Krampus is coming to town

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This article was published 12/11/2016 (3593 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If Santa is the carrot that says to kids, “Get into bed early and good things will come,” then Krampus is the stick that says: “or else…!”

Winnipeggers, the well-behaved and otherwise, will be introduced to Krampus at this year’s Santa Claus Parade. Local artist and self-described “champion of all things sensible” Jordan Van Sewell will be leading a cohort of Krampus in the parade.

“I have gathered interested people who will be dressing as Krampus because Krampus isn’t just one guy — there is a host of Krampus,” says Van Sewell.

“We’ve learned to believe that there is one Santa, but there are many Krampus.”

First of all, Van Sewell wants to assure every parent and child at the Santa Claus Parade the Winnipeg Krampus marching in the parade will not be there to punish — but rather to remind — with a vigorous wag of the finger — that naughty is not nice. Underneath the fur and bells and makeup are people who are really jolly elves bringing joy and fun to the parade.

So just who is this Krampus creature?

In the old European traditions, Krampus was a spirit to be feared. Goat-like in appearance with dark fur, hooves and claws; ringing bells and brandishing a switch and a basket, he would arrive in advance of St. Nicholas to collect the naughty children and punish them with deeds too terrible to mention here.

“Santa got the list of everyone who was nice, and Krampus got the naughty list,” says Van Sewell.

He has wanted to bring Krampus to the parade for some time. Other cities have Krampus celebrations, and he says the hope here is to bring an interesting new element to an old tradition.

“I think we’re at an advantageous spot because we can take ownership of it by making it less horrifying and more fun and bring an element of naturalism to it,” he says.

“It’s nice to bring that back, rather than just another wrapped gift under the tree.”

Kristen Andrews, the proprietor at Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium, thinks Krampus has an important social role to play during the season.

“Krampus gives us a chance to be really honest with ourselves and ask: have we really been good this year?” she says.

“Of course we’re going to tell Santa we’ve been good — we want the presents — but you can’t get away with that with Krampus.”

Andrews will be dressed as Berchta (also known as Perchta), who represents the feminine principle of the crone who is also seen in Krampus celebrations. (There is also a character called Lady Krampus who joins the runs).

Andrews’ costume consists of buffalo fur leggings, a sheepskin vest, a flannel skirt and cape and a broom to “sweep up” those who misbehave. Van Sewell will be wearing a black coat, a hat and boots with “coal dust” on his face. He will be carrying a “basket of deplorables” — naughties such as Pinocchio who have been caught misbehaving. There is also a small globe hanging out of the basket.

“The globe is to remind us that there is room for everyone in Krampus’ basket,” he says.

For Van Sewell, playing with Krampus is taking an old world tradition and adapting it for 21st-century children. He says these traditions have merit and shouldn’t disappear. Taken in context, they provide a balance to the holiday we celebrate.

“It will be all in merriment!” he says.