User:Vlietbj/sandbox

Religious Influence
A common focus during the Christmas season during the 16th century was something called a "Paradise Play." December 24 was considered a holy day by the Catholic Church and was dedicated to Adam and Eve. These plays would show Adam and Eve being tempted by a devilish looking creature. Eventually other seasonal plays that spread throughout the Alpine regions were known as a Nikolausspiel ("Nicholas play"). Inspired by Paradise plays, the Nicholas plays featured competition for the human souls and played on the question of morality. In these Nicholas plays, Saint Nicholas would reward children for scholarly efforts rather than for good behavior. This is a theme that grew in Alpine regions where the Catholic Church had significant influence.

In the Alpine regions were already established pagan traditions that became intertwined with Catholicism. In the mountains people masqueraded as devilish figure known as Percht. They wore costumes and marched in processions known as Perchtenlaufs, which are regarded as some of the earliest Krampus runs. These Perchtenlaufs were looked at with suspicion by the Catholic Church and banned by some authorities. However, due to sparse population and the rugged environment in the Alpine region, the ban was not affective or easily enforced. Eventually the Perchtenlauf, inspired by the Nicholas plays, introduced Saint Nicholas and his set of good morals. The Percht transformed into what is now known as the Krampus and was made to be subjected to Saint Nicholas' will.

Modern History
As recently as 2010, the Krampuslauf tradition has made its presence known in the United States. Specifically in cities such as Columbia, S.C., Portland, OR, Philadelphia, PA, and Orlando, FL where Krampus runs are becoming a regular occurrence.

Further Analysis/Research to Do:

 * Strengthen connection of modern variation of Krampus to Catholic-Christian notions of scaring children into being good.


 * Dig deeper to find where the Krampuslaufs have started in the United States (Columbia, S.C. Portland,OR, and Philadelphia, PA seem to be the most likely places)

Current Bilbliography

 * Krampus: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gulp, 2010), 199.
 * Ridenour, Al. Krampus: The Old, Dark Christmas (Feral House, 2016), 248.
 * “Who Is Krampus? Explaining the Horrific Christmas Devil.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/12/131217-krampus-christmas-santa-devil/ . 1-Dec-2017. Retrieved 2018-24-10.
 * "The Origin of Krampus, Europe's Evil Twist on Santa." Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/krampus-could-come-you-holiday-season-180957438/. 2015-4-10. Retrieved 2018-24-10.
 * "What is Krampus? How the Christmas 'Devil' Became Cool" National Geographic, National Geographic Society, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/12/151204-krampus-movie-christmas-demon-santa-holiday-folklore/ 1-Dec-2017. Retrieved 2018-7-12.
 * “Meet Krampus, the Seriously Bad Santa." Daily Beast, 5 Dec. 2014. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A431646639/OVIC?u=viva2_vccs&sid=OVIC&xid=53284b54 . Retrieved 2018-5-12.