Alexander's

Being a Christian country Austria has some very nice traditions in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Notably baking (and eating) cookies, getting together with friends and families, enjoying warm spiced wine and lighting candles everywhere. So generally it is supposed to be a time of peace, quiet and inner reflection.

But of course we all have our inner demons and too much quiet time gets boring fast. Also the kids have to learn that if they are too defiant hell will open up and demons will come forth. These demons rip naughty children to shreds, eat them alive or kidnap and later slowly roast them over the fires of hell.[^1]

And exactly that is the Krampus' job. Contrary to the German "Knecht Ruprecht" -- who is a sad, lonely and weak demon held under control by the saint Nikolaus -- our Krampi hunt in packs and there is no saint holding them back.

The only warning one usually gets is the ringing of their big bells, the jingle of their chains or the terrified screams of the little children they already caught.

In some areas they flog the naughty children with hazelnut rods or their long horsetail whips. In my home town it's customary for the brave children to try and ring the big bells on the Krampus' back when he is not looking.

Getting caught after ringing a their bells will end in bruises -- not getting caught will earn you eternal fame amongst your friends. So it really is a fair trade.

Even if you do not dare to venture close, looking one of these demons directly in the eye is an experience I can only recommend to everyone.[^2] It will most likely put the fear of God into you and the gentle saint Nikolaus, who comes on the next day and brings presents to the nice children that were spared, will be all the sweeter for it.

[^1]: We still believe in the concept of "Zuckerbrot und Peitsche" (飴と鞭 for all you Kanji guys) [^2]: If you did not have the chance to do it in person, you can look at some photos of the Krampus on my Flickr page.