Our kids have it really easy here in Canada (and the U.S.) during the holidays. If they’ve been naughty throughout the year, they might, at most, find a little coal in their stockings. But probably not even that. Chances are that no matter how badly they’ve behaved, they’ll find a (outrageously extravagant) gift under the tree. ‘Cause, you know, Santa Claus is a big softie that cares about how a child’s self-esteem is affected by the slightest negative consequence and all that stuff there.
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| Santa, you old softie, you... |
But kids in other areas of the world don’t have it that good. Take for example, Austria, where children face the wrath of Krampus when they’re bad. Krampus is a clawed, hairy, beast-like creature with a generally demonic appearance that accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children by stealing their toys and smacking them with a birch rod. When Krampus comes across a particularly naughty child, it stuffs the terrified kid into a sack and chucks it into a river, or it carries it away to its lair, presumably to devour it for its Christmas dinner.
This scary, horned monster is a Christmas tradition in Austria (and other surrounding countries). During the first week of December, men dress up as Krampus and roam the streets terrifying children with rusty chains and bells. Krampus is even featured on holiday greeting cards called Krampuskarten.
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| A greeting card featuring Krampus. Wouldn't you love to receive one of these? |
In the 20th century, Austrian governments discouraged the practice. After the Austrian Civil War, the Krampus tradition was prohibited, but towards the end of the century, a popular resurgence of Krampus celebrations occurred and continues today. There has been public debate in Austria in modern times about whether Krampus is appropriate for children.
Learn more in this very interesting video:
If this isn’t one (literal) hell of an incentive for children to behave year long, I don’t know what is. Getting a lump of coal in your stocking doesn’t seem that bad in comparison, now, does it?
Krampus seduces the Moms as well? That old horny devil!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha...that, he is!
DeleteI like coal better
ReplyDeleteOh yeah...me, too!
DeleteTruly gruesome. What kind of sick, twisted minds thought up this incentive? A least Mom got a little something out of the deal - apparantly it's ok if she's naughty, loll!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how people come up with these things, but I imagine it scared the heck out of kids!
DeleteWhat a duo that would make. So as Santa is delivering toys to millions of homes, Krampus is seducing millions of women. It's a busy night for everyone!
ReplyDeleteHahaha..yes, it sure is!
DeleteYIKES! Would I be good, or would I be good! Yep, that fella would make me be good....forever!!
ReplyDeleteTraumatized for life! Haha...
DeleteWell. Those things have scared the crap right out of me,yikes!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine growing up with this? Santa is a real softie, I tell you.
DeleteWow! That is quite the tradition. Krampus - even the name sounds unnerving, eh? I wouldn't banish old Krampus though. We need the dark side too!
ReplyDeleteYes, even the name is unnerving! And I agree, we need the dark side, too!
DeleteScary! When I was little, I used to wonder how Santa knew if I was naughty or nice. I kept looking at the ceiling and in the darker corners of the rooms! Shelf elfs are gaining popularity here. Krampus, I hope not!
ReplyDeleteNo sign of Krampus here! I don't think he's allowed through Candian customs...:)
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