Krampus
by Gemma DeStella
In the early 17th century the month of December in every home you would here the story of Krampus. Who was Krampus? You ask. Well he was the counterpart to Jolly old St. Nicolas. He looks to be a demon, with dark matted fur and cloven hooves and large horns. In his mouth would be a long pointed tounge and sharp fangs. Tales tell of good little boys and girls getting gifts from St. Nicolas, but bad little boys and girls were Krampus’s to punish. Punish he would the naughty kids would get coal but the really ill-behaved kids would be his to take away to hell in his sack. He would carry around chains with him or ruten, a bundle of birch branches to hit bad children with.
The night of December 5th is known as Krampushnach or Krampus night. The events of this day include young men dressing up and wandering through the streets with chains and bells clanging with their approach. This signifies their readiness to chase children (and tourists) with their chains and whips. Krampus made is way in to the United States in the T.V. Series Grimm in 2013.