Back to the front page
American History

These Details About Krampus, the Christmas Demon, would Make all Children Fear the Holidays

Krampus - Christmas Day

A St. Nicholas procession with Krampus, and other characters, c. 1910. Čeněk Zibrt/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain.

25. His Origins Pre-Date Christianity

Though often associated with the Christian (or pagan, whichever way you look at it) holiday of Christmas, Krampus has its origin in pre-Christian paganism. Some historians and folklorists see him as near-perfect preservation of the pagan horned god of the witches (later interpreted as Beelzebub or Satan).

Written by

Keep reading

Advertisement