Gruss vom Krampus

With its roots in pre-Christian tradition, the Krampus is a fearsome Alpine snow demon whose sole job is to frighten, kidnap, and punish the naughty children each and every December. This “anti-Santa” provides a dark counterpoint to the usual Yuletide cheer. The Night of the Krampus is celebrated the day before the Feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, in parts of Europe, and increasingly in parts of North America as well. These quirky tintype portraits offer a look at the Krampus beyond the annual festivities, as the Christmas devil increasingly becomes a part of American pop culture.

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