Zagone Studios Krampus Adult Mask

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The tradition has become an important one in many countries and has come to include expensive handmade masks, elaborate costumes, and even parades. Though some complain that the celebration is becoming too commercialized, many aspects of the old festival endure.

In Austria in 1923, Krampus and all Krampusnacht activities were banned by the Fascist Christian Social Party. Their motives were a little murky. Though they agreed that Krampus was a force for evil, there seems to have been some confusion about whether that was because of his clear ties to the Christian Devil or his less-clear ties to the Social Democrats. It’s always remarkable when ancient traditions make it to the present — but Krampus has had an especially rough fight for survival. One of Krampus' gingerbread henchmen named " Lumpy" was voiced by Seth Green who is best known for his portrayal as Scott Evil of Austin Powers fame and Chris Griffin of the Family Guy franchise.

It started with the wind, on a cold Winter night, much like this. It was almost Christmas, but this Christmas was darker, less cheerful. But I still believed in Santa, in magic and miracles, and the hope that we could find joy again. But our village had given up on miracles, and on each other. They had forgotten the spirit of Christmas, the sacrifice of giving, and my family was no different. I tried to help them to believe again, but we were no longer the loving family I remembered. They too had given up. And eventually, so did I. And for the first time, I didn't wish for a miracle. I wished for them to go away. A wish I would come to regret. And that night, in the darkness of a howling blizzard... I got my wish. I knew Saint Nicholas was not coming this year. Instead, it was a much darker, more ancient spirit. The shadow of Saint Nicholas. It was... Krampus. And as he had for thousands of years, Krampus came not to reward, but to punish, not to give, but to take. He, and his helpers. I could only listen as they dragged my family into the underworld, knowing that I would be next. But Krampus did not take me that night. He left me, as a reminder of what happens when hope is lost, when belief is forgotten, and the Christmas spirit...dies. But most people believe that Krampus originally hails from the Alpine region’s pagan past. His name comes from the German word krampen, which means “claw,” and he bears a striking resemblance to the old Norse legends about the son of Hel, the god of the underworld. Wikimedia Commons In Central Europe, Krampus cards are often exchanged during the early days of December. A clatter of cowbells stirred somewhere in the distance. Three kids next to us gasped, scattering to a wooden fence lining the snow-stomped path. They scuttled onto the bottom rail straining to peer into towering shrouds of timber.

Each blow sent a stinging reminder to remain on the favorable side of St. Nicholas during the Christmas season. The message was duly noted.A half-goat demon said to be the son of the Norse god of the underworld, Krampus punishes naughty children at Christmastime — and drags some to hell. Fantastic , just what I needed to go with my Grinch costume , superb Fur colour match and the hands are just how flexible I want them.

We don’t know exactly who Krampus is, just that he is an enigma likely stemming from older pagan times. Scholars have made connections between the Christmas Devil and other ancient pagan fertility gods like Pan, Cernunnos, Faunus and Bacchus. Author Judika Illes takes note of Krampusnacht being celebrated on the same day as an ancient Roman festival called Faunalia. Faunalia was celebrated in Rome around December 5th in honor of the fertility god Faunus. And, what do you know, Faunus is the Roman equivalent to the Greek fertility god Pan. Both of whom manifest as half-man half-goat with cloven hooves, fur and horns. Just like our boy here.

As the carving takes shape, it’s meticulously refined. Every curve, every furrow, needs the right touch of menace. However, mask making isn’t all about aesthetics; it’s also about balance. A mask too heavy loses its nimbleness, too thin, and the essence is lost. The carver must achieve a harmonious meeting of wood and spirit. Krampus Night or “Krampusnacht” traditionally occurs on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day. However, Krampus events in South Tyrol run from late November through early December. The dates of Krampus Runs can vary from year to year so be sure to confirm the event before arriving. Whether you’re a fan of all things scary or not, participating in a night of Krampus debauchery is a must when visiting South Tyrol during the merriest time of year. The charm of its famous Christmas markets would not be the same without them. A Brief History of Krampus A vintage Krampus print from the 1900s. I first heard about Krampus during a Europe Christmas market visit but wasn’t there on the right day and I’ve been curious ever since. I don’t like the whole scaring the crap of children on purpose part, but, still, I want to have both of your experiences! The woods and city square both sounded incredible. Great tip about the dark clothes This is one of the oldest and biggest museums in the Oberpfalz region and is housed in the Alte Schloss and the late Gothic watchtower.