What are the traditions of Krampusnacht?

Krampusnacht is a European tradition on December 6th, where families put plates on their tables, go to bed and wake up to find presents on the plates. If they have been good kids, they get good presents; if they are bad kids, they get sticks.

What is the purpose of Krampusnacht?

Krampusnacht is celebrated on December 5 every year across Germany, other European countries, and Australia. It occurs the night before the celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, a night when people dress up as the devil Krampus and chase naughty children through the streets.

Is Krampus based on a true story?

Nicholas existed, Krampus appears to be entirely fictional. Aside from a single “sighting” on a paranormal news website, there’s no evidence that he’s ever existed in the real world, even as a historical figure on which the legend was loosely based.

What does Krampus do to adults?

Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.

Is Krampus pagan?

In fact, Krampus’ roots have nothing to do with Christmas. Instead, they date back to pre-Germanic paganism in the region. His name originates with the German krampen, which means “claw,” and tradition has it that he is the son of the Norse god of the underworld, Hel.

What does Gruss vom Krampus mean?

Greetings from the Krampus
December 16, 2021. An early Krampuskarten (Krampus card) bears the message Gruß vom Krampus (Greetings from the Krampus). (

Is Krampus banned in Germany?

It is believed that the long-horned, shaggy, goat-like monster with a long, angry face and lolling, forked tongue would visit the home of misbehaving children to punish them. However, due to his likeness to the Christian devil, Krampus was banned in Germany, Austria, and elsewhere, throughout much of the 20th century.