The Tales of Krampus and Belsnickel
Christmas is the time for joy and love. For Children in Austria and Germany, something sinister lurks- evil. As they wait for their presents, hoping that they’re good. However, if they have been bad, terrible even, and ended up on Santa’s naughty list instead of coal, or rotten eggs. They may receive a visit from one of the Christmas demons.
There are many different interpretations of the evil Santa's throughout European history & folklore. And many others spread across the globe. For centuries, various evil Santa counterparts acted as a scare tactic for misbehaving children. If they keep misbehaving- one of the Christmas demons may take them away. In modern media like jolly ol’ Saint Nicholas, many of the Christmas demons have turned into pop culture icons featured in movies, books, and video games. However, their stories are still being celebrated today.
Krampus
You are a child excited for the coming of Saint Nicholas. You peer out of your window with a smirk, praying that you will see him and his trusty reindeer. You do see something. You can’t quite make it out. The thing does look like Santa you’re excited, jumping with joy, not trying to wake your parents. However, when this thing gets closer you start to notice that he is not Santa, but a half goat- half man humanoid. He wears a thick coat similar to Santa, his horns are a foot long, and you can hear his heaves patting in the snow. He approaches you and drags you to hell for being on the naughty list. You've just met the Christmas demon Krampus.
Who is Krampus? Originating from Austria's alpine region Krampus is one of the many evil Santa counterparts. December 5th is the night where Krampus reigns. He comes to visit all the naughty children. Some will be taken, others eaten, and many more will behave.
December 5th is known as Krampusnacht. For many people, this is a time for celebrations. Although Krampus may be a demon, he is still pals with jolly ol’ Saint Nick. People might attend Krampus-themed parties or run through town dressed in chains, masks, and cowbells to frighten unsuspecting residents.
Nonetheless, Krampus might be a terrifying demon who comes once a year to punish the naughty children. He is not the only one. There are many different evil Santa’s across European folklore. The next one is not a demon, but one that might be more terrifying than Krampus himself.
Belsnickel
You stand before a man with long, unkempt hair as dark as the winter night sky. His beard is greasy and smells of coal. His face darkened by the soot from the mines he came from. His clothes are worn, torn, and smelly. His hat is made from various animal skins, like deer and raccoons, with antlers perched upon top. He stands before you- quietly with a satchel full of tools to punish the naughty. Although you might think he is a miner or homeless. He’s a judge. Not the kind you find in the courts unless the courts are in the North Pole; the kind that judges to see if you’ve been good. You better hope that you have been good. If you have not- he knows. The judgment will be terrifying and painful.
This is Belsnickel. Unlike Krampus, He is not a demon, nor does he eat children, drag them to hell, or drown them like Krampus. Instead, he carries a pouch, bag, or satchel filled with tools to punish the misbehaving children. He comes from the cold December winter night without warning. No bells, no chains, no heaves in the snow. The only thing that indicates his presence is the soft taps on the windows of the children's bedrooms.
Belsnickel is not a vampire or a creature that requires permission to enter your home. He enjoys tormenting children. That is why he taps so that even the most head-strong naughty child will feel a chill down their spine.
Unlike Santa, Belsnickel does not come down the chimney. He breaks down your door and then gathers the child for their trial. He reads off a long list, going over every naughty and nice thing that the children have done that year. If the children have been good, they receive small gifts like cake and candy. However, if they have been bad- they get struck with his thick bundle of birch switches.
Belsnickel is not as extreme as Krampus. Many believe that he was one of the first Christmas folk legends that drew a distraction between behaving and misbehaving children.
Although, Krampus and Belsnickel are not the only malignant Santa's. They are some of the most prominent and most impactful. This Christmas and next make sure that you behave, or else maybe you will receive a visit from the Christmas demons.
Bibliography
https://www.claytoncountyregister.com/news2/the-belsnickel-a-pennsylvania-dutch-christmas tradition/927581/#gsc.tab=0
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-krampus germanys-scary-christmas-tradition
