Images of Krampus—Saint Nick’s Dark Companion (18 photos)
Tales of Saint Nicholas might feature him bringing gifts to good boys and girls, but ancient folklore in Europe’s Alpine region also speaks of Krampus, a frightening demonlike creature who emerges during the Yule season, looking for naughty children to punish in horrible ways—or possibly to drag back to his lair in a sack. In the dark winter months, Krampus associations in villages hold parades, playfully frightening onlookers on Krampusnacht by chasing them and hitting them with sticks during a run through the streets. To receive an email notification every time new photo stories are published, sign up here. A person dressed as a frightening demonlike Perchten figure performs before a crowd in the town of Trebesing, Austria. ( Kurt Kracher / ImageBroker / Getty)
Tales of Saint Nicholas might feature him bringing gifts to good boys and girls, but ancient folklore in Europe’s Alpine region also speaks of Krampus, a frightening demonlike creature who emerges during the Yule season, looking for naughty children to punish in horrible ways—or possibly to drag back to his lair in a sack. In the dark winter months, Krampus associations in villages hold parades, playfully frightening onlookers on Krampusnacht by chasing them and hitting them with sticks during a run through the streets.
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