The seasonal celebration we all enjoy is fast approaching, Krampusnatch.
Check out more cool photos from The Altantic in the link below.
I also learned that there will be a Krampus celebration in DC this year for those in the area. December 5th.
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/....../100639/

Thanks for the share, Intrepid!

Bob, some pretty incredible images, enjoyed seeing them very much.

Many thanks,
Kotah

Now that's my kind of Christmas!

I grew up not with Santa Clause but with "Knecht Ruprecht" who would bring the presents.
He is doing the work for the St. Nikolaus but comes out of Hell.

These are probably remnants older Traditions predating christian Religion. The "Perchten" and also "Krampus"
might belong to the "wild hunt" which is also still known here in northern Germany.

All in all we still have a quite spooky Knecht Ruprecht in my family who brings my Kids the presents on 24.12. in the evening.
The strange mixture of Joy and Fear is what I remember best and I hope my kids enjoy it too.

Some great pics, love the chariot I want one.

Certainly adds a new spin to, "He's making a list, He's checking it twice". Beautiful costumes for a bit of dark fun. Thanks for the link.

For those in S.California - there's a great group here that put on a number of festivities; http://krampuslosangeles.com/20014-krampusfest-events/

Link to the coolest Krampus masks around. All hand carved out of wood. Unfortunately it's all in German, but the pictures speak for themselves.
http://www.miguelwalch.com/index.php

Some stunning work. I sent out Krampus cards last year to friends and family I wouldn't be seeing over the holidays. Received the mixed bag of reactions I expected. It's an easy test for figuring out who's been truly naughty (at least in terms of education / cultural exposure).

My wife is going to a small medieval German town soon. When I showed her Krampusnatch (also known by other names), she now wants to look for all things Krampus, especially a mask, ha! She's a keeper.
Apparently, he runs around the streets scaring kids on Dec 5th when she will be there, I will get her to take pictures

Tzaddi, I was thinking of buying the Christmas cards off amazon, they are awesome, could only imagine the reactions of some. You are very right about culture and exposure.

Thanks Intrepid for the thread!

If you like this Krampus stuff, also look at Perchten

Nice, I'll have to start a Count Down to Perchtenlauf when we get close to January 6.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Chris......aditions

Another very good mask-carver:

http://www.stillerer.de/index.php

Has anyone ever thrown a Krampus party? I mean a real one for fun for a family and friends gathering

Aside: reminds me of Wendigos

How did I miss this!?

Alas, I am too late this year. I wonder why the Europeans have settled on celebrating this on December 6th as opposed to the 25th?

Here's to a new tradition!

I'm throwing a Krampus party next year, and you're all invited.

Gruß vom Krampus

K

I went to the krampus lecture in
LA. Very interesting. Followed it
Up with an evening of krampus plays
Translated into a cheery Dr Suess style.
To my knowledge it was thirst time these
Plays had been performed in the US.
Costumes were the real deal and a group from
Germany was also present
In full garb.
There was voice distortion on the krampus,
Satan showed up to present an argument
For hauling off a family of children. It was
Surprisingly well done and quite entertaining.

A 1930's German "gingerbread and whip" film about
How to raise well behaved youngsters preceded
the play.

Would be a great theme for a holiday party, however Dec. 5th, Krampusnatch, is my wifes birthday and she wouldn't appreciate the association.

Krampus LA - http://krampuslosangeles.com is a great / very creative group with a number of activities/parties in and around LA.
Family on father's side is Austrian and I believe I knew about Krampus even before 'Saint Nick'.