Krampus

The Account

Companion to Saint Nicholas in Alpine tradition. Krampusnacht (5 December) still sees costumed runs through Austrian villages. He carries birch rods, chains, and a basket for the very worst children.

From the Public Record

The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, in the Central and Eastern Alpine folkloric tradition, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children during the night of 5 December, immediately before the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6 December. In this tradition, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while Krampus punishes badly behaved ones with birch rods.

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