradition has stuck around becoming clearer now?) and whatever you do, don’t run away as they will chase you.

Krampus controversy

The origins of this festival are still unclear, although many speculate it stems from pagan beliefs that became incorporated into Christian tradition later on. Although the festival is most widely celebrated in Austria, there are regions in Croatia, Northern Italy, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic that acknowledge the idea of the Krampus as well. However, the festival has recently come under scrutiny about whether it is really appropriate for children, as the Krampus actors will often whip anyone who gets in their way with the branches they carry, and can get quite lairy once they’ve had a few schnapps too many. Some people have also remarked that it was actually quite a traumatising experience for them as a child and have called for the festival to be banned altogether.

And you thought being on the naughty list was bad…

Image: Eli Christman