Christmas is somewhat dreary again this year, courtesy of the pandemic and those astounding individuals who, unconsciously imitating those who feared vaccines for preposterous reasons long ago, have made certain it continues to be a problem. There were fears in the past that those vaccinated would become like the animals from which some ingredients of the vaccine were derived, and it seems that fears now are similar in quality.
It seems appropriate that in less than merry Christmases, the remarkable figure of Krampus should be given some respect and attention. Perhaps that should be the case even during happier holidays. Not Krampus as depicted in the movies which have been made more or less recently, which are inevitably crass and horrific, but Krampus the legend, a companion of sorts to Saint Nicholas.
I'm fascinated by Krampus. I don't know how he came to be associated with the figure of Nicholas, who has become Santa Claus. It seems Krampus was known in Central Europe and the Balkans. Being a demonic figure in looks if not in character, it's been thought by some that he's a remnant of pagan beliefs, pagans being naturally drawn to demons in Christian tradition if not demons themselves. For some reason, he follows or perhaps accompanies Saint Nicholas in his December travels. Nicholas dispenses gifts to good little girls and boys. Krampus, carrying chains with him, punishes naughty little girls and boys, usually by smiting them with birch branches or rods. Sometimes he merely leaves them as a kind of gift for parents of naughty children, who are encouraged to wield them in punishment themselves. He's also depicted as chasing after women, a randy fellow, possibly because he's part goat. It seems he was a popular part of the Christmas season in 19th century Europe. This post features a Krampus card, similar to a Christmas card.
Just how Saint Nicholas came to be part of the European Christmas tradition is unclear (to me at least) as well. He was a bishop in what is now Turkey. It seems he miraculously saved children from peril in one or two instances. He was also said to distribute gifts to children and others, at or around the time of his feast day, December 5th. His myth traveled to Europe for one reason or another, where he eventually served as the inspiration for what we know as Santa Claus.
It seems somehow appropriate that Krampus would visit houses with or just after Nicholas this time of year. Santa is said to make lists of who is naughty or nice. I imagine that the Saint would have one list, Kampus another. In the likely event that a house would contain both good and bad children, Nicholas would give gifts to some and Krampus would whack the others with his birches.
Thus, children would learn directly and emphatically the rewards for being good and the punishment for being bad. These would be made perfectly clear. Nicholas handing out gifts while Krampus chases children round the Christmas tree, chains clanking as his rods whistle through the air, is an image which could not be forgotten. It's unfortunate that Krampus isn't charged with punishing the stupid as well as the bad, in which case many parents would be beaten by him as well.
There's justice in this legend. Even Oliver Cromwell, who banned the celebration of Christmas as frivolous when he became Lord Protector, would have approved. Well, of the part with Krampus in it in any event. Perhaps we should keep Krampus in Christmas along with Christ.
