The Krampuslauf has “Perchen”, specifically “Schnabelperchten.” The Perchen are related to Frau Perchta—who was also known as the “belly-slitter”. The Schnabelperchten are the “beak-Perchen”. Like Perchta, these masked spirits can be beneficial or dangerous. They are dressed as women, but have a large face mask that looks like a beak. They carry a broom and a pair of shears or scissors. Like Perchta herself, these masked spirits can be beneficial or dangerous.
If the Schnabelperchten discover a household that has not been swept clean for Epiphany, it was said that Schnabelperchten would grab someone and slit the person’s belly open, filling the intestines and bowels with dust, pebbles and dirt. This dirt was what the spirits had collected from sweeping the house. Then, they would stitch the belly closed, so that no trace could be found. However, that individual would likely become ill.
Strangely, this description sounds like it would produce symptoms similar to a Crohn’s attack. Or at the very least, severe constipation.
Nevertheless, if the Schnabelperchten come to a household that is swept and tidy, they will give blessings and prosperity.
Yet, dear reader, I imagine you already know that the midwinter spirit, Krampus, comes at December 5, not January 5.
Frau Perchta and/or the Schnabelperchten come on January 5.
Oh well, this is the USA. And here we mix up lots of customs. We also change them all around willy-nilly. The Krampuslauf is still a fun event, held on the first Saturday of December.
In 2021, we attended on Saturday, December 4. (Face it, modern American culture does most stuff on the weekends.)
Lately I’ve noticed Krampus is being gifted the title of “Krampus the Horned God of Yule”. Apparently he has been promoted to minor God status—only I didn’t get the memo. I always referred to him as a “winter holiday spirit.” (Interesting.)
Sadly, nobody but me seems to be promoting the term “Old Father Yule” for the midwinter spirit who inspires kindness, generosity, and/or gift-giving.