The Tale of Krampus has been a story told from 1896 to children who misbehaved and were naughty. Basically, Krampus is Santa Claus’s sidekick, who deals with the kids on the naughty list.
Krampus is described to be a half-goat, half demon horned creature. Of course, it is because he is supposed to scare the kids. It is told, according to folklore, that Krampus carries chains because he is under the order of St. Nick.
Krampus originated from Vienna then traveled to other countries, like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia. It is considered a folktale that was passed down from grandparents to parents, and so on. It is still around today in European countries. People even have a festival and dress up as Krampus.
The story is told that Krampus punishes children who misbehaved, and Santa rewards the children that were good. Even though the story has changed, his physical characteristics stood the same.
Krampus is described to be hairy and brown or black. He has horns like a goat, fangs, hooves, and a tongue that rolls out. The idea of Christmas has always been cheery, bright, and filled with joy.
I remember the story of Santa coming to town and wondering if I would be on the naughty or nice list. My parents would write ‘From: Santa’ on some of the gifts put under the tree. I heard about Krampus from my uncle and it changed my view on what Christmas was.
It was one of those stories that scared the living daylights out of kids. The story wasn’t you’ll get coal if you don’t behave, but you’ll get eaten if you don’t.
Krampus was like the boogeyman of Christmas. When you’re sleeping he’ll come and punish you if you don’t behave, or if you don’t clean your room. From what I was told, Krampus’ job is to bring what you deserve.
Basically, if you’re mean, if you yell in public, or if you even try and take someone else’s toy, Krampus will come for you. I mean when you’re five, six, or even seven this is a nightmare that will stay with you during the holidays.
It would make any kid behave, and clean when their mom told them to. Krampus was worse than the boogeyman or the shadows on the wall.
He was a “real” monster who would eat you. I just think parents take it too far with the whole “he will eat you” thing. They’re only children and when they’re that young it’ll scare them until they get older and find out Santa and Krampus isn’t real.
It is a time where children are scared for their lives based on the stories told by their parents. It is something to take into consideration about the mental health of your child.
You can traumatize your kids or your siblings by telling them the story of Krampus. If you tell them about Krampus make sure to tell them how to keep Krampus away. It is a way to scare not torment your kids into getting them to behave.
Priscilla Vargas
Opinions Columnist
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