Krampusnacht

Krampusnacht is celebrated on December 5 and is dedicated to the Christmas demon! Unlike Santa Claus, who comes to good girls and boys, the spirit visits those who have been naughty for a year and did not deserve gifts! We hope you have been well behaved and will not meet him in the stillness of the night!

History

The holiday began to emerge at the end of the 19th century – the printing houses of that time had great freedom and could print almost anything they wanted. In Germany, stamps and postcards with the monster appeared, and to the surprise of some people, they were sold like hot cakes. Over time, the image of the winter spirit changed: if at first it was more or less restrained, then at the moment it has acquired rude and terrifying features. A terrible muzzle, whips and chains in his hands – even looking at the creature makes you sweat!

This does not prevent people in the USA, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Croatia from building unique costumes and walking in them along the central city streets. It is not surprising that children squeal when they meet such monsters, and some girls prudently do not leave the house in the evening. But you need to understand that this is just a holiday where people show talentedly made costumes. When and by whom the character was invented is unknown, perhaps it is associated with the traditions of a certain region.

Interesting facts

Did you know that:

• the Christmas horror film was embodied in many films, becoming their main character;
• Krampusnacht carries a bag on his back, in which he places the kids and takes them to his lair;
• the name of the spirit comes from the German word for “claw”;
• in some areas, adults offer him vodka;
• Krampusnacht is described in the book Teutonic Mythology, published in 1835;
• in Scandinavian mythology, the creature is the son of the goddess Heli, the mistress of the underworld.

How to celebrate

Take part in the festival! Think over a costume for the holiday and make-up, arrange with friends to go “hunting”. Watch other people’s costumes: their scope is simply amazing. Watch a movie about the character and have your own horror night.

When is Krampusnacht celebrated in 2022?

Krampusnacht is observed on December 5 each year.

Observations