Christmas Demon
The word comes from the Old German Krampus "Krampen" meaning claw. In Europe it is known by many names, such as Knecht Ruprecht, Klaubauf, Pelzebock, and common Schmutzli Krampus.
This daemon appears on the afternoon of May or December 6, prowling the streets for two weeks by ringing bells and rusty chains that used to scare you with their presence. Its appearance is represented by an incubus-like creature, with a devilish face accompanied by a long red tongue, with horns on their foreheads and look sickly. His body is covered by a dark, dense fur, his paws are similar to those of a faun. In many images is illustrated with a basket on his back, which leads to bad children then take them to hell.
In other cultures the Krampus is also represented by an old man with gray hair and beard, his appearance is that of a hermit, with disheveled hair, but more reminiscent of the St. Nicholas rewards good children.
Pagan Origin
The existence of this creature was a common belief in the Alpine villages, especially the lands of Austria and Hungary. Its antiquity can be traced up to ten thousand years ago, long before the birth of Jesus Christ.
The nineteenth-century German influence spread the myth of Krampus in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and even went to northern Italy. Nordic Roots of Europe fostered the tradition of Krampus. In medieval Europe the holidays were closer to Halloween "Halloween" because farmers demon disguised Christmas to go to order drinks and food.
The Catholic religion condemned and exiled this legend as a demon pagan, however late twentieth century costume parties and social events revived the essence of Krampus through shows where people have fun impersonating him and scaring people in fun horseback riding.
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