Krampus Kards

Ward Jenkins | December 17th, 2008

Instead of typical Christmas card iconography (trees, Santa, angels, etc.) illustrator Brandon Dawley decided to go pre-Christian Alpine and use a character not familiar by most: the Krampus. His words:

In 19th Century Germany, legend had it that those who were pure of heart bore witness to the magic of Christmas Eve. St. Nikolaus would drift in on the cloak of night, leaving gifts and treats for the girls and boys who’ve been goldenly good all year. Children of goodwill springing from their bed to find a surprise of joy to fill the air.

Disobedient children, however, would awake to shakes and shivers. Terrorized by the thought of another visitor in the night. For those who have behaved badly are paid a visit by. . .
the KRAMPUS.

The traditional event looks incredibly horrifying, in a good way. Nothing like scarring the children for life, just so they’ll be obedient during the holidays. Gotta love that.

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  • OMFG.

    That card.

    It's maybe too beautiful.
  • stuartwhitis
    Yes! It looks like a Christmas card and a metal album all at the same time. Everybody should make one. Check out the Cupdoodle art blog; I made a Krampus card a few days ago.

    http://cupdoodle.blogspot.com/
  • Clemens
    beeein from Austria where we have this tradition I have to say: I love those cards!
    And I find the fact fascinating that Krampus is not known through the world.

    In America Santa Clause brings the presents right? but what hapens to the bad children?

    What you also might like is the tradition of Perchten (or Perchten running). That is in some parts of Austria on the 5.Dec young ppl dress like Krampus/Devils etc. and are running through the cities shocking the children and girls.
    In some cities they beat you realy hard when you dare to go out at night ;-)

    have fun
  • OH MY GOD I AM UTTERLY IN LOVE!
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