Companions of Saint Nicholas facts for kids
The companions of Saint Nicholas are special characters who travel with Saint Nicholas in many parts of Europe. They are like helpers or partners. While Saint Nicholas is known for giving gifts to good children, his companions often remind children to be well-behaved. These figures have roots in old European stories, sometimes linked to ancient house spirits or elves. Over time, they became part of the Christmas traditions we know today.
These companions have many different names depending on the country or region. For example, in Germany, he is often called Knecht Ruprecht. In Austria, he is known as Krampus. In Switzerland, people call him Schmutzli. In the Netherlands and Flanders, he is known as Zwarte Piet. Each name comes with its own unique stories and traditions. In the Czech Republic, Saint Nicholas is joined by an angel and a character called čert (Devil). In France, companions include Rubbels in Lorraine and Hanstrapp in Alsace, as well as Père Fouettard.
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Appearance of Saint Nicholas's Companions
These companions often appear in winter stories and poems. They usually travel with Saint Nicholas, carrying a staff or a small broom and a sack. Their clothing can vary, but they are often shown in darker colors or rustic outfits. Sometimes they have a slightly messy or rugged look, making them a contrast to the bright and cheerful Saint Nicholas.
Knecht Ruprecht: Saint Nicholas's Helper
In Germany, one of the most famous companions is Knecht Ruprecht, which means 'Farmhand Rupert'. He is often described as a man with a long beard, wearing fur or straw. He might carry a staff and a bag.
Tradition says that Knecht Ruprecht asks children if they know their prayers or if they have been good. If children have been well-behaved, they might receive treats like apples, nuts, or gingerbread. If they haven't been good, he might leave them small, symbolic items like a lump of coal or a stick as a gentle reminder to improve their behavior.
The name 'Ruprecht' was sometimes used for a mischievous spirit in old German stories. Knecht Ruprecht first appeared in written records in the 1600s, as part of Christmas celebrations in Nuremberg.
Sometimes, Ruprecht is shown with a slight limp from an old injury. His dark clothes and face are sometimes explained by him going down chimneys. In some stories, children would perform a song or dance for Saint Nicholas and Ruprecht. Those who did well received a gift. Those who had been naughty might find their shoes filled with a small stick instead of sweets.
Krampus: The Alpine Companion
Krampus is a unique figure found in parts of Austria, Bavaria, Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. This character likely comes from ancient traditions in the Alpine mountains. In some areas, he is also called 'Tuifl'.
The Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6th. On the evening before, called Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), Krampus might appear. He sometimes joins Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas gives gifts, Krampus traditionally carries coal or bundles of birch branches. These are meant as a reminder for children to be good.
For a long time, people in Europe have exchanged Krampuskarten, which are greeting cards featuring Krampus. Krampuslauf is a popular event where people dress up as Krampus and parade through the streets. More than 1200 people dressed as Krampus gather in Schladming, Austria, wearing goat-hair costumes and carved masks. They carry bundles of sticks and swing cowbells to announce their arrival. These events are very popular in late November and early December.
Belsnickel: The Fur-Clad Visitor
Belsnickel is another companion of Saint Nicholas, especially known in the Palatinate region of Germany. Belsnickel is often described as a man covered in fur, sometimes wearing a mask with a long tongue.
This character visits children around Christmas time. He brings socks or shoes filled with candy for those who have been good. However, if children have not been well-behaved, they might find coal in their stockings instead, as a gentle warning.
In the 1800s, German immigrants brought the 'Pelznickel' traditions to parts of the United States, including Pennsylvania and Indiana. Today, this tradition continues, especially in Pennsylvania, where he is known as Belsnickel.
An old account from the 1830s in Allegany County, Maryland, described a similar visitor. This character, sometimes called 'Kriskinkle' or 'Beltznickle', would arrive after dark, disguised. They would carry a sack of treats like cakes, nuts, and fruits. They would scatter these goodies on the floor for the children to gather. This tradition was a fun way to celebrate Christmas and encourage good behavior.
In the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, there's a Christmas tradition called Belsnickling. People dress up in many layers of clothing and cover their faces to hide their identity. They go from house to house, and are given food and drinks (usually rum or eggnog) until their identities are guessed. Then they move on to the next house.
Zwarte Piet: Saint Nicholas's Dutch Companion
Zwarte Piet (meaning 'Black Peter' in English) is the companion of Saint Nicholas, known as Sinterklaas, in the Netherlands and Belgium. This character first appeared in a book in 1850.
Traditionally, Zwarte Piet is often shown with a dark face, which some stories explain as being covered in soot from climbing down chimneys to deliver gifts. He wears colorful Renaissance-style clothing and sometimes gold earrings.
In the past, Zwarte Piet was sometimes described as punishing naughty children. However, in recent times, Zwarte Piet has become a very friendly character. He is now mostly known for helping Sinterklaas deliver presents and treats to all children, and for being cheerful and playful during the Sinterklaas celebrations.
See also
In Spanish: Acompañantes de Santa Claus para niños
- Joulupukki
- Mr. Bingle
- Santa Claus's reindeer
- Christmas elf
- Snegurochka
