palmbird ·
3. **Role in Tradition**:
- Krampus is the foil to Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved children with gifts. In contrast, Krampus punishes the naughty by swatting them with birch rods or even carrying them away in a basket or sack.
- December 5th is known as Krampusnacht (the Night of Krampus) where young men might dress up as Krampus, participating in parades and chases - known as "Krampuslauf."