Comments on: Krampus: The Sinister Sidekick of Santa

By: Shay Mouse in Ireland

Shay Mouse in Ireland — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:44:56 +0000

Ten years ago I found one of the worlds best kept tourist secrets, Germany! I’ve been back to the Germanic parts of Europe at least twice a year since. Last year we travelled to St. Johann im Pongau for the Perchtenlauf, it was fantastic.

This year we will fly to Munich to travel out to see Krampus/Perchten. I know it takes place on the night of the 5th of December. What I don’t know is where the larger events are.

If anybody out there has good information on where to head for please post a reply.

Thanks
Shay

By: Krampus

Krampus — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:24:33 +0000

I like these European traditions. Pity we don’t have such things in England but England is more like the third world now so I guess we won’t.

By: bjoern

bjoern — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:38:56 +0000

cool article. I enjoyed the pictures very much. I had heard about krampus in my german classes before, but i had never realized that it was so popular.

By: Nina Colada

Nina Colada — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:19:53 +0000

I’m Austrian and quite familiar with the Krampus, since I got beaten up by him several times in my childhood. no severe damage done, though.
Nevertheless, I must point out something here: Krampus is not the buddy of Santa Claus (we don’t have a Santa Claus bringing us presents on Christmas day, our presents are brought by the so called “Christkind” (a mixture of Baby Jesus and an angel)) – Krampus is the evil side kick of Saint Nicholas, coming to our homes on the 5th and/or 6th of December. St. Nicholas looks quite like Santa Claus, only a bit taller and skinnier, with a high, pointy hat…

There is a movie by Cameron Jamie called “Kranky Claus” in which he films Krampus rituals in Austria, accompanying those legendary demons on their nightmarish pre-Christmas tour, thrashing frightened children.

Although, correctly speaking, what he filmed was not Krampus but the “Perchten” – yet another bunch of scary creatures – they look quite like Krampus but form part of a different ritual… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perchta

By: Vanessa in SF

Vanessa in SF — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:00:56 +0000

I think that would scare the bejeezus outta me – i would be one of the gals who stays home that night! knowing my mom she would’ve had me out as a child to get scared into being a good kid! tee hee!

By: Virginia Morgan

Virginia Morgan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:24:16 +0000

oh my, and i thought that i was mad about the little lies that i was told!

and to Christoph Erhard, i am so glad that you can share your story of being chased with amusement. if that had happened to me i would still be scared. lol

By: Christoph Erhard

Christoph Erhard — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:59:03 +0000

I’m from originally Austria & I used to be a Krampus. I now live in the US [Seattle] – but before becoming a Krampus I spent many years as a child being chased around town as the pray of the masked hords with their chains & long whips. It is one of the scariest experiences you can have as a child growing up in Austria – but we sought it out to prove our bravery to our friends – and it is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes – because the danger in quite real – once they saw my friends & me – they would start chasing us – we were the little guys & they were the big teenagers & adults dressed up as demons – they don’t let up – we would jump fences & run through backyards & they would jump right after us – we would split up & they would too – if you can’t make it into a pub [kids can go anywhere in Austria - but wont be served] or find a hiding place – they would catch up & you usually get a pretty good whipping around your legs – and yes – it hurts & it’s totally scary – but in the end you figure out a way to reunite your group of friends while not being caught again – but then the chase starts all over – in the end it’s a great adventure you share the next day in school & for years to come – I can never forget that thrill as a child. Later I dressed as a Krampus & chased the kids – but it’s not as exiting because there is no danger when you’re a Krampus – it’s much more fun being the chased ~

By: Glynis Smy

Glynis Smy — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:10:59 +0000

I return to the UK and find Santa is …well not what I thought! Great article!!

By: Neil

Neil — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:09:05 +0000

In Hungary (and probably elsewhere in central Europe) it’s common to give children bundles of twigs, painted gold. They look a lot like the “whips” in the old greeting cards above. They used to be the equivalent of a lump of coal in your stocking, but now they’re just part of the tradition of St Nicholas’ Day (Dec 6). Even better, sparklers are sold for this holiday too!

By: Ashley Ann

Ashley Ann — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:43:02 +0000

omg i am so using this on my nephew when he’s bad for me…