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Krampus, Bad Mitterndorf, Austria. These terrifying beasts scare children who have mis-behaved during the week of Saint Nicholas (December) and Epiphany (early January) . In Bad Mitterndorf, where the Krampus originates, a play has been staged for more than 100 years. The play, which has not changed in its history, features 80 actors. The plot follows a poor man who confesses his sins to a priest - but does not show willingness to improve himself. In a horrific final act he is killed by the character of Death and dragged outside his home by two of the Krampus.
Krampus, Bad Mitterndorf, Austria. These terrifying beasts scare children who have misbehaved during the week of Saint Nicholas (December) and Epiphany (early January) . In Bad Mitterndorf, where the Krampus originates, a play has been staged for more than 100 years. The play, which has not changed in its history, features 80 actors. The plot follows a poor man who confesses his sins to a priest - but does not show willingness to improve himself. In a horrific final act he is killed by the character of Death and dragged outside his home by two of the Krampus.
(Charles Fréger)
Charles Fréger visited 18 countries in Europe in search of the wild man: half man and half beast.
The 'Wilder Mann', as they are known in Germany, represent something more primal - something closer to nature's rhythms. The men, who dress in elaborate costumes to hide their own true identities, often come out during Christian festival, but the rituals themselves often predate Christianity, harkening back to harvests and solstices and a fear of the winter. The pagan characters often represent death and the darker aspects of humanity. The most fascinating examples feature in Fréger's book: 'Wilder Mann: The Image Of The Savage'.
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