What is the name of the bad Santa in Germany?

Meet Krampus, the Christmas Devil Who Punishes Naughty Children. The Alpine legend is the original bad Santa.

What is Krampus Germany?

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

Is there a bad Santa in Germany?

The ancient goat-demon from Germany has become more and more popular in recent years.

Is Krampus real?

But although St. Nicholas existed, Krampus appears to be entirely fictional. Aside from a single “sighting” on a paranormal news website, there’s no evidence that he’s ever existed in the real world, even as a historical figure on which the legend was loosely based.

Who was the original Bad Santa in Austria?

The Alpine legend is the original bad Santa. Every year in early December, children in Austria get ready for St. Nicholas to visit them. If they’ve been good, he’ll reward them with presents and treats. But if they’ve been bad, they’ll get a lot more than a lump of coal—they’ll have to face Krampus. Who’s Krampus, you ask?

What are the names of the German Father Christmas?

First, there are several names used for the German Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Four main names (Weihnachtsmann, Nickel, Klaus, Niglo) are spread out from the north to the south, from west to east. But don’t confuse Christmas and Christmas Eve (Santa) with Nicholas Day.

What was the name of Saint Nicholas in Germany?

Saint Nicholas. In some regions, there are other names for both Nikolaus and Krampus ( Knecht Ruprecht in northern Germany). As early as 1555, St. Nicholas brought gifts on Dec. 6, the only “Christmas” gift-giving time during the Middle Ages, and Knecht Ruprecht or Krampus was a more ominous figure.

What are the different names of Santa Claus?

But he was not Santa Claus, and he arrived earlier – on the 6th of December. His usual, less friendly escort went by different names in different places: “Belsnickle,” “Niglo,” “Pelznickel,” and others. Santa Claus or Father Christmas is a more recent tradition.