DescriptionGive Krampus Coal Switches to children as a reminder to be good or offer to misbehaving one’s yule socks because who can resist giving kids some coal?Krampus is a horned figure described as “half-goat, half-demon” who was said to punish children who have misbehaved during Yule. In German Folklore it was believed that Krampus carried bundles of birch branches with which he would swat children. His origin is unclear and some folklorists think he has a pre-Christian origin. His name originates with the German krampen, which means “claw”. Tradition has it he is the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld.During the 12th century, the Catholic Church attempted to banish Krampus celebrations because of his resemblance to the devil. When Christians replaced pagan winter festivals with Christmas, Krampus underwent a transformation. He was associated with the devil, and he was placed in a subservient position to Saint Nicholas—even forced to wear chains to show his inferiority.Wildcrafted Canadian Coal & Birch Switches From the North Saskatchewan River Valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 4 dram bottle
