Who/what is Krampus and what does it have to do with Christmas?

Answer

Krampus is a nightmarish, demonic goat-monster used in some cultures to frighten children into behaving well in the days leading up to Christmas. Krampus serves as an anti-Santa Claus figure. The Bible makes no mention of Krampus. This legend originates from pagan mythology and European folklore.

Krampus is typically portrayed with long, curved horns, fangs, a lengthy tongue, and dark hair all over, giving it a devilish appearance. (The German term krampen translates to “claw.”) The Krampus legend may have connections to Nordic paganism, but the popular narrative emerged in Austrian folklore, likely as a method for parents to encourage their children to behave—mischievous children are warned of a potential visit from Krampus, who will frighten them, whip them with a bundle of birch switches, and perhaps even take them to his lair. Krampus, therefore, serves as Santa’s malevolent counterpart. While Santa typically threatens troublemakers with placement on the “naughty list” or a lump of coal, Krampus instills fear in them.

In Austria and parts of Germany, locals anticipate Krampus on Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on December 5—coinciding with the eve of St. Nicholas Day. In Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, adults participate in a rowdy Krampus celebration involving public intoxication and men parading through the streets dressed as devils. Recently, some individuals in the U.S. have started hosting Krampus parties as a twisted, anti-Christmas festivity.

Numerous cultures feature legends of a monster or boogeyman that will snatch disobedient children: such as the Namahage in Japan, Cuco in Latin America, and Baba Yaga in Russia. James Whitcomb Riley’s renowned poem “Little Orphant Annie” serves as a cautionary narrative to promote good conduct; each verse concludes with the admonition “the Gobble-uns ʼll git you / Ef you / Don’t / Watch / Out!”

Obedience is a virtue.

Thing. However, scaring children into obeying does not change the heart. And using a child-stealing, whip-tongued goat-devil to frighten young ones cannot be good. How much better to teach them the truth about God’s love and His wrath, along with the true Christmas story and the good news that Jesus can save them from their sins «And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. », (Matthew 1:21).