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(Photo of Santa Claus and Krampus) Some observations on playing Krampus in America, Saint Nick vs. Santa Claus, Christianity, and Capitalism. 🧵

rottenartist

When I first started playing Krampus at our town Holiday Festival, I just did it as an excuse to wear my costume. I had my haunter friends help me as my handlers. We had no idea how Krampus would be received in this small New England town at Christmastime. 🧵

We were really shocked first at how many people already knew about Krampus. The kids knew the character from the Krampus-themed movies that all hit right around the same time. Many 30-something adults knew Krampus from a general zeitgeist online cultural sharing, a few older adults actually grew up in Germanic households that really used the folklore on the kids. 🧵

Most people, I think, just saw it as a weird costume character that was out for this festival. But, as I've brought Krampus back each year, there's a real following that has been growing. 🧵

Each year, more and more people expressed how happy they were to find Krampus again for photos. Teens are still excited to see the character even though the movies aren't new. Kids who aren't afraid of the costume are fascinated. 🧵

I think Krampus is growing in popularity because it literally is the anti-Santa Claus in every respect. The folklore/religious legend of Saint Nicholas was originally wrapped around an idea of generosity and caring for the poor. Nicholas's main story is that he secretly gave money to a poor family so they could eat and their daughters wouldn't be forced into sex trafficking. 🧵

Nicholas was always depicted as a tall, thin man, who was austere in his personal life so that he could be generous to others. He literally just gave money to the poor, a practice that is demonized as "socialism" by Christian Conservatives. Saint Nick's legend was eventually processed by the Capitalism grinder to be a jolly, business-friendly, white man who is now the seasonal face of Coca-Cola, Toyota, and more. 🧵

Santa Claus has shed any connection to moral teachings of caring for the oppressed or marginalized. Instead, he's a secular Saint of Consumerism. At our town festival there's a very friendly Santa Claus who encourages donations to the Rotary Club (he's in my photo, he's my favorite cause he's likes Krampus). 🧵

There's a very unfriendly Santa Claus at the "paint your own wood sign" store. This Santa has a Mrs. Claus and a professional ring-light stand where you can prop your phone to get the most perfect photo of your kids for your annual family Christmas newsletter. And you can sign up for a wine-and-painting evening while you're there. 🧵

There's a Santa in the chiropractor's office pushing essential oils and spine realignment. There's Santas selling popcorn and roasted nuts near the Christmas tree (it all smells wonderful). At the beginning of December you can throw some holly and hit a Santa who wants you to spend your money somewhere.🧵

But Krampus is none of that. Krampus pre-dates Christianity and somehow barely survived being assimilated into the December holiday season. Krampus isn't the face of any corporation or product (at least not yet). Krampus was in some movies, but it was never the same Krampus and the movies weren't made by Hallmark. 🧵

When I play Krampus in our town, I don't do it for any store or organization. I don't even have a "tag me in your photos" sign. No one (other than a few close friends) knows who is under the mask. You can take as many photos as you want at no charge. You can get a hug or a butt whipping. There are no expectations or requirements. It's just some silly fun to be shared with you and your friends and family in this community festival in the darkest time of the year. 🧵

And, importantly, Krampus is temporary. You don't see Krampus on TV, in ads, or on products for months and months. You find Krampus at the festival for about an hour and then he's gone. He won't be selling you an air fryer in an unskippable ad on YouTube next week. 🧵

I think that's why so many people get so excited to see Krampus now. They may not realize it, but by being the anti-Santa Claus, Krampus now embodies the actual meaning of the winter holidays: fun, family, community, joy, silliness, and butt whipping. /🧵

A moment of Krampus Butt Whipping (very lightly) to end this thread:

@rottenartist ...yet. wait till he hits mainstream. Corporations always looking for a new sales outlet ..

@Ikahnx Capitalism will process everything into a consumable product.