Is Knecht Ruprecht the same as Krampus?

The legend is part of a centuries-old Christmas tradition in Germany, where Christmas celebrations start early in December. Knecht Ruprecht is the dark companion of St. The hell-bound counterpart is known by many names across the continent, such as Knecht Ruprecht, Black Peter, Schmutzli, or also as Krampus.

What does Knecht Ruprecht mean in English?

Farmhand Rupert
Knecht Ruprecht (German pronunciation: [ˌknɛçtˈʁuː.pʁɛçt] ( listen); English: Farmhand Rupert, Servant Rupert or Farmhand Robert, Servant Robert) is a companion of Saint Nicholas as described in the folklore of Germany.

What does Knecht Ruprecht carry?

Knecht Ruprecht sometimes carried a long staff and a bag of ashes, and wore little bells on his clothes. According to tradition, Knecht Ruprecht asks children whether they know their prayers. If they do, they receive apples, nuts, and gingerbread. If they do not, he beats the children with his bag of ashes.

What does Knight Rupert mean?

Come up with a story line from your imagination, but first do some research on the character – according to German folklore Knight Rupert is Saint Nicolas’ companion, but someone who might give lumps of coal to naughty children instead of a more welcome Christmas present.

Are Krampus and Belsnickel the same thing?

In fact, Belsnickel shares many of the same characteristics as Krampus but isn’t as scary. But, compared to Krampus, he seems like a nice guy! He’ll even deliver socks or shoes full of candy to children who have behaved, but if you’ve been bad, well, Belsnickel will give you a bunch of coal or a switch.

Are Krampus and Santa friends?

In one sense, Krampus is the stuff of nightmares: a half-goat half-demon creature that beats the naughty and even takes them away. But Krampus is also a good friend of Santa and is still celebrated in some areas of Germany, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Northern Italy, and Slovenia.

What is the Swiss version of Krampus called?

The Slovene term is “Kvaternik” (the man of the four Ember days). Schirchperchten: Dialect for “ugly Perchten,” mean Krampus-like figures found in certain Alpine regions. See “Perchta” above. Schmutzli: The Swiss German name for Krampus or Knecht Ruprecht.

Who comes with Santa in Germany?

Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.

What is Krampus called in Germany?

Schmutzli: The Swiss German name for Krampus or Knecht Ruprecht.

What is a Knecht?

German and Swiss German: occupational name for a journeyman, from Middle High German kneht, Middle Low German knecht ‘knight’s assistant’, ‘lad’, ‘servant’, ‘hired hand’, ‘apprentice’, ‘helper’.