It’s true, although this “modern” form of the Krampus goes back to the 16th century, so it has plenty of tradition as well. But yes, the Krampus was likely a pre-Christian tradition of frightening away evil winter ghosts with a monstrous figure. So actually quite similar to Samhain/All Hallow’s Eve/Halloween.
Krampus is not “evil counterpart” to Saint Nick, it has origins from time before the curse of Christianity got to us
Same goes to Joulupukki (Finnish for Yule goat, or Santa more recently)
It’s true, although this “modern” form of the Krampus goes back to the 16th century, so it has plenty of tradition as well. But yes, the Krampus was likely a pre-Christian tradition of frightening away evil winter ghosts with a monstrous figure. So actually quite similar to Samhain/All Hallow’s Eve/Halloween.