Rapid Review: The Krampus (non-fiction)

From 2016, Al Ridenour’s beautiful and absorbing book: The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil, is the perfect companion to your evening by the fire during that nasty snowstorm. Wait….is that the wind you hear howling outside or……

I always love to pull this book out this time of year. It’s an extremely fascinating look at Krampus and all the various incarnations, festivals and lore.

 From its roots in Germany and Austria to its recent resurgence in America and beyond, Krampus and Krampusnacht have woven their way into the fabric of the holidays. Considered the “dark half” of the Santa Claus legend, Krampus supposedly grabbed up naughty children—in contrast to Saint Nicholas showering children with gifts. Forget coal! In old world lore, Krampus would just disembowel bad kids. Yikes! 

 Chapters include everything from the traditional look of Krampus (suits and masks) to where he came from and how he relates to St. Nick and other Christmasy types, to descriptions and folklore of many other Yuletide and winter ghosts, devils, and monsters of olde. 

 Exhaustively well researched by someone with an obvious love of the Krampus legend, this book has tons of exceptional photos and drawings as well. Parade and festival pictures abound from all over the world, showing masks and Krampus outfits-detailing how seriously this is all taken, particularly in Germany/Austria. It even includes maps of significant towns and landmarks. 

 Anyone interested in folklore and in particular DARK lore should definitely check this book out and make it part of your holiday reading.