Merry Christmas!

Knecht Ruprecht

First published in Unter dem Tannenbaum in the (Leipziger) Illustrierte Zeitung 39. (1862). Since 1864 in Storm’s Gedichten.
Saint Nikolaus’s best known companion is Knecht Ruprecht. ‘Knecht’ meaning ‘servant’. Historically Ruprecht was a dark sinister figure clad in a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, legend has it, he will place all naughty children. In Storm’s poem, Knecht Ruprecht is featured with a cane with which to chastise such children.

From out the forest I now appear,

To proclaim that Christmastide is here!

For at the top of every tree

are golden lights for all to see;

and there from Heaven’s gate on high

I saw our Christ-child in the sky. 

 And in among the darkened trees,

 a loud voice it was that called to me:

‘Knecht Ruprecht, old fellow,’ it cried,

‘hurry now, make haste, don’t hide!

 All the candles have now been lit --

 Heaven’s gate has opened wide!

 Both young and old should now have rest

 away from cares and daily stress;

and when tomorrow to earth I fly

“it’s Christmas again!” will be the cry.’

And then I said: ‘O Lord so dear.

My journey’s end is now quite near;

but to this town  I’ve still to go,

Where the children are good, I know.’

‘But have you then that great sack?’

‘I have,’ I said, ‘it’s on my back.

For apples, almonds, fruit and nuts

For God-fearing children are a must.’

‘And is that cane there by your side?’

‘The cane’s there too,’ I did reply;

but only for those, those naughty ones,

who have it applied to their backsides.’

The Christ-child spoke: ‘Then that’s all right!

My loyal servant, go with God this night!’

From out the forest I now appear;

To proclaim that Christmastide is here!  

Now speak, what is there here to be had?

Are there good children, are there bad?

Source: http://www.theodorstorm.co.uk/Life/knechtRuprecht.htm

With this, we wish you all a Merry Christmas! We will have you in our thoughts and send you a big hug!