A Christmas To Be Feared

Though relatively harmless enough in Hungary and Austria, in other European countries Santa’s helper goes by a different name and is an evil and horrible devil. He whips children, stuffs them into sacks, and on occasion, murders them.

This maniacal Santa helper is known by many different titles, from Krampus (which comes from the Old High German word meaning “claw”), to Zwarte Piet or Black Peter in the Netherlands, to Knecht Ruprecht or “Farmhand Ruprecht” in some German speaking lands. Sometimes he is a servant, sometimes a slave, and sometimes a helper to old Saint Nick. In many tales, St. Nicholas fought against evil and won, receiving help on Christmas as part of his spoils. Thus, in Croatia, Krampusz is adorned with chains around his neck, ankles and wrists; the devil slave.

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