Weihnachtsmann, Saint Nicholas and Krampus (2024)

FAQs

How is Krampus related to St. Nicholas? ›

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

On Christmas Eve, Krampus travels with a sack or a basket strapped to his back; this is to cart off evil children for drowning, eating, or transport to Hell.

Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.

Krampus's name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, and is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns.

Frau Perchta is often mistaken by many to be Krampus's wife or the “female Krampus” though according to most actual legends this is not true.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas each year, parades are held throughout many of Austria's alpine villages in honor of Krampus, a demonic creature said to be the "evil twin" of St. Nicholas.

Children who have been naughty for the year receive more than just a lump of coal for the holiday season from Krampus. He is known to chases bad children around with sticks or chains, hitting them and even kidnapping them as punishment, depicted in this 1910 postcard.

Krampus, the christmas devil

Instead, Krampus whips and licks children into shape or carries them off in his sack."

In essence, Krampus is the bad cop to Santa's good cop, Collins said. Krampus would often target children who behaved badly, hitting them with a tree branch known as a "switch," or even kidnapping them in a basket.

The most lenient punishment is usually being whipped by bundles of birch branches. However, for those who have done more reprehensible deeds, Krampus could throw those children in a sack, take them to Hell, torture, and finally devour them.

What does a Weihnachtsmann look like? ›

Weihnachtsmann is similar to St. Nicholas—an older man with a long white beard and cloak. However, he does not wear a bishop's mitre (hat) or carry a crook, or staff.

In the 21st century, many Alpine countries continue to celebrate the Krampusnacht with parades, where the townsmen dress like devils and run through the streets chasing after children and naughty parents alike.

The History of Krampus

Many believe that the origin of Krampus predates Christianity, and there is no doubt that there are some interesting parallels between his lore and that of other Pagan figures, but it isn't until Saint Nicholas and his holiday that Krampus really started to make an impression.

They first landed in a small town. Santa delivered his presents while Krampus, surprisingly gentle, left a piece of coal for the naughty children. As the night progressed, Santa and Krampus found a rhythm. They worked together seamlessly, spreading joy and delivering lessons.

Traditionally, Krampus is a demon sidekick of Santa Claus.

Full of regret, Max wishes for his family back, only to be met with cruel laughter from the holiday horror. Krampus lifts the boy and tosses him into what appears to be Hell... only for Max to wake up in his bedroom on Christmas morning. Max goes downstairs and, to his shock, his family is all there, alive and happy.