Krampus, a figure from Central European folklore, has been incorporated into various holiday traditions globally. Historically depicted as a punitive counterpart to St. Nicholas, responsible for disciplining misbehaving children, Krampus has experienced a modern resurgence in popular culture, including organized events in both Europe and the United States that blend traditional elements with contemporary interpretations.
Historical Background
Krampus is a figure originating from Central European and Alpine folklore, often depicted as a horned, anthropomorphic entity. Historically, Krampus served as a disciplinary counterpart to St. Nicholas, with St. Nicholas rewarding well-behaved children and Krampus addressing those deemed to have misbehaved.
The association of monstrous figures with the end of the year dates back to medieval European pre-Christian Saturnalia celebrations and winter solstice events. These traditions included costumed processions that would seek treats and alcohol. By the 16th century, a "child-eater" figure emerged, which subsequently shifted its calendar association to coincide with St. Nicholas's feast day in early December, acting as a stern complement to St. Nicholas.
Krampus gained significant recognition by the late 19th century. This prominence was partly due to the widespread distribution of Krampus postcards, produced in locations such as Salzburg, Austria, which depicted the figure in various styles, including frightening, menacing, humorous, and occasionally suggestive or stylized adult representations.
Modern Resurgence and Events in the United States
In recent years, Krampus has seen a resurgence in popular culture, particularly in the United States. This revival includes the production of children's books and horror films, as well as the establishment of Krampus-themed events in various cities, including San Antonio, Texas, and Des Moines, Iowa.
In Portland, Oregon, Edgar Loesch, owner of Fressen Artisan Bakery, hosts annual Krampus-themed photo opportunities where families interact with an individual dressed as Krampus. These events sometimes feature the consumption of traditional German pastries.
Portland also hosts an annual Krampuslauf parade, initiated by Arun Joseph Ragan. This parade involves approximately 150 participants dressed as Krampus, with costumes featuring horns, antlers, and birch switches. While the traditional role of Krampus involved punishing misbehaving children, some participants in these modern events distribute candy. Ragan indicates that a motivation for organizing the parade is to acknowledge and engage with darker aspects of the winter season, offering an alternative perspective to traditional festive portrayals.
Annual Krampus Run in Salzburg, Austria
The city of Salzburg, Austria, annually hosts a Krampus Run event, typically held prior to the feast of St. Nicholas. This event involves hundreds of participants, predominantly men, dressed as Krampus. Alexander Hueter, an organizer of Salzburg's Krampus Run, described the event as providing entertainment and introducing an element of tension to the St. Nicholas tradition, characterizing it as a "good cop, bad cop arrangement."
Participants, including some from Bavaria, wear costumes often constructed from materials such as yak and goat hair. These costumes are complemented by masks designed to appear monstrous, frequently featuring horns, scars, and waxed mustaches. Participants are transported to Salzburg's old town, where they don their masks and proceed through the streets. During the event, Krampus figures interact with onlookers by lunging, swatting with birch branch switches, and clanging cowbells. St. Nicholas, often dressed in a white and gold robe, leads the procession and distributes candy.
Participant Perspectives and Public Reactions
Participants in the Salzburg event articulated a desire to embody the Krampus character during the winter season. Roy Huber, a participant from Bavaria, described experiencing a personal transformation when engaging in the role. Benny Sieger, another participant, noted that his costume, featuring a red face and a mohawk of horns, often elicits fear in children. Some Krampus clubs, including Sieger's, organize events such as 'Cuddle a Krampus' to mitigate the intimidating aspect of the character. Conversely, certain participants indicated that young adults, particularly young men, frequently receive more vigorous engagement with birch branch switches during the run.
Nicklaus Bliemslieder, a 19-year-old who has participated as Krampus for 14 consecutive years since age five, reported that wearing the mask alleviated his personal fear of the Krampus figure.
Public reactions to the Krampus Run vary. Rene Watziker observed his 4.5-year-old son displaying fear during the event, covering his eyes, and noted similarities to his own childhood memories of the tradition. Sabeine Gruber, another onlooker, commented that the tradition has evolved to be less intense over time, comparing current events to a "petting zoo." She recalled past events involving "more severe physical interactions," which sometimes resulted in "blue welts on [her] legs." Current events in Salzburg include the use of numbered stickers on participants' backs, intended for reporting grievances related to excessive physical contact.