This week: Santa's Helper Edited by: Warped Sanity More Newsletters By This Editor
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For everything shiny and bright, there is always a polar opposite. Krampus is Santa's opposite, but he was more than that. He was his helper, scaring the kiddos into being good. And, well, those who were naughty paid the price. |
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Some people seem to think that Krampus is a sort of anti-Santa, but in reality he was a partner. Of course, sneaky old St. Nicholous didn't want to get his hands dirty, but he needed to do something with all those on his naughty list, so he sent his trusty old friend Krampus to do his dirty work. According to the legends, Krampus was sent by St. Nicholous to punish the children who misbehaved. For their naughty deeds, they were beat with a bundle of birch sticks, whipped with horsehair, and thrown into a sack or wicker basket to be taken down to hell for a year.
Historians are still unsure of where the story of Krampus originated, but like Santa, it is known that the stories predate Christianity and originates in Pagan traditions, primatily Norse, Alpine, and Germanic traditions. Like any other diety, there must be a light and dark aspect, Santa being the light and Krampus being the dark.
In the Germanic tradition, Krampus Night, or Krampusnacht, occurred on the 4th of December. Parents struck fear into children, warning them that if they did not behave, Krampus would snatch them away. If they were good little children, St. Nicholas would award them with gifts December 5th, which they called Nikolaustag.
In the early 20th century, the Fascist Austrian government forbid Krampusnacht, but traditions were revived after World War II. Today, in some parts of the world parades are held, where men dress as Krampus and dance around in the streets, snarling, jiggling chains, ringing cowbells, and hitting onlookers with sticks. At some children's gatherings, you'll be greeted by both Santa and Krampus. Santa hands out gifts, while Krampus passes out coal and birchstick bundles.
But, one doesn't need Krampus to make the Santa myth into a tale of horror. As most of you know, I'm a little warped, but I've always thought the story of Santa, especially the way it evolved to a creapy old guy sneaking into houses, was disturbing. He is always stalking watching, knowing whether children are naughty or good. Then on the 24th, here in the United States, he sneaks into homes all over the world to drop off presents. It's no wonder numerous b horror flicks have honed in on the subject.
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