In December 2009, Stephen Colbert suggested that Americans, in the spirit of defeating secularism, return to the true roots of the Christmas holiday by bringing back Krampus, the horned and sometimes hair-covered devil that carries rusty chains and birch branches.
In December 2009, Stephen Colbert suggested that Americans, in the spirit of defeating secularism, return to the true roots of the Christmas holiday by bringing back Krampus, the horned and sometimes hair-covered devil that carries rusty chains and birch branches.
Daniel Johnston
Who’s that fiendish devil? Why it’s Krampus, of course.
Perhaps you’ve seen the YouTube videos of the Eastern European festivals where a multitude of Krampuses parade and demonize festivalgoers by brandishing whips, chains and birch branches.
Krampus, whom Christianity has mythologized as the ashes- and punishment-dispensing henchman of St. Nicholas, is rooted in pagan tradition in Eastern Europe and is known by a variety of names—Klaubauf, Belsnickel, Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) or Schmutzli—all of whom are a far cry from the obese Coca-Cola/
Norman-Rockwell Santa Claus we see in the United States.
If you were raised with Krampus, you won’t be alarmed by the sight of the creature’s fiendish grin and hunched-over lope through the streets.
In places in Europe, such as Austria, where Krampusnacht is celebrated, a whole herd of intoxicated young males dressed as this Christmas devil runs through town, jangling chains and bells.
Here in Portland, you can confront your fear of reprisal from Krampus by donning your goat or devil horns and attending an event at the Mt. Tabor Theatre on Dec. 1 (krampusnachtpdx.com) where you can growl at other Christmas devils and swat them with branches.
That is, unless Krampus stuffs you in his sack and carries you away to the underworld.
For more on Krampus, seek him out at colbertnation.com. You shall not go unrewarded.
