Task 3

1. Mythical: Not real and only existing in old traditional stories

2. Devilish: Evil or morally bad
3. Folklore: The traditional stories and culture of a group of people
4. Birch: A tree with smooth, often white bark and thin branches
5. Nonetheless: Despite what has just been said
6. Matted fur: Hair or fur that is twisted and stuck together and usually dirty
7. Flaming eyes: Eyes that are covered in flames
8. Suppressed: To stop an activity, especially by making laws or using your authority
9. Sentenced: When the judge tells someone their punishment after they are found guilty
of a crime
10. Commercialization: When something is made boring, not interesting and not
original, especially for the purpose of making money
11. Colloquial: Used informally
12. Elaborate: Containing a lot of detail and different parts
13. Spectacle: An unusual or unexpected event that attracts a lot of attention, interest
(and often disapproval)
14. Out of hand: When something or someone is becoming impossible to control
15. Adhere to a code of conduct: To follow the rules or a previous agreement
Task 4
1. There are several reasons why Krampusnacht is gaining in popularity around the world.
• Some people see Krampusnacht as a way to reclaim the darker, more traditional aspects
of Christmas, which have been overshadowed by the commercialization of the holiday.
• In a world where many things seem fake or manufactured, Krampusnacht offers a sense
of authenticity and tradition.
• There is a certain fascination with the macabre that makes Krampusnacht appealing to
some people.
• Social media has helped to spread the word about Krampusnacht and make it more
accessible to people around the world.
2. I would not personally celebrate Krampusnacht in my family. I do not find Krampus to
be an appropriate figure for Christmas celebrations. I believe that Christmas is a time
for peace, goodwill, and kindness, and Krampus represents the opposite of these
qualities.
 3. I can understand why some people might think that Krampusnacht should be banned.
Some people find the celebrations to be too violent or frightening. Others are concerned
that Krampusnacht could promote bullying or bad behavior in children.
4. There are a few Christmas traditions that I would like to see suppressed. I am not a fan
of the overconsumption and waste that often come with the holiday season. I also
believe that there is too much pressure to buy expensive gifts for others.
5. Yes, there are many folklore figures in my culture that I think would be interesting for
people elsewhere. Some of my favorites include Baba Yaga, the witch from Russian
folklore; the domovoy, the house spirit from Ukrainian folklore; and the hydra, a many-
headed serpent from Greek mythology.
6. The biggest Christmas spectacle in Kiev is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in
Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). The ceremony is usually attended by
thousands of people and features fireworks, music, and dancing. The Christmas tree is
also a popular photo opp for tourists from around the world.

Questions:

1. How does the Krampus figure into Austrian Christmas traditions?

2. What is the contrast between the Krampus and Santa Claus in terms of their role in
Christmas?

3. How do Austrians incorporate the Krampus into their holiday celebrations?

4. What are some of the historical origins of the Krampus myth?

5. How does the Krampus differ from other similar figures in folklore, such as the bogeyman
or the devil?

6. What is the overall significance of the Krampus in Austrian culture?

7. How does the Krampus represent both the darker and brighter aspects of Christmas?

8. What is the impact of the Krampus on Austrian children's perception of Christmas?

9. How does the Krampus figure into the broader context of Alpine folklore and traditions?

10. What is the future of the Krampus in Austrian culture, considering its increasing
popularity outside of Austria?