Welcome to our first annual ViralNova Presents: 25 Days Of Creepy Christmas special section! Every day, from December 1st to December 25th, we’re posting a new Christmas themed article guaranteed to get you in the creepy holiday spirit.
For many American children, the only thing they have to fear around the holidays is getting coal in their stocking. The punishment for being “naughty” instead of “nice” is relatively lax. But, for European kids, well they have to live in fear of the wrath of Krampus, the Anti-Santa Claus.
Krampus is big part of Christmas folklore in the Alpine countries of Europe like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
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According to legend, Krampus is a demon who punishes misbehaving children around the holidays, while St. Nicholas (AKA Santa Claus), rewards good children.
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Krampus is typically depicted in folklore as a traditional demon with one human foot, and one hoofed foot.
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In Germany and much of eastern Europe Krampus comes to visit the homes of misbehaving children on the eve of St. Nicholas Day during the first week of December.
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It’s said that Krampus punishes bad children with switches and rusty chains. Then when they’ve been thoroughly punished in this world, Krampus put them in his sack and takes them back to his lair.
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All aboard the Krampus train!
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Krampus even has his own night in Europe. The night before St. Nicholas Day is known as Krampus Night.
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During Krampus Night, revelers dress up in Krampus and devil related costumes and masquerade through the streets scaring people.
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In parts of Europe Krampus has even been incorporated into the annual tradition of holiday cards. For example in German speaking countries you can find humerous Krampus themed cards with “Gruss vom Krampus,” (Greetings from the Krampus), written on them.
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Merry Krampus Day!
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Who knew there could be such a dark side to traditional Christmas folklore?
American children should really learn more about Krampus (and being wary of him). If I were a child and knew about the Anti-Santa, I’d never misbehave. Ever. In my entire life.
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