- Krampus
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Krampus is a mythical creature recognized in alpine countries.[1] According to legend, Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children, in contrast to St. Nicholas, who gives gifts to good children.
In the Alpine regions, Krampus is represented by a demon-like creature. Traditionally, young men dress up as the Krampus in Austria and southern Bavaria, especially the market town Berchtesgaden, during the first two weeks of December, particularly on the evening of 5 December, and roam the streets frightening children with rusty chains and bells.[2]
In the aftermath of the Austrian Civil War the Krampus tradition was a target of the Dollfuss regime.[3]
Gallery
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Krampus and Saint Nicholas visit the home of naughty children
See also
References
- ^ Risen, Clay (4 December 2002). "Santa’s Not-So-Little Helper". The Morning News. ISSN 1554-1490. http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/stories/santas_notsolittle_helper.php.
- ^ Zeller, Tom (24 December 2000). "Have a Very Scary Christmas". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/24/weekinreview/ideas-trends-have-a-very-scary-christmas.html.
- ^ "KRAMPUS DISLIKED IN FASCIST AUSTRIA; Genial Black and Red Devil, Symbol of Christmas Fun, Is Frowned Upon.". New York Times. 23 December 1934. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1091FF63B5A107A93C1AB1789D95F408385F9.
External links
Categories:- German folklore
- Santa's helpers
- Christmas characters
- Christian folklore
- Mythic humanoids
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