Up until just a few years ago, most of us in North America had no idea who or what a Krampus was. And then, thanks to YouTube videos showing “Krampuslauf graz” (Krampus run) parades from Bavarian countries in Europe making the rounds on social media, many of us learned all about the so-called “Christmas Devil” that had been part of European folklore for centuries. Because of those, and because of Mike Dougherty’s hit  Krampus movie that came out last year, almost everyone now knows about the demon who takes care of those naughty children on Santa’s list.

Now a new book is on its way from publisher Feral House and author Al Ridenour called The Krampus, And The Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil. The book details the rise in popularity of the Krampus figure over the last several hundred years into the infamous and iconic character he is today, especially with younger generations. Below is the official description of the book, and you can also watch a special trailer made for the book in the video below:

The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas_Video Book Trailer from Feral House on Vimeo.

“Once the mythic bogeyman of European Catholic childhoods and long presented as the opposite of Santa Claus, Krampus is a growing pesence in American culture. With the appearance of the demonic Christmas character Krampus in contemporary Hollywood movies, television shows, advertisements, and greeting cards, medieval folklore Krampus–related events and parades in North America and Europe, Krampus is a growing phenomenon.

Though the Krampus figure is now familiar, not much can be found about its history and meaning, thus calling for a book like Al Ridenour‘s The Krampus: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil. With Krampus‘s wild, graphic history, Feral House has hired the awarded designer Sean Tejaratchi to take on Ridenour‘s book about this ever–so–curious figure.”

What do you think of all the hubbub around Krampus these days? Do you wish he was more prominent in North America than he already is? Let us know what you think down below in the comments.

Image: Feral House