Krampusnight

Krampusnight: Naughtiness Never Looked So Good

Krampus is the yin to Saint Nicholas’ yang. He’s the fearsome creature who punishes naughty children, while Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones.
It’s a classic case of good versus evil, and Krampus definitely holds his own in this battle.
This fearsome creature emerges from the depths of darkness on Krampusnacht, December 5th, to punish misbehaving children. Expect to hear the jangling of chains and the clanging of bells as Krampus approaches, his long, furry tongue lolling out in anticipation of a naughty treat.
Krampus is the misunderstood merrymaker, proving that sometimes, the road to cheer is paved with a dash of fear!

Krampus and Saint Nicholas: The Odd Couple

Once upon a yuletide, Krampus wasn’t just a mythical creature lurking in the shadows.
No, dear reader, this hairy horned devil used to be Santa’s right-hand helper, spreading joy and fear in equal measure.
However, as the times changed and Saint Nicholas adopted a more socially conscious hiring policy for the Netherlands and Belgium, Krampus found himself without a job in those parts.
To be fair, Saint Nicholas has always been known for righting wrongs and standing up for the less fortunate. So when he started hiring former slaves to be his trusty assistants, the black petes, this was a powerful message that slavery was something the good holy man frowned upon. Spreading wholesome messages took precedence over scaring children.
Krampus, along with witches and other scary helpers still remained popular in the slightly more East-Southern parts of Europe, so he never completely was without a job. And now that time has gone by and the wholesome origin stories of black Pete have faded, distorted and lost in the context of time. And even Saint Nicholas has lost much of his legendary tales of being a defender of those who were oppressed.
Now Krampus is regaining his allure on a world wide scale for being a character with a much more interesting and compelling backstory to fit the current times. And not to forget; a costume that makes the archaic Saint Nicholas and black Petes’ look like they belong in a museum of forgotten relics.
Krampus is the cool bad boy of Christmas where sugar and spice meet horns and vice!

A Tale as Old as Yuletide Itself

Picture this creature with cloven hooves, sharp horns, a long, pointed tongue, born from the winter shadows and here to shake things up when the nights grow long.
Krampus’ roots are suspected to originate from pre-Christian Alpine traditions, where he was often depicted as a hairy, horned beast, symbolizing the wildness and untamed forces of nature. Some say he might be related to the perchten. Perchten are creatures that may have been way uglier than Krampus, but some might heve been outright beautiful. They may have been many creatures employed by Frau Perchta or she may have been the one percht. Whatever that story is, Frau Perchta was another midwinter gift bringer who gave out both rewards or punishments according to what she thought you deserved.

Originally a pagan winter solstice ritual, Krampusnacht evolved into a Christian tradition as the figure of Krampus became associated with Saint Nicholas. While initially met with mixed reactions, Krampusnacht has become a cherished cultural tradition, particularly in Alpine regions.
Now, as the legend goes, he’s ready to spook the naughty back onto the nice list on a worldwide scale this time! 

Beyond the Fear Factor: The Devil We Adore

Despite his fearsome reputation, Krampus isn’t the Grinch’s long-lost cousin, nor is he a manifestation of evil.
Krampus is not merely the boogeyman lurking in the shadows, but is also a cultural symbol, a reminder that festivities aren’t just about sugar-coated sweetness. Krampus is the original party crasher spreading mirth, merriment, and a cheer with a side of fear. He may wield birch branches, but his heart beats to the rhythm of festive friskiness! It’s a reminder that we all have a bit of Krampus in us, and that’s okay.

But if you’ve been a bit too cheeky this year, Krampus might just pay you a visit!
While Saint Nicholas is busy distributing gifts to the goody-two-shoes, Krampus is the enforcer of yuletide justice, on a mission to ensure the mischievous ones get a stocking full of coal and a swat with the birch switch.
Krampus is like a festive life coach, urging us to toe the line between merriment and mischief.

Celebrating Krampusnacht: Coal Is The New Black

If you’re feeling brave, why not celebrate Krampusnacht yourself?

• Krampuslauf:
  Immerse yourself in the heart of the Krampusnacht experience by attending a Krampuslauf, a parade where masked participants dressed as Krampus roam the streets, jangling chains and playfully frightening onlookers.
• Naughty or Nice Party:
  Bring the Krampusnacht spirit into your home by hosting a party where guests vote on who’s been naughty or nice throughout the year. Winners get a sweet treat, losers a symbolic lump of coal.
• Devilish Decor:
  Transform your space into a den of mischief with dark hues and flickering candles. It’s like a Halloween after-after-party!
• Mischievous Menu:
  Serve up snacks that toe the line between sweet and spicy. Krampus-approved treats include cinnamon-spiced mischief muffins and gingerbread rebels. Wash it down with a Krampus-themed schnapps to really set the mood.
• Costume Carnage:
  Embrace your inner Krampus with horns, fur, and a wicked grin. Bonus points for adding a long pointy tongue.
• Rute Wrangling:
  Craft your own rute with birch twigs for impromptu (and lighthearted) Rute rituals or to symbolically spank the naughty ones. (Ask consent first to be sure.)
• Cheeky Carols:
  Swap the traditional tunes for a playlist that’ll make Krampus tap his hooves. How about some bawdy folk or some burlesque-style elektro swing?
• Krampus Karaoke:
  Revamp your caroling routine with songs that celebrate Krampus. Bonus points if you rewrite classic carols with a cheeky naughty twist.
• Selfie Shenanigans:
  Capture your devilish transformation and flaunt those horns and/or create Krampus-themed memes that reflect your ethics about naughty and nice.

Don’t forget to tag your posts with the official hashtags #KrampusNacht and #KrampusNight
Let’s make Krampus the holiday trend we never knew we needed!

Making Naughty Look Oh-So-Nice

Krampus may be a mythical creature, but he continues to live on in our imaginations and in our culture. He’s a reminder of the power of storytelling,  that there are two sides to every coin and that being bad can feel oh-so-good.
So when anyone wonders why you’re making rutes from twigs, feathers and even dried flowers while singing bawdy carols, just inform them that Wild Calendar gives everyone, naughty and nice alike, permission to spice up their day with a little harmless but cheeky holiday mayhem and invite them along to put the “naughty” in the nice list.
Just remember, when Krampus comes knocking, don’t be caught with your naughty pants down or yule be sorry!
Happy Krampusnacht!