You better watch out, you better not cry, better watch out I'm telling you why......Krampus is coming..... to town!
You may notice these days that Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier. October 1st shops suddenly explode with Christmas decorations, presents and chocolates! And somewhere between all the glitter and sparkles you might find an anorexic Halloween Isle.
Every year the conversion and debate is the same, we ask the same old questions and statements of, is it too early? Does it take "the good" out of Christmas? Halloween isn't even over yet!
I'll leave these philosophical queries and topics for you to decide and debate.
In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to a tradition we are not so familiar with on this spooky island of ours.
Allow me to introduce you to the KRAMPUS
Did you know before Santa rolls into town on Xmas eve. Each year on December 5th comes a popular legend and festival called ‘Krampusnacht’.
So what is "Krampusnacht"?
Originating in central Europe, this holiday is celebrated on December 5th. The old folklore tells us that on this night, hell opens its gates and from the hellfire and brimstone emerges The Krampus. Stalking and prowling the towns and villages he seeks to punish the wicked and naughty children, he is known to stuff them in a sack and take them away to his lair to be tortured and tormented.
Who is "Krampus"?
Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Yule time. He is the devilish companion or complimentary opposite of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.” Krampus was thought to have been part of pagan rituals for the winter solstice. According to legend, he is the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld.
What is the Krampus March/Parade?
The Krampus parade is an energetic event. It always takes place on the night of December 5th, during the parade you will witness locals dressed up wearing masterfully crafted masks, traditionally from wood. Fur and wool make up the rest of the costume with willow baskets on their backs, old hessian sacks and whips in their claws and maybe a fire torch to complete the ensemble.
Fear stricken children along with their parents and grandparents lined the fire blazon streets hoping that the Krampus doesn't pick him or her out for punishment. These demons roam the streets banging drums and cowbells screaming in low tone demonic voices teasing, taunting and scaring children who are present of witness this amazing event.
December 6th, the Aftermath.
In Catholicism, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children. His saint’s day happens to follow the brutal, dark and demonic events of Krampusnacht. And a for many across mainland Europe Dec 6th, St. Nicholas Day, is the real beginning of the Christmas and Yuletide season.
The tradition here calls for children to leave their empty shoes out in front of their bedrooms or fireplace on the evening of Dec. 5, Krampusnacht. For those children who were lucky enough to survive the Krampus, this is when they peep outside their door to see if the shoe or boot that they left out the night before contains either presents (a reward for good behavior) or a rod (bad behavior).
The spirit of St. Nicholas Eve and day is one focused on giving over receiving, remembering those less fortunate and appreciating the friends, family and forcing on the good things that surround you. Sometimes life can be a struggle, we can get bogged down in the mundane day to day headaches and hassles.
Final thoughts
I have been asking myself the question, ‘what possible lesson or morals can we learn from Krampus?’
For many of us it might seem strange and even cruel to scare young children into being good with the visions and stories of the Yuletide devil.
It is worth remembering that Krampusnacht is also a generational tradition, one that forms part of the identity of a unique culture. Like Halloween in Ireland, I believe, ultimately it brings families and generations of people together.
I know for certain as a child I was the first one to sit next to the old range in the sitting room and listen to my grandfather and uncles tell their spooky and scary stories of the Banshee and other legends from folklore. While terrified I think I would also have a similar curiosity about the Krampus.
In these uncertain times, Krampus might now act as a symbol to teach us that things could always be much worse and scarier but in contrast, the good of old Saint Nick always prevails, showing us that no matter how dark the things get, the night is darkest before the dawn, but the sun will rise.
Happy Holidays