Historically, traditional Krampus performers in both Austria and Germany have been primarily male. Some regions might allow women to participate in associated roles, dressing as angels, or perhaps the Christ Child in St. Nicholas groups, but since the 1600s, the horned folk-character has generally been portrayed by men.
Many Alpine areas today keep to the same traditions. In some groups, women continue to be relegated to supportive roles. They make costumes, carry equipment, organize logistics, and help male performers prepare for events, but they are still excluded from wearing the mask. Admittedly, there is a large difference between Krampus in modern America and the Krampus of old Austria. This custom has never been for the faint of heart. Historical writings and old church documentations cite violence as just one of the many reasons to stay away from this winter activity.
Krampus in America is much more tame than it’s rowdy Alpine predecessors, and perhaps many European men and women thought it proper to leave the tough stuff to the guys. That said, both modern Europeans and Americans subscribe to less savagery, at least in the streets. Setting these points to the side, issues arise when women are limited to only supporting roles due to gender. Given that Krampus evolved as a consequence character to keep kids in line, mothers everywhere could have a vested interest in getting more involved themselves.
But, for many generations, women helped keep this winter tradition alive through work that happened beyond the limelight.
In the early 2000s, Melanie Hafner, owner and operator of Kärntner Krampusshop, one of the largest specialized Krampus stores in Europe, challenged the traditional idea that Krampus should only be played by men. Her participation helped open the door for women who wanted to wear the costumes and embody the monster themselves. Melanie grew up with the Krampus tradition in her family. Rather than just accepting the monster as something to fear, she leaned into the custom and found that immersion actually allowed her a way to overcome her fears. However, that path was not without its challenges. For years, she participated in a group run by her former husband, and her responsibilities were limited to making costumes and carrying equipment. Melanie found she wasn’t interested in being held back by what she calls “traditional stops.” Later, she took all of her experience and forged a new path with her current husband Gerhard Trinkl. Together they established a new group that allowed women to show the world what the feminine version of the Krampus could look like. Melanie donned the Krampus mask and contributed in a way that interested her the most.
Those contributions to the tradition have been extensive and far reaching.
Kärntner Krampusshop costumes have shipped all over the world, including to Seattle and Kitsap County. And Melanie’s story is not the only one like it. Women in America, the UK, and Europe who have expressed interest in the performance of Krampus have been told traditionally it’s not for them. But they pushed through convention, and did it anyway. For many it has brought incredible transformation and a source of personal empowerment. There is a freedom that comes for women who choose to portray a powerful monster. They experience real strength and often find a confidence that has been lacking in other areas of their lives. Women who were once expected to stand behind the scenes are now able to step into these costumes. Bells ringing loudly, they are becoming the very creatures that once existed only within a male-dominated tradition.
In 2020, an all-female Krampus group called SeenTeufel Keutschach formed in Carinthia (Kärnten in German), the southernmost region in Austria. They continue to gain popularity in the area. They offer another shining example of women taking their place in this living folk art. When women take on visible roles as living expressions of history, they help ensure that the folk customs of old continue to evolve and grow for the generations to come. Traditions survive not because they are old and persistent. They survive because modern people find meaning in them. If Krampus groups no longer focus solely on one gender, we are no longer limiting the people who can contribute to the future of folklore. // TANIA L. YAGER
[ Tania L. Yager, of Twisted Heart Puppetworks, is a visual/performance artist, writer, holistic educator, and shamanic practitioner living in San Diego. She is the author of ‘The Allure of Dark Winter Spirits.‘ ]
Check out Tania’s Dark Winter Spirits Holiday Boook Tour with a Magical Mari Lwyd Workshop Nov 14 & 15 at Ashley’s Pub, Salmonberry Book Swap Nov 19 at Holy Water Heavenly Lounge, ‘La Belfana and Italian Christmas Magic’ Nov. 21 at Rosarium in Olympia, Elka & The Beast Krampus puppetshow & book talk Dec 3 at Gastropup and book signing and merch booth at Krampusnacht Dec. 5 in downtown Bremerton. Find more on the socials @twistedheartpuppetworks.
