210 CultureShock! Austria
(representing goodness) and dread meeting his evil
companion, Krampus (representing the devil). On the eve of
6 December, children sometimes leave their boots outside
their room, in the hope of receiving nuts and fruit from Saint
Nicholas if they have been good, instead of lumps of coal
from Krampus if they have been bad. Today, coal is never
received, except as a joke, and instead of fruit and nuts,
children are given presents and specially-decorated bags of
sweets and chocolates. Saint Nicholas dresses in a red robe
with gold trim, a red and gold bishop’s hat, a long white
beard and white gloves, and carries a staff. Krampus, who
accompanies him, is also dressed in red, but wears a red
mask, horns and tail, and has one foot made up as a hoof.
He carries a bag of coal and a large, long chain to gather and
hold children who have been bad. Strictly speaking, Krampus
Day is 5 December, but because of all the festivities normally
going on at that time, Krampus Day is celebrated together
with Saint Nicholas Day.
In East Tyrol, the Klaubaufgehn is celebrated. It is a time
to celebrate Saint Nicholas, but, especially in the town of
Matrei, it is also an excuse to work off aggression, settle feuds
and have a good brawl or two. The proceedings begin at
6:00 pm for three days beginning 4 December. The KlaubäufeKrampus, who represent evil, wrecks havoc at a Christmas market in
Innsbruck on Saint Nicholas Day.