Krampus (Post 6 Part 1)
December 5th, the eve before the Feast of St. Nickolas it's a day for Krampus, it's called 'Krampusnacht'.
While Saint Nicholas 'Santa' now has the reputation of loving all children and visiting them at Christmas time, judging their character and giving gifts to the 'nice' ones and lumps of coal to the 'naughty' ones, it wasn't always this way. Krampus played the dangerous sidekick long ago.
Legend has it that throughout the Christmas season, this dark, hairy, horned beast was said to show up at the door to beat misbehaved children with branches or carry them off with his sharp claws, stuff them into his sack, then haul them off to his lair to torture and eat them.
According to Norse mythology, Krampus is the son of Hel, the god ruler of the underworld.
Scholars estimate that Krampus started appearing around the 13th century. Originating in Southern Germany and Austria, the creature moved to other European countries such as Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and even the Alp villages of Italy, sometimes with variations on the name and practiced customs.
In western Germany, he actually arrives with Santa, sitting next to him in his sleigh. In Styria (southeast Austria), the birch sticks used for his whip are painted gold and displayed year around, to remind kids of Krampus’ impending arrival. Nick-named the Christmas Punisher.
It's claimed that The Catholic Church attempted to banish Krampus celebrations because of his resemblance to the devil. More eradication attempts followed in 1934 at the hands of Austria's conservative Christian Social Party. But none of it held, and Krampus emerged as a much-feared and beloved holiday force.
Krampus can be found in some parts of Europe in their Holiday parades even today. And some parents take their children to see St. Nick and Krampus to scare their children into being good. Some of these children scream in terror.
It seems that most of these videos on YouTube have been removed. Maybe since they boarded on child abused, traumatizing these poor children. I have linked a mild one in the comments along with a parade video for you.
One last note. So these Krampus are called Christmas 'demons' and you do understand what 'elves' are right? They were known as supernatural creature, some good and some bad.
Today elves are seen as cute tiny little people, with pointy ears, that help Santa at his toy shop. Do you see how Christmas has morphed into something so-called 'cute and harmless'. Are you starting to see the bigger picture of Christmas yet?!
Just one more thing for you to pond on. Much love!
