Krampus is a mythical creature stemming from Central European folklore. According to legend, Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children, in contrast to the more kindly Saint Nick who gives gifts to good children. Krampus is depicted as a hairy, anthropomorphic goat-demon with horns, cloven hooves, and a long pointed tongue. The entity dates back centuries, with some of the earliest references originating in the 17th century Austria. Today, Krampus is celebrated on Krampusnacht, or “Krampus Night,” held on December 5, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day in various parts of Europe.
The name “Krampus” is derived from the Old High German word krampen, meaning “claw.” In German-speaking Alpine regions, Krampus is known by various names, including Klaubauf, Bartl, Knecht Ruprecht, and Schwarzer Peter. Regional variations of the folklore also exist across Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, each with their own twists on the Christmas devil. Krampus’ frightening presence is represented in traditional parades held on Krampusnacht, as well as juvenilia and greeting cards.
While the exact origins of Krampus are obscure, historians believe pre-Germanic pagan rituals and Christian beliefs about the devil blended together to spawn this sinister yuletime figure. The birch switches Krampus carries are thought to reference rites of passage and punishment. The chained bells worn by Krampus hearken back to medieval witch hunts aimed at women.
Krampus shares characteristics with other figures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns. Satyrs were known for raucous behavior and as creatures who accompany the god Dionysus. Fauns are chimeric woodland spirits with horns, goat ears, and tails. The Christian influence on the Krampus myth likely stems from the story of Saint Nicholas, who was originally presented as a stern character before softening over time. Saint Nicholas would leave bundles of birch sticks in shoes left out for him — a punishment for misbehaving youth. Over time, Saint Nicholas mellowed out, but the role of punisher was preserved through Krampus.
While Krampus’ backstory borrows from old world mythology and Christian traditions, his role as a Christmas character is thought to serve an important societal function. By representing the dual aspects of reward and punishment, Krampus reminds children to be on their best behavior or suffer consequences. This encourages a balanced perspective during the holidays — while gifts may flow for the “nice” kids, misdeeds don’t go unseen. The Krampus archetype keeps excess and frivolity in check, ensuring the holiday retains a spiritual meaning. As such, Krampus is both a foreboding, supernatural figure from folklore as well as an important cultural symbol with significance for the Christmas season.
Krampus is often depicted in art and literature as having cloven hooves, curved horns, fur, and a long tongue. He carries birch branches and a sack or washtub on his back for carting away misbehaving children. More frightening depictions show Krampus wielding chains, bells, and sticks, beating bad children or dragging them to hell or his lair. Krampus even has an emblem — the Krampuskralle, or “Krampus claw” — a rounded stylized design that appears on Krampus costumes and souvenirs.
While Krampus shares characteristics with demons and beasts of myth, his appearance in particular evokes Baphomet, the occult figure popularized by 19th-century French magician Eliphas Levi. Baphomet has a goat’s head and horns, as well as wings, female breasts, and a pentagram on his forehead. The Baphomet image was later adopted as a satanic figure. Stylistic similarities indicate Krampus was likely influenced by Levi’s imagery. The Catholic Church forbade Krampus celebrations in the 12th century, likely linking the beast to occult figures and non-Christian beliefs.
Krampus figures strongly in traditional processions marking Krampusnacht or Krampuslauf. Young men dress up as devils, beasts, and witches to take to the streets. Celebrants don elaborate wooden masks, sheepskin costumes, horns, and Krampus claws. The Krampus creatures proceed through towns, rattling chains and bells, brandishing sticks, and roaring at spectators. Some chase people and pretend to steal children.
Modern Krampusnacht celebrations have grown more elaborate, even risque. The tradition is part underground counterculture and part mass entertainment. Events feature fire shows, drinking, and risque encounters. Adults dress up as Krampus and playfully chase intoxicated partygoers. The figure of Krampus has expanded beyond just punishing naughty children, and now represents general mayhem and debauchery.
While popular in Europe, Krampus festivities have also caught on in other parts of the world. His presence is growing in American popular culture, seen in horror movies, comics, novels, and television shows. Hundreds of U.S. cities now host annual Krampus runs around Christmas time. These community-organized events feature Krampus characters prowling streets, entering shops, and visiting parks to scare people.
Krampus appears in the American TV shows Grimm and Supernatural, as well as episodes of The Colbert Report and American Dad. Fans can buy Krampus costumes, stickers, pins, figurines, cards, printworks, and other items. Krampusnacht celebrations occur in major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Portland, and Cleveland.
While the European Krampus tradition dates back centuries, Krampus-like characters also appear in other world cultures. The Icelandic Yule Cat threatens to eat children who don’t receive new clothes before Christmas Eve. In Belgium, Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) punishes naughty kids. The Spanish frighten disobedient children with El Coco. In Germany, Swiss tales tell of Schmutzli, servant of Saint Nicholas, who doles out punishments. Similar mythological figures also appear in Armenia, Czechia, Ukraine, and Russia. This indicates archetypal Halloween beasts are a widespread phenomenon.
Krampus shares connections to pre-Germanic paganism and European witch hunts, blending these cultural influences into a frightening devilish creature. As the companion and counterpoint to Saint Nicholas, Krampus reminds people Christmas isn’t just about receiving gifts, but instilling morality and making spiritual amends. While his methods are severe and archaic, this protective creature’s ancient role continues today. By dramatizing the consequences for transgressions, Krampus represents the darker sides of human nature and the holiday spirit — creating a rich folklore still embraced today.
In the Bible, there are no direct references to Krampus. As a figure that originated in European folklore hundreds of years after the Bible was written, Krampus is not mentioned in scripture. However, some indirect connections can be made between Krampus and biblical concepts.
One potential parallel is how Krampus is seen as the antithesis of Saint Nicholas. This dualism echoes values in the Bible about opposites and balance, such as good and evil, darkness and light.
Isaiah 45:7 states: “I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” This underscores that both good and bad originate from God. Likewise, Krampus represents the shadow side of the giving, loving Saint Nicholas.
Another connection stems from Krampus punishing disobedient children. In the Bible, discipline and consequence are presented as virtuous. Proverbs 13:24 states: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” This advises proper discipline out of love.
Similarly, Krampus is charged with doling out punishment to naughty children as a kind of moral lesson. His harsh punishments for misbehavior, while severe, come from a place of enforcing justice to maintain social order.
The Bible also references Satan as an evil tempter who can appear as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 states: “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Krampus’ devilish appearance, paired with Saint Nicholas’ heavenly bearing, echoes this idea of deceptive duality.
Additionally, the Bible warns against pagan beliefs, witchcraft, and the occult. Krampus’ origins stem from pre-Christian Alpine pagan rituals. The early church condemned Krampus as a demonic figure for his horns,cloven hooves, and monstrous features. This aligns with biblical prohibitions against false idols, other gods, and occult practices as sinful affronts to God.
While the Bible does not specifically mention Krampus, biblical concepts about discipline, duality, deception, and pagan occultism share connections to this folkloric Christmas character. Krampus represents morality’s inverse — punishing instead of rewarding — while symbolizing the dual nature of good and evil.
Krampus originated in old world folktales and has no direct link to biblical scripture. However, aspects of Krampus share conceptual parallels with several biblical ideas and themes:
- The idea of opposite forces, like good and evil, is seen in Krampus versus Saint Nicholas.
- Biblical discipline for children mirrors Krampus punishing bad children.
- Krampus’ devilish guise despite benevolent aims echoes biblical warnings about deceit.
- Krampus’ pagan roots and occult imagery violate biblical prohibitions against false idols.
So while the Bible does not mention Krampus specifically, this Christmas devil relates to biblical concepts about duality, discipline, deceit, and avoiding the pagan/occult. Krampus represents a folk attempt to explain the dichotomy between morality and immorality.
In the Bible, there is no direct discussion of celebrating Christmas itself, let alone specific Christmas characters like Krampus. However, some general biblical principles can provide guidance on Christmas observances.
Many Bible verses advise prioritizing God above all else. Luke 14:26 states: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” This suggests Christmas should focus on religious worship rather than materialism or folk figures.
The Bible also warns against idolatry and false gods. Exodus 20:3 states: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Krampus as a mythical pagan/occult figure could violate this commandment.
However, the Bible does not prohibit traditions themselves. Colossians 2:16-17 states: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” This suggests reasonable Christmas celebrations are permissible if Christ remains the focus.
The principles of love and self-control can guide involvement with figures like Krampus. Philippians 4:5 states: “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Maintaining decorum and avoiding excess is wise.
So the Bible does not prohibit Christmas traditions if practiced moderately and kept focused on Christ’s teachings. But prioritizing God above all, avoiding false idols, and acting with love and self-control provide guidance. If involvement with Krampus distorts proper worship or causes loss of spiritual focus, caution may be warranted.
In summary, the Bible does not directly address Krampus or Christmas traditions. However, biblical values on worship, idols, excess, and self-control can guide Christmas observances. Moderation and keeping Christ central are overarching principles. Provided these are upheld, judicious observance of folk customs like Krampus may be permissible.
The Bible does not explicitly forbid or command the celebration of Christmas or its associated folklore figures. However, several relevant biblical principles can provide guidance:
- Christ should remain the central focus, not materialism, partying, or folklore.
- Avoid idolatry and occult ties when observing folk figures like Krampus.
- Exercise self-control and moderation in celebrations.
- Maintain worship of God as the top priority.
- Use wisdom and discernment regarding potential excesses or misconduct.
In general, the Bible advises sound judgment when deciding whether to observe folk customs. If practiced carefully and in moderation, and if Christ remains preeminent, judicious Christmas celebrations and folklore engagement can be permitted according to biblical guidance.
The Krampus tradition originated centuries after the Bible’s completion, so scripture does not specifically reference this folklore figure. However, biblical principles on avoiding false idols, maintaining focus on Christ, exercising self-control, and using discernment can guide wise observance of Christmas customs. Provided Christ’s centrality is upheld, and excesses avoided, moderate participation in folk elements like Krampus may be permissible per biblical standards. Ultimately, one’s motivation and faith practices take priority over external seasonal observances.