European folklore is spreading in popularity in the United States, including in Alabama. But the inclusion of devilish-looking Krampus into holiday events is starting to stir controversies.
Grant Tatum had been walking with the Cub Scouts during past Homewood Christmas parades, but he decided to change course amid the pandemic.
Krampus is a main character this weekend at two haunted houses popular among adults and teenagers during the Halloween season -- Krampus, the holiday character popularized in European folklore, is growing in popularity and curiosity in the United States. In this picture, Krampus arrives to the 2023 Krampuslauf in Birmingham, Ala.Krampus is a half-goat, half-beast who could easily be compared to the mythical Greek creature, Minotaur. He has a tongue that would make Gene Simmons of Kiss envious. And his entire aura seems more appropriate for a death-metal album cover than on any Hallmark Christmas card.
Europeans continue to celebrate Krampus Night on Dec. 5, by parading in elaborate costumes during a rollicking Krampus event called “Krampuslauf.” “We kept it G-rated,” Tatum recalled. “We made a 12-foot float, and people walking were dressed in fantastical costumes. But the next morning, a local community Facebook group, people were asking, ‘Who were these guys” and calling us witches and devils and stuff like that.”
“We’ve found that many people are drawn to the darker, more unique aspects of the holiday season that Krampus represents,” Moody said.An image depicts the legend of Krampus, who is said to punish misbehaving children around Christmas. Not all religious organizations are aware of Krampus or its origins. Mathew Staver, chairman of the Liberty Counsel -- a non-profit ministry that promotes evangelical Christian values – said his organization had not been made aware of Krampus events, but after learning more about them, he called them a “pagan celebration” that should be “very concerning.”
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