Annual Krampus Gathering In Schladming

SCHLADMING, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 22: A participant dressed as the Krampus creature approaches onlookers during Krampus gathering on November 22, 2014 in Schladming, Austria. According to organizers is gathering in Schladming with about 900 masks the biggest in Austria. Krampus is a demon-like creature represented by a fearsome, hand-carved wooden mask with animal horns, a suit made from sheep or goat skin and large cow bells attached to the waist that the wearer rings by running or shaking his hips up and down. Krampus has been a part of Central European, alpine folklore going back at least a millennium, and since the 17th-century Krampus traditionally accompanies St. Nicholas and angels on the evening of December 5 to visit households to reward children that have been good while reprimanding those who have not. (Photo by Matej Divizna/Getty Images)