Krampus, The Christmas Demon

[RaikuFA]

I'm a bit baffled by the American Krampus phenomenon. I spent more than a few years of my youth living in Deutschland and Krampus was something we had in my family's Christmas tradition. No one in the States even knew what the heck I was talking about when I'd bring him up. I wonder what's sparked Krampus becoming a seemingly sudden addition to Christmas here.

We realized our kids started acting out really bad this time of year. Anyone who works in retail knows exactly what I'm talking about.

 

[josemlopes]

I got the introduction from American Dad too so I'll just leave this here.

It sucks that there isnt an actual video of it but the song is still nice

 

[tetarga]

Krampus is kind of interesting but i prefer the pre-christian version of santa clause since a eight legged horse is way more bad ass than eight tiny reindeer and a gandalf like figure is way better than some jolly fat man in red and white

Did you just call Odin the pre-christian santa claus?

 

[CaitSeith]

Has somebody tried to make a Christmas Horror movie with this character?

 

[Fetzenfisch]

I really was wondering why that tradition is hyped so much lately. But what most get wrong is that there is not "the" Krampus, but that Krampusses ("Krampusse") are part of the Tradition. Its not an Individual character. They usually move in Packs or Hordes and only split up to get into the houses.

 

[DevanSagliani]

Has somebody tried to make a Christmas Horror movie with this character?

There was one last year called Krampus the Christmas Devil but it didn't do very well. Perhaps a bigger budget would help, and bigger actors, and a new script, etc...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qaJMgNQBos

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

Ah, the Krampus. What a jolly fellow. I can't remember when I first heard heard of him, (possible the Venture Bros. special) but he sure has shown up a lot in North American media lately. He even got a mention in the Christmas Tree of Might, the best holiday special to ever exist:

 

[iblis666]

Krampus is kind of interesting but i prefer the pre-christian version of santa clause since a eight legged horse is way more bad ass than eight tiny reindeer and a gandalf like figure is way better than some jolly fat man in red and white

Did you just call Odin the pre-christian santa claus?

yes because it is true

 

[Nepukadnezzar]

I think you forgot to mention a very important aspect of the Krampuslauf.
I have participated in one once (I am from Austria - it is called Perchtenlauf here)
- there is actually a purpose in running around as a beast:
The horrible monsters are running around to scare bad spirits away .... everybody knows it is people in costumes, but the evil spirits do not ...
So it is basically a very fun way of exorcism ... the more you know

(Disclaimer: This might be a regional thing for Austria)

 

[Souther Thorn]

and this is why I keep a set of horns with my santa hat at work. Growling 'you've been naughty' at disorderly nightdwellers tends to make them scamper.