Featured Competitor of the month!
December: Krampus!
Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmas time. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”
-Slappin asses!-
Krampus always has an open invitation to the December event: Seasons Beatings! Being an honorary member of the Kroger Cup Roster, He can show up at the yearly December event! Here's his Back story in case you live under a rock!
Krampus was thought to have been part of pagan rituals for the winter solstice. According to legend, he is the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld. With the spread of Christianity, Krampus became associated with Christmas—despite efforts by the Catholic church to ban him. The creature and St. Nicholas are said to arrive on the evening of December 5 (Krampusnacht; “Krampus Night”). While St. Nicholas rewards nice children by leaving presents, Krampus beats those who are naughty with branches and sticks. In some cases, he is said to eat them or take them to hell. On December 6, St. Nicholas Day, children awaken to find their gifts or nurse their injuries.
Krampus Parades!
Festivities involving Krampus include the Krampuslauf (“Krampus run”). In this activity, which often involves alcohol, people dressed as the creature parade through streets, scaring spectators and sometimes chasing them. Beginning in the late 20th century, amid efforts to preserve cultural heritage, Krampus runs became increasingly popular in Austria and Germany. During this time Krampus began to be celebrated internationally, and the monster’s growing appeal was evidenced by numerous horror films. Some claimed that the expanding popularity of Krampus was a reaction to the commercialization of Christmas.
Coal:
We were always taught if you didn’t get candy and gifts in your stocking, you’d get coal. And coal? That was most definitely a punishment. At least to modern kids, maybe. Back in the day, coal was useful. It provided a fuel source for the hearth fire…a fire that kept people ALIVE. SO if Krampus gives you coal on Krampusnacht, don’t take it as a punishment. Take it as a sign of LIFE you ingrateful little shit!
Please the Kramp:
If Santa Claus loves cookies and milk, what does Krampus like on his special night? It really depends on what you want to leave out, like leaving your shoes on the front doorstep. Filling one with candy and maybe placing a shot of schnapps or space beer in the other. Hopefully you’ve been a good girl or boy this year so that Krampus accepts your offering and passes your household by!