The eastern and central Alpine region is rich in pagan traditions, some dating back to ancient times.

Survival through the ages

Customs survive only in the rural parts of Austria, Switzerland and Bavaria in the form of dance, art, processions, rituals and games. The high regional diversity is a result of the mutual isolation of alpine communities. In the alps, the relationship between the catholic church and paganism has been an ambivalent one. While some customs survived only in the remote valleys inaccessible to the church's grip, others were actively assimilated over the centuries. During the Third Reich era, the Nazi regime adopted parts of pagan heritage into Nazi mysticism and esoteric Hitlerism. As a result the reputation of paganism in Austria and Bavaria has suffered somewhat, even if the majority of those who pracise it strongly object to accusations of nationalism. In light of the dwindling rural population of the Alps many customs have evolved into more modern interpretations.

Krampus

The word Krampus originates from the Old High German word for claw (Krampen). In the alpine region the Krampus is represented by a male incubus in company of St Nicholas. Traditionally, young men dress up as the Krampus in the first two weeks of December and particularly on December 5th and roam the streets frightening children (and adults) with rusty chains and bells.

The present day Krampus costume consists of red wooden masks, black sheep's skin and horns. Considerable effort goes into the manufacture of the hand-crafted masks, as many younger adults in rural communities engage competitively in the Krampus events.

Perchten

Originally, the word Perchten (plural of Percht) referred to the female masks representing the entourage of Frau Bercht, an ancient goddess (some claim a connection to the nordic goddess Freia, though this is uncertain). Traditionally, the masks were displayed in processions (Perchtenlauf) during the last week of December and first week of January, and particularly on the 6th of January. The costume consists of a brown wooden mask and brown or white sheep's skin. In recent times Krampus and Perchten have increasingly been displayed in a single event, leading to a loss of distinction of the two. Perchten are associated with midwinter , the victory of good over evil, the embodiment of fate and the souls of the dead. The name originates form the Old High German word peraht, or brilliant, meant as a warning against the sin of vanity.

Regional variations of the name include Berigl, Berchtlmuada, Bechtra, Bechtrababa, Sampa, Stampa, Lutzl, Zamperin, Pudelfrau, Zampermuatta and Rauweib. The Catholic Church attempted to prohibit the sometimes rampant practise in the 17th and 18th centuries but later condoned it, resulting in a revival.

In the Pongau region of Austria large processions of Schönperchten (beautiful Perchten) and Schiachperchten (ugly Perchten) are held every winter. Other regional variations include the Tresterer in the Austrian Pinzgau region, the stilt dancers in the town of Unken , the Schnabelpercht (beaked Percht) in the Unterinntal region and the Glöcklerlaufen (bell running) in the Salzkammergut. A number of large ski resorts have turned the tradition into a tourist attraction drawing large crowds every winter.

References

• The Culture Information System of the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture

• Wenn die Hexen umgehen, Claudia Lagler, 05.01.1999, Die Presse (newspaper), (in German)