The Captain is of course speaking of Krampus and the celebration held in his honor every year on December 5th, Krampusnacht. For those readers who are unfamiliar with Krampus, here's a quick introduction:
Krampus is the dark counterpart of Saint Nicholas, the traditional European gift-bringer who visits on his holy day of December 6th, a few weeks earlier than his offshoot Mr. Claus. Like his American descendant, the bishop-garbed St. Nicholas rewards good kids with gifts and treats; unlike the archetypal Santa, however, St. Nicholas never punishes naughty children, parceling out this task to a ghastly helper from below.
Known by many names across the continent, such as Knecht Ruprecht, Klaubauf, Pelzebock, Schmutzli and Krampus, this figure is unmistakably evil; he often appears as a traditional red devil with cloven hoof and goatish horns, although he can also be spotted as an old bearded wild-man or a huge hairy beast. He comes to punish the naughty children, and is often depicted carrying them in chains or in a basket to a fiery place below.
On December 5th and 6th, in Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Germany and other regions of European, children greet kindly St. Nicholas with his bag of toys and sweets only to find the Saint's devilish assistant trailing behind. Hideously costumed as a devil or wild man with a whipping switch or chains, Krampus comes to frighten the mischievous children into contrition.
On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, also known as Krampusnacht (Night of Krampus), in Austria and other areas, sin-loving folk dressed as devils, wild-men and witches begin the ancient ritual known today as the Krampus Run. Often intoxicated and bearing torches, these beastly demons caper, cavort and carouse as they make their way through the streets, scaring child and adult alike.
And for your further education and enjoyment, the Captain presents the following videos.
[Krampus.com]
No comments:
Post a Comment