Tonight is "Krampusnacht" or Krampus Night.
It is the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas when the Krampus - wicked, hairy beasts - come around for the naughty children; whereas, Good St. Nick comes for the good.
Around 5:30pm (sunset is currently at 4:07pm), we heard bells rattling outside -- we peered outside to see several Krampus walking down the street. I turned our back light on, which drew their attention, and they made a few motions over our fence and then continued on as other children stood looking out their windows.
We had a more direct run in with the Krampus last weekend when we stopped by an Advent Market. We know that at the Kartause's Advent Market the Krampus come out at a set time (after dark) for a performance. But it was 4pm when we stopped by this Market, so we weren't expecting any Krampus. We saw people starting what we thought was a bonfire to warm everyone - when the next thing we knew 10 Krampus ran out as music started blaring. It was quite the sight. The kids started crying and Brian carried them away. I stayed to watch a bit - and was surprised to see how many children and elderly people in wheelchairs watched with excitement. I suppose it's an event they're used to seeing every year.
It is the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas when the Krampus - wicked, hairy beasts - come around for the naughty children; whereas, Good St. Nick comes for the good.
Around 5:30pm (sunset is currently at 4:07pm), we heard bells rattling outside -- we peered outside to see several Krampus walking down the street. I turned our back light on, which drew their attention, and they made a few motions over our fence and then continued on as other children stood looking out their windows.
We had a more direct run in with the Krampus last weekend when we stopped by an Advent Market. We know that at the Kartause's Advent Market the Krampus come out at a set time (after dark) for a performance. But it was 4pm when we stopped by this Market, so we weren't expecting any Krampus. We saw people starting what we thought was a bonfire to warm everyone - when the next thing we knew 10 Krampus ran out as music started blaring. It was quite the sight. The kids started crying and Brian carried them away. I stayed to watch a bit - and was surprised to see how many children and elderly people in wheelchairs watched with excitement. I suppose it's an event they're used to seeing every year.
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We're definitely more of the St. Nicholas crowd! This evening, we watched Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa (which is available on YouTube).
Tomorrow at Kindergarten, Ellie will celebrate "Nikolausfest." She's been practicing her St. Nicholas song - in German - for days. She doesn't know it yet, but St. Nicholas will be making a visit to the school!
We have our own treats - including gingerbread men we made this weekend - ready to hand out.
And our shoes are out and ready for a visit from St. Nicholas tonight.
After putting out her shoes, Ellie did confirm that "those silly, old, pretend Krampus can't get inside, right?" That's right - definitely not in our house :)
Have a great Feast Day!
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Happy St Nicholas Day, my love to you all. I'm sure you all behave and won't have those krampus' fake or otherwise stopping by. I hope they leave now, or do they hang around til Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThey'll still make appearances at Advent Markets & on the eve of the Winter Solstice, but those are generally set "events" - so we don't have to worry about them prowling about our neighbor anymore :)
Delete*neighborhood, that is!
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