At the beginning of December, in the valleys of South Tyrol and in some areas of Friuli bordering Austria, village streets fill with frightening figures. They have horns, shaggy furs, wooden masks with sharp teeth and cowbells that boom with every step. They are the Krampus, the devils who accompany Saint Nicholas on his visit to children. The tradition belongs to the German-speaking Alpine cultural area, and in Italy it is alive above all in the territories that share history and culture with that area.
Saint Nicholas and his retinue
Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop who lived in Asia Minor in the fourth century, is one of the most popular saints in Christendom. His relics were brought to Bari in 1087, and ever since the Apulian city has been one of the great centres of his cult. His fame as protector of children and generous giver gave rise, in various parts of Europe, to the tradition of presents brought on 6 December, his feast day.
In the German-speaking Alps Saint Nicholas does not come alone. He is accompanied by diabolical figures who represent the opposite of his goodness: if the saint rewards good children, the Krampus frighten and threaten those who have not been good.
What the Krampus look like
The Krampus's costume follows a recognisable model, though with many local variants.
- The mask, carved in wood, has demonic features: horns, often from a real animal, protruding teeth, a red tongue, fierce eyes. The finest masks are the work of specialist carvers.
- The costume is made of animal skins, goat or sheep, covering the whole body.
- The cowbells, tied at the waist, produce a din that announces the group's passing.
- Switches or whips made of twigs are used to threaten and, playfully, to strike.
- Chains are part of the gear in some areas.
The rite
On the evening of 5 December, the eve of the saint's feast, and on the days around it, the Krampus come out in groups. In many villages real parades take place, called in German Krampuslauf, the Krampus run.
The traditional structure includes some typical moments.
- The arrival of Saint Nicholas, dressed as a bishop with mitre and crozier, often accompanied by an angel.
- The house visit, during which the saint questions the children about their behaviour and hands out sweets, fruit and small gifts.
- The Krampus burst in, making noise, shaking their chains and frightening the little ones, though unable to harm them in the saint's presence.
- The run through the streets, in which the Krampus chase passers-by, especially young people, in a game of fear and excitement.
Where it is celebrated in Italy
In Italy the tradition is alive above all in two areas.
| Area | Features |
|---|---|
| South Tyrol | Parades in many villages and towns, organised groups, masks of high craft quality |
| Tarvisio and Val Canale | A tradition tied to the history of the area, long part of the Austrian world |
In some places the rite has kept a strong community character, with groups of local young people preparing their costumes all year round.
Origins
The origin of the Krampus is debated. Many scholars believe these figures have roots in pre-Christian winter rites of the Alpine area, with animal masks and noise meant to drive away dark forces in the darkest period of the year. Later they would have been integrated into the Christian calendar as the saint's diabolical retinue.
It is a plausible hypothesis, but it should be treated with caution: written documentation of the Krampus in their present form is relatively recent, and the relationship with any ancient rites cannot be reconstructed in every detail. What is certain is that demonic, noisy masks have accompanied the winter festivals of many Alpine regions for centuries.
The meaning
The Krampus is a complex figure who performs several functions.
- Educational. In family tradition he was used to encourage children to behave well.
- Symbolic. He represents the evil that exists alongside good, but is kept under control by the saint's presence.
- Communal. Preparing the masks and taking part in the parades strengthen the bonds among the village's young people.
- Seasonal. The din of cowbells in the December dark recalls the midwinter rites of passage.
In short
- The Krampus are diabolical figures who accompany Saint Nicholas on 5 and 6 December.
- In Italy the tradition is alive above all in South Tyrol and the Tarvisio area.
- They wear horned wooden masks, animal skins and cowbells.
- Saint Nicholas rewards good children; the Krampus frighten the naughty but cannot harm them.
- Many scholars suggest roots in pre-Christian winter rites, but the question remains open.
