A Raucous Christmas: Winter Traditions in Austria

Rich in Culture and History. While Nikolo is clearly based on a Christian role model, St. Nicholas of Myra, the roots of the Krampus figure are somewhat of a mystery. It seems that the ancient Celts already tried to confront winter with horns, grimaces and furs - much like the Perchten, figures which are supposed to chase winter away. Even the Greeks had mythical creatures with horns and goat feet, such as the Satyrs of the Dionysus Cult. Horst Wierer, the expert on local traditions and archivist in the town of Hofgastein, traces the first written mention of a Krampus to the church treacher Augustinus around 400 AD. He writes that, around the time of Epiphany, young people marched through the streets, making a ruckus and wearing furs. Augustinus was very much for abolishing this heathen custom.

Lively Krampus Tradition. Instead, in many of Austria’s rural regions, the Krampus tradition is still very much alive. The Krampus usually appears on December 5, the day before Nikolaus Day. One of the most traditional forms of the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run) can be found in the Gastein Valley. Each of the Krampuses of the roughly 100 Krampus Groups, also called Passen, wears a traditional stone pine mask. Horns and furs stem from male goats and ibex of the local farmers. As usual, the furry creatures are walking in the company of Nikolo. Although in the Gastein Valley, the Krampus does not represent evil, it is supposed to chase it away. The rough companions try to wrestle each other down using only their shoulders, a practice called “Rempeln,” and symbolizes triumph over evil.

Who is afraid of the „Wilden Jagd“? The Rauhnächte have been regarded as an especially dangerous and ominous time. This stems from the old Germanic mythology where the “Wilde Jagd,” was active during this period of time: a whole host of demons flying through the night skies and sowing disaster wherever they went. In many regions of Austria, people are still hesitant to hang laundry to dry between Christmas and New Year because the “Wilde Jagd” could get caught up in it.

Another figure that is widely feared is the „Habergoaß“, a goat-like demon who is represented during the Perchten runs in SalzburgerLand by a figure with a large bucket on its back. It is said that the horned creature uses it to kidnap little children.

Branches for Luck. The time around Christmas is not only a time of fear, of course. There are also a number of beautiful heathen traditions: The mistletoe is a basic ingredient for magic brews not only in the famous Asterix comic strips. In Germanic mythology, it was a symbol of luck. 

This is why they are suspended from door frames during the Christmas season. Kissing under the mistletoe is said to bring luck for a happy future together.

Blossoming Branches. On December 4th, the day of Saint Barbara, branches from fruit trees are cut and placed in a vase. If all branches bloom on Christmas Eve, it is said to foretell many blessings for the New Year.