Nikolaus and Krampus

Happy Sankt Nikolaus Day!

I've learned how the Austrians celebrate Christmas, from the Advent Markets to the Krampus Laufs. For the Austrian children, Nikolaus comes on Dec. 6th. He has a book that records if children have been good or bad this year, and he gives them small gifts like candy for good things they have done. Unfortunately, he has a companion called Krampus who gives coal to bad children and beats them. Many young men dress up as Krampus on Dec. 5th and there are Krampus Laufs- Krampus Runs- through the town. My friend Julia told me that for instance a soccer team will be a Krampus group and work on their masks and smoke bomb things all year. They wear goat hair and elaborate masks with huge horns and have fire and sticks that they beat people's legs with. Even though I went into the Aldstadt yesterday deliberately to see them, I missed the KrampusLauf because I was in class, and I didn't see any Krapmuses. However, they are quite frightening, and all the Austrian girls I know don't like them and won't go into town when they are around. Apparently after the parade the Krampus groups get drunk and hurt people when they hit, especially girls they know. I'm not sure I like this tradition, but the kids run away from the Krampus, and they state is trying to control the Krampus to keep anyone from getting hurt.

Since Nikolaus comes on Dec. 6th, on Dec. 24 the families celebrate the Christkind, or Christ-child. They also don't set up the Christmas tree until Dec. 24, and it is part of the gift, so the kids don't see it until it is up and decorated. Also, some of the people here still use real candles on the tree, but they say it is totally safe since the trees are so fresh.

So, this is Christmas in Austria!
Liz