post #434557 post #2516950

Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure in Alpine folklore who during the Christmas season, scares children who have misbehaved, assisting to Saint Nicholas (the first of three good December men; other two are Santa Claus and Ded Moroz), who rewards the well-behaved on 5 December at night with modest gifts (oranges, dried fruit, walnuts and chocolate) and bad ones with birch rod only.

The origin of the figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated it as having pre-Christian origins. In traditional parades and in such events as the Krampuslauf (English: Krampus run), young men dressed as Krampus participate. Such events occur annually in most Alpine towns. Krampus is featured on holiday greeting cards called Krampuskarten.

Since 2013, the character has become better known globally, having been portrayed in Hollywood horror films. Almost unknown before this time, Krampus has begun to become part of American popular culture.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus