Krampus Night

Last weekend in a traditional Austrian Krampus Night, which occurs mainly in Austria, although the tradition common to all European peoples pertaining to Central Europe and the Alps.

It is in the local folklore and the image of being born by the name of Krampus, terrible and evil. He has huge horns and body covered with hair. Starting with the XVII-th century, Krampus goes home with Saint Nicholas. In contrast to the saint, in the Christmas season, Krampus does not give gifts to children, but rather punishes them. A very naughty, monster hides in his bag and takes to his cave. In the first half of the last century, in Austria change into Krampus was illegal. Only in the second half of the twentieth-century tradition returned. Young people wore costumes and frightened children in the streets, so that they were more obedient. As a rule, the emergence of Krampus last first week of December. Your attention the photos made in the Austrian Tyrol, Salzburg and Neustift.