What other names is the Krampus known by?
- Kramperl
- Tuifl (from Teufel, meaning devil)
- Bartl (short form of Bartholomäus)
However, the “Krampus” is known not only in Austria, but also in southern Bavaria, the Upper Palatinate, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, South Tyrol, and parts of Croatia. A demonic figure originally from pre-Christian times.
Krampus Day is December 5, the eve of the feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6. Normally, both come by on the evening of December 5. In some regions, however, perhaps not until December 6.
The so-called “Krampus parades” or the “Perchtenlauf” are also very popular. Young and old dress up as Krampus and parade through the streets with their cowbells and much noise to show themselves and to frighten people.
The Krampus figures are also often seen carrying a rod. In my childhood, it was part of the tradition to tease the Krampus figures, but not to get caught. Of course, that did not always work.
The masks are often carved from wood, and even though they look “gruesome,” they are still beautiful.
At a Perchtenlauf with fireworks, torches, and fire-breathers, the Krampus figures are an attraction.
Do you actually know what the Krampus used to do with naughty children?
A picture is worth a thousand words!
Saint Nicholas | December 6
Saint Nicholas, on the other hand, not to be confused with “Santa Claus,” looks like this!
Several differences from Santa Claus can be seen:
- The headwear
- The staff
- The cloak
The book is found with both, as both Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus must know exactly who was well-behaved in the past year and who was not.
And, were you well-behaved?
Poems & Songs for Saint Nicholas Day – Who Still Knows Them?
Let us be happy and cheerful
and rejoice with all our hearts!
Merry, merry, traleralera!
Soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve,
soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve!
Then I will set out my plate,
Saint Nicholas will surely put something on it.
Merry, merry, traleralera!
Soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve,
soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve!
When I sleep, I dream:
Now Saint Nicholas brings something for me.
Merry, merry, traleralera!
Soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve,
soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve!
When I have gotten up,
I run quickly to the plate.
Merry, merry, traleralera!
Soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve,
soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve!
Saint Nicholas is a good man,
whom one cannot thank enough.
Merry, merry, traleralera!
Soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve,
soon it will be Saint Nicholas Eve!
***
Holler boller Rumpelsack,
Nicholas carries it on his back.
Christmas nuts yellow and brown,
wrinkled and crinkled to look upon.
Crack the shell, out springs the kernel
Christmas nuts I like to eat.
Come back soon to this house
good old Nicholas.
Knecht Ruprecht
From out of the forest I come;
I must tell you, Christmas is very near!
Everywhere on the treetops
I saw golden lights sitting;
And up above from heaven’s gate
The Christ Child looked out with wide eyes,
And as I wandered through the dark forest,
It called to me with a clear voice:
“Knecht Ruprecht,” it called, “old fellow,
Lift your legs and hurry quickly!
The candles are beginning to burn,
Heaven’s gate is opened wide,
Old and young shall now
Rest from the hunt of life;
And tomorrow I will fly down to earth,
For it shall be Christmas again!”
I said: “O dear Lord Christ,
My journey is almost at an end;
I must only go to this town,
Where there are nothing but good children.” –
“Do you have the little sack with you?”
I said: “The little sack is here;
For apples, nuts, and almond kernels
Pious children like to eat.” –
“Do you have the rod with you as well?”
I said: “The rod is here;
But only for the children who are bad,
It strikes them on the right part.”
The Christ Child said: “That is right;
So go with God, my faithful servant!”
From out of the forest I come;
I must tell you, Christmas is very near!
Now tell me, how do I find it here!
Are they good children, are they bad children?
Theodor Storm
