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“Knecht Ruprecht is a term widely used in many parts of Germany. (In Austria and Bavaria he is known as Krampus.) Also called rauer Percht and many other names, Knecht Ruprecht was once the evil Nikolaus-Begleiter (St. Nick’s escort), who punished bad children, but now he is often a more kind fellow gift-giver.

Where does he come from?
Ruprecht’s origins are definitely Germanic. The Nordic god Odin (Germanic Wotan) was also known as “Hruod Percht” (“Ruhmreicher Percht”) from which Ruprecht got his name. Wotan aka Percht ruled over battles, fate, fertility and the winds. When Christianity came to Germany, St. Nicholas was introduced, but he was accompanied by the Germanic Knecht Ruprecht. Today both can be seen at parties and festivities around Dec. 6.”
Source: About.com

Is this the only Santa?
No, surprisingly, there are many German Santas. Through the next days, I’ll cover the many German Santas that exist. (See Knecht Ruprecht on the right in the picture)

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