In Austria, the figure most closely associated with the traditional, red-robed Saint Nicholas who brings small gifts on December 6th is called Nikolaus (or colloquially, Nikolo).
Krampuses walk through the streets of Salzburg, Austria, as the flares burn. Krampus serves as the counterpart to St. Nicholas during the holiday season.
Santa Claus in Austria is called Saint Nikolaus (Heiliger Nikolaus) or just Nikolaus. In Austria, he has nothing to do with actual Christmas. He comes on December 6th to bring small presents. And while Nikolaus is about spreading joy, his companion Krampus is about keeping kids in check.
Traditionally, the Christkind is an ethereal-looking being with blond hair and angel's wings — the incarnation of Jesus as an infant. Like Santa, the Christkind is not to be seen by curious children but, instead, leaves their presents secretly with only the sound of a small bell to announce his departure.
🇦🇹 In Austria, Saint Nicholas is traditionally accompanied by Krampus, a demonic figure on an event called Krampusnacht, as part of Christmas festivities.
Meet Krampus - Austria's terrifying companion to Santa Claus.
What is a Krampus in Austria?
In Alpine tradition, Krampus is a devil-like creature who accompanies Saint Nicholas on 6 December. In contrast to St. Nick's gift bearers, Krampus comes along with chains and a switch, looking for those children who weren't as good as they ought to have been in the past year.
In the 1950s, the Government of Austria distributed pamphlets titled "Krampus Is an Evil Man" for fear that encounters with Krampus might damage children's mental health. Towards the end of the century, a popular resurgence of Krampus celebrations occurred and continues today.
It was most likely the medieval German tradition of Christmas plays, with an Angel of the Annunciation as the main character, which gave the Christmas Angel its earthly appearance. As angels of all sorts began to be depicted as female and not only male, the Christkind also took on a feminine appearance.
The term “Belsnickeling” comes from Belsnickel, a companion figure to Santa Claus in German folklore. Think of Belsnickel as the stern equivalent to the jolly Saint Nick. Belsnickel traditionally dressed in furs (or sometimes rags, depending on the area) and carried a switch (a small wooden whip).
🎁 In Austria, we celebrate Wichteln - a charming twist on Secret Santa! This festive tradition involves drawing names to determine who gifts whom, with the giver's identity kept secret until the big reveal. Typically, there's a set price limit for gifts, highlighting the joy of giving over the cost.
In Iceland, they are about trolls or half-trolls. We have thirteen brothers, also known as the Yule Lads or jólasveinarnir, who visit children, one at a time, every night from the 12th to the 24th of December. Read moreWe're Now a Travelife Partner! And much like Santa Claus, the Yule Lads know who's been bad or good!
People might see a certain resemblance between the Belsnickel and that other Germanic folklore figure, the Krampus. But the Krampus is more of a pagan, demonic creature with horns and long claws, While the Belsnickel is decidedly human. (If he's wearing horns or antlers, it's because they're attached to his hat.)
Nicholas. The tradition began back in the Middle Ages as a Krampuslauf, or Krampus run, where people would dress up in his likeness and chase children down the street in a menacing way, threatening to beat them for not behaving.
The traditional Perchtenlauf in Tyrol is aimed at banishing winter and evil winter spirits. Every year in December awesome shapes walk across Tyrol and try to banish winter and its evil spirits. The so-called Perchten are similar to devils and their name probably derives from the legend figure "Perchta".
Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. Since then, and still today, she is the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States.
Mrs. Claus, (also known as Mrs. Santa Claus, Mrs. Santa, Mother Christmas, Mrs. Christmas, Mary Claus or Mary Christmas) is the wife of Santa Claus, the Christmas gift-bringer in Western Christmas tradition.
These countries don't celebrate Christmas: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Comoros, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, ...
Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.
The Krampus tradition remains alive in many rural areas of Austria. Celebrations begin on 5 December, the eve of St. Nicholas Day. One of the most authentic Krampus runs take place in the Gastein Valley, where around 100 groups, or Passen, participate.
Goose for Christmas Day has long been a tradition in Austria (as has carp on Christmas Eve). It is usually served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. The goose dishes start appearing in homes and restaurants around the country as early as November that's because of the fast.
On the night of December 5th, German kids leave their shoes outside the door, as Saint Nicholas and his helper Knecht Ruprecht comes on that night....if the children have been good, Saint Nicholas will leave sweets, fruits, nuts and small toys in their shoes....if they have been naughty, Knecht Ruprecht will leave ...
