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Developing. Rod in hand, loin on hump: this is the Krampus, who was Nikolo’s sinister companion for a long time. Generations of kids have heard the threat “If you’re no good, Krampus will get you!” Meanwhile, this is not considered of educational value, the Krampus as Nicholas’s appendix has disappeared from the scene.
But how did it get there anyway? Like much in the field of customs, this has developed slowly (and commercialized, because chocolate crampuses in red foil don’t scare anyone, but they taste good). Folklorists have proven that the Krampus is none other than the Prince of Hell personally.
The fight of good (Nikolo) against evil (Krampus) is thus reflected in the appearance of the characters. But how did the devil slip into the role of servant of a saint? That explains the history of customs. In the Middle Ages, the devil was depicted as an animal, often as a male goat. His representation became more human, with horns, a split helmet, tail, and fur remaining. He mixed with people more easily on Shrovetide – the devil is considered one of the first figures of fools. There were excesses back then, but they were masked with little gifts.
Another custom is in keeping with this: the monastery games are documented from the 15th century, often showing the life of Saint Nicholas. The customs were mixed until they became the visit of Nikolaus and Krampus.
