The Krampus: Representative of the Holidays' Dark Side

Over here in the United States, we often see only the vaguest glimmers of the pre-Christian rites and traditions that lurk behind the modernized (and commercialized) holidays celebrated at this time of year. In Europe and other parts of the world, this is hardly the case. Make no mistake, though Christmas and New Year's Day are intended to represent hope for revival and warmth in an otherwise bleak and frozen environment, the dark side of holidays can't be ignored. Anyone who has ever felt dumbfounded or menaced by the artificial greenery around them, or as a child has pondered over the creepy nocturnal visits by Santa Claus, has given some thought to the stranger current lurking within the Yuletide. One of the best representatives of the dark side of winter holidays is the Krampus of Central Europe.

The Krampus is most noticeable in the mountainous regions of Germany throughout December, though his offshoots still survive in neighboring countries based around the Alps. Celebrants dressed as the Krampus are known to stalk through cities with rusty chains and bells, and sometimes even flagellant tools fit for striking out at gawking bystanders. Just as St. Nicholas generally embodies the good in the Yuletide, the horned, goat-like Krampus embodies the wicked. Seemingly a remnant of Alpine traditions unsuccessfully tamed or censored by Christianity, the Krampus is all about inserting the nightmare into the dreamy joyousness in a big way.

The Krampus monsters take on an appearance and a cacophony rivaling even the best costumes of Halloween. One of the most interesting facets of the Krampus tradition, however, may be his ties to St. Nicholas. In some towns of Central Europe, the Krampus and his demon underlings actually follow St. Nicholas in a hellish procession straight out of the bizarre and misty parades of the Middle Ages. What are we to make of this? Perhaps those who put the Krampus into their winter celebrations are seasonal realists. They acknowledge the weird conspiracy of death and malevolence that comes bouncing along with the happy holiday friends and comfort foods of this time. They have elected to acknowledge--and perhaps slightly worship--the grinning demon of frost and environmental stagnation lurking just outside the snowy windows of even the happiest Christmas gatherings.

For more about the Krampus and the rituals involved in his wintry appearances, see this article entitled "Santa's Not-So-Little Helper."

-Grim Blogger