Krampus: Identity and Politics

Aside from the fun events and traditions involving Krampus, this figure can have a much deeper meaning for many. Firstly, the spread of Krampus celebrations have made it increasingly more commodified, just like any other characteristic of Christmas. Since it was first celebrated in rural areas of Europe, this has led to “othering” and an us vs. them mentality for certain groups of people who believe replication of Krampus traditions are inferior. While Krampus was particularly known and celebrated in homogenous white areas, it has now spread to countless other cultures and races. This can lead certain groups who view their Krampus traditions as authentic to discriminate against those who reproduce the same traditions. Also, in some places in rural Austria, Krampus has become a political identity statement to emphasize white male aggression because Krampus represents a wild, aggressive, and individualistic spirit. Though this is not reflective of most people who participate in Krampus festivities, since the reproduction of Krampus recreates the past in some way, it gives certain groups of people an outlet to represent nationalistic ideas. Despite this, the Krampus has spread to many non-white cultures and overall allows for cultural connection, not segregation.