Hello and welcome back to all Hive friends. This time I will present to you who is coming again. Is it a demon, devil, or something else? Well, it is Krampus and this creature is known in countries near the Alps. countries. Let's take a look into this...
Krampus is a mythical creature originating from Alpine folklore, particularly prevalent in Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, and parts of Italy. Often depicted as a horned, anthropomorphic figure with hooves and a long, pointed tongue, Krampus is a counterpart to St. Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved children on December 6th, known as St. Nicholas Day. For those who don't know Saint Nicholas, he is the predecessor of Santa Claus. So the original Santa ;)
In contrast to St. Nicholas, Krampus is the punisher of misbehaving children. He is commonly portrayed as a terrifying being, wielding chains and bells to warn of his approach. He is said to snatch up naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his lair, where he either eats them, puts them to work, or even takes them to Hell, depending on the legend.
The legend of Krampus dates back centuries, with roots in pre-Christian pagan traditions. It is believed that Krampus represents the dark, primal forces of winter and the chaos that comes with it, contrasting with the benevolent figure of St. Nicholas. In some regions, Krampus is also seen as a symbol of the struggle between good and evil, with his menacing presence serving as a reminder to children to behave and obey societal norms.
Krampus is often celebrated during the Christmas season with parades and festivals known as "Krampusnacht" (Krampus Night), typically held on December 5th. During these events, people dress up as Krampus, wearing elaborate costumes and masks, and roam the streets, frightening spectators and occasionally chasing after mischievous bystanders. These celebrations serve as a way to ward off evil spirits and embrace the darker aspects of the holiday season.
I can still remember the fear of this guy when I was a child. However when you see it in the photographs it can be easily understood why that fear. Hell, I would jump even today if I saw it in the dark.
