Krampusnacht

Krampus, a horned, anthropomorphic figure from Alpine folklore, is the wicked counterpart to Saint Nicholas, who accompanies him during the Christmas season to scare children who have misbehaved. Originating from old Christian characters in European traditions, Krampus has been portrayed in Hollywood horror films since 2013, increasing his global recognition. The Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on 6 December in parts of Europe, with Krampus Night or Krampusnacht taking place on the preceding evening of 5 December. On this night, Krampus appears on the streets, sometimes accompanying St. Nicholas and sometimes alone, visiting homes and businesses. Saint Nicholas, dressed in Eastern Rite vestments, rewards good children with gifts, while Krampus, with his devilish appearance, punishes the bad children by supplying coal and the Rute.

The Nicholas plays, inspired by Paradise plays, were a seasonal play that spread throughout the Alpine regions. These plays featured competition for human souls and played on the question of morality, with Saint Nicholas rewarding children for scholarly efforts rather than good behavior. The Perchtenlauf, an earlier form of the Krampus runs, was an established pagan tradition in the Alpine regions that became intertwined with Catholicism. People would masquerade as a devilish figure known as Percht, a two-legged humanoid goat with a giraffe-like neck, wearing animal furs. These processions were regarded as an earlier form of the Krampus runs, which were inspired by the Nicholas plays and introduced Saint Nicholas and his set of good morals. The Percht transformed into what is now known as the Krampus and was made to be subjected to Saint Nicholas' will.

In recent years, the resurgence of interest in Krampus and Krampus Night has led to a global fascination with this dark counterpart to St. Nicholas. Communities outside of Central Europe have adopted and adapted the tradition, organizing their own Krampus parades and events. The allure of the mysterious, the supernatural, and the transformative power of tradition continues to draw people to the enchanting world of Krampus Night, making it a cherished and celebrated part of the Christmas season.