The result is a terrifying amalgamation, featuring hooves, horns, hides, and lolling tongues. The costumes of Krampus worn at Krampuslaufs, a traditional Austrian procession, incorporate aspects of devils, goats, bats, bulls and more. The Krampus is depicted as a half-goat half-demon with a thick furry hide, long, twisted horns, cloven hooves, and a long tongue.īut there is no single depiction of Krampus – his appearance varies. What Does Krampus Look Like? A 1900s Greeting Card with the words ‘Greetings from Krampus!’.

Today, he is viewed as Santa Klaus’ opposite – while the bearded old man gives presents to the kids who’ve been good throughout the year, Krampus beats or sometimes even kidnaps kids who’ve been misbehaving. As far as we can tell, he has always been associated with pagan festivities around the Winter Solstice, today’s Christmas holiday season.Īs his worship moved from paganism into Christianity, Krampus began to be associated with Christmas Eve itself. He certainly comes from Central Europe, today’s Germany and Austria, and he is thousands of years old. Krampus’ exact origins aren’t perfectly understood yet and may never be. So, who exactly is this Christmas devil? Who is Krampus? Today, however, his mythology and cultural role are quite different.

Half-goat and half-demon, this terrifying being has mysterious origins that may come from several different ancient cultures and religions in Central Europe, including the ancient Norse/Germanic mythology. Krampus is a strange mythological being with rather unique looks and symbolism.

Importance of Krampus in Modern Culture.

Gerald brom krampus