Everyone needs a side-kick, and Saint Nicklaus is no exception. We’re not talking about cutesy elves and glow-in-the-dark reindeer, but the Krampus, an anthropomorphic, demonic goat-horned creature of European folklore. Santa knows when you’ve been good and bad, and so does Krampus. Santa just ignores the naughty kids. Krampus beats them to a pulp with a rusty chain and sticks, shoves them in a basket on his back and tosses the ungrateful kinder into a freezing river. The 19th-century invention of Christmas cards saw an explosion of images of Krampus sent around the world. These are from Austria and Hungary.
Saint Nicholas’s Day. The Krampus (incubus in company of Saint Nicholas). Illustration, Hungary, vers 1920.
Saint Nicholas’s Day. The Krampus (incubus in company of Saint Nicholas) abducts the bad children in his basket. Engraving, Hungary, 1907.
Saint Nicholas’s Day. The Krampus (incubus in company of Saint Nicholas). Illustration, Hungary, c. 1904
Krampus, an incubus figure in company of Santa Claus or St Nicholas who warns and if necessary punishes naughty children at Christmas. Postcard, Austria, 1919
Krampus, an incubus figure in company of Santa Claus or St Nicholas who warns and if necessary punishes naughty children at Christmas. Postcard, Hungary, ca 1900.
Krampus, an incubus figure in company of Santa Claus or St Nicholas who warns and if necessary punishes naughty children at Christmas. Photographic postcard, Hungary, 1910
Krampus (Devil, Père Fouettard, Knecht Ruprecht, traditionally evil companion of Santa Claus) taking naughty children, postcard for feast of St Nicholas, Hungary, early 20th century
Krampus (Père Fouettard, Knecht Ruprecht, devil, traditionally evil companion of Santa Claus) weighing hearts, postcard, Hungary, early 20th century
Udvözlet a Krampustöl, Greetings from the Krampus (Père Fouettard, Knecht Ruprecht, devil, traditionally evil companion of Santa Claus), postcard for feast of St Nicholas (Santa Claus), Hungary, early 20th century
Krampus or Pere Fouettard (Knecht Ruprecht) flourishing a child at the end of his pitchfork. Postcard, Hungary 1906
Via: Rusty Shackleford, Rene Walter, Monte Beauchamp
Would you like to support Flashbak?
Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.
