It never ceases to amaze me what you can learn on the Internet! The postcards below represent the KRAMPUS a cultural icon from Austria and Germany associated with Christmas.
Gruss vom Krampus!
Greetings from the Krampus!
Gruss vom Krampus!
Greetings from the Krampus!
Dig into Christmas traditions outside the United States and you’re likely to find Santa Claus’ dark side. Artist Cameron Jamie did, traveling to the Bad Gastein Valley near Salzburg, Austria, to shoot footage of an annual ritual that occurs every December 5: roving bands of demon-like characters take to the streets to terrorize children, accost women, and wreak general havoc on the village.
The following day, the feast of St. Nicholas (who appears accompanied by a basket bearer and an angel), is decidedly less creepy. Some say the Krampus is the evil alter-ego of Santa Claus, others that Santa and the Krampus are one in the same, but one thing is clear, the creature is a throwback to the pagan rituals of the pre-Christian era.
Go over to The French Factrice for a wonderful post about mailboxes in Taiwan and other posts by other participants.
21 comments:
Now THAT is scary. I think I'd be good if I were a kid hearing this story!
It almost looks more suitable for Halloween than Christmas. I've never heard anything about it before at all.
This is interesting one, I've never seen this before.
It is scary beautiful.
You Got a Posty
All Little Things I Like
I wouldn't dare to be a bad little girl! Wonderful, fun, interesting, colorful post! Happy PFF
They sure knew how to keep kids in line in those days!
Evelyn in Montreal
I don't remember reading about Krampus when I was younger, but it seems like this is the third or fourth time I've seen a mention of him this holiday season. He must really be resonating.
Great post!
Those tongues are the scariest things I have seen in a long time.
Ugh - the Krampus is scary, esp. the tongue.
I wonder why that custom never caught on here. Maybe the German immigrants were glad to forget about it.
How frightening!
Yikes! remind to stay in doors that night!!!
Eeeek! I think I'll stick with jolly old St. Nick.
This is just fascinating! A litte lump of coal in your stocking is nothing compared to a visit from Krampus! Love your Christmassy blog look Mary!
EWWW! Would definitely like to get one of these postcards!
I came over from Marie's blog, and noticed that you mentioned something about Taiwan that indicates that you are there now? Did I get that correctly? I was there way back when (1974-1975)... My day was in the Air Force and my brother was born there during that time.
I will be back to read more, but now have to head off to work :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
That is one scary demon. I would have been terrified as a small child if that guy came a-visiting.
Hi Mary,
Those are very scary looking postcards. Very bright colors on them too. I think I like the traditional Santa. Have a great weekend!
Sherrie
A View of My Life
The lower left of the four grouped together is my favorite - for the design of the card. Very strong image with the use of design elements that are eye catching.
Krampus is one scary creepy dude. But I love it! (look at my blog, you may understand why). Thanks for sharing! :)
This is a new one for me. I love Krampus- scary, but kind of fun & wild, as well. Happy PFF
Well it would certainly inspire one to be good wouldn't it. Love your post, what a lot of info you have found.
I had never heard of Krampus. Great cards. Happy PFF.
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