Merry Krampus!

SHOP THE CELTIC HAMMER CLUB COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL KRAMPUS GEAR!

Krampus. Oh that damned Krampus! Rattling his chains, slurping his grotesque tongue, whipping all the bad boys and girls with his birch branch! AAAAGGHHH!

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I actually never heard of Krampus until about a year ago, but once I looked into the tradition I was hooked! The lore of Krampus originates with the Germanic peoples of Europe and stretches back to pre-Christian times. However, as Christianity took over Europe, Krampus was incorporated as a kind of counter balance to St. Nicholas. While good ol' St. Nick was going around rewarding good little boys and girls with presents, Krampus was out there beating the hell out of the bad ones! Krampus would also rattle his rusty chains to scare bad children. If you were an especially rotten little boy or girl, Krampus would actually KIDNAP you and carry you away in his sack to his lair! Ohhhhhhhhh, that's Krampus for ya!

How horrifying! A lot more scary than getting coal in your stocking. That is for sure! Apparently, German fathers used to get drunk, dress up as Krampus, and scare the bejeezus out of their children! Quite a departure from the contemporary image of the father dressing up as Santa Claus. I can't help but laugh at this since the idea of scaring your beloved child half to death on a day that is associated with joy and happiness just seems extreme to the point of silliness.

Now a days, Krampus is a source of tongue in cheek humor, and since Celtic Hammer Club is a fan of both humor and ancient traditions, we have a line of items to celebrate Krampus, the Christmas demon!

Only at Celtic Hammer Club

Gruss Vom Krampus Apparel

"Gruss Vom Krampus" translates to "Greetings from the Krampus"
This saying adorns most of the Krampus postcards exchanged
during the holiday season.

This design is based on the tradition of exchanging post cards with different images of Krampus during the holidays. Traditionally, the cards are red with black lettering that says "Gruss Vom Krampus". This apparel is a reflection of that tradition.

Keltic Krampus Apparel

An ominous looking "Keltic" style Krampus

This is an original design done in a "Keltic" style. It is meant to look like an ancient Krampus artifact that was just dug up by an archaeologist somewhere. It has a kind of ominous look to it.

and don't forget that there are limited edition Krampus greeting cards available!

Merry Krampus to all! Be good!

-CHC-

Hammer of Thor (Mjölnir) Graphic Tee Design. NEW!

New "Hammer of Thor (Mjölnir)" Series

Out with the old and in with the new! We were running a "Hammer of Thor" tee for a while, but I felt the need to totally revamp the design. I'm really happy with the end result. Check it out below:

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For those of you who don't already know, Mjölnir is the name of the weapon used by the Norse god of thunder, Thor. The symbol at the center of this design is based on Mjölnir amulets worn around the necks of Vikings during the Middle Ages. It is meant to symbolize strength and protection.

Take some time to look at the details in and around the hammer. Anyone interested in Viking history, or in Celtic art would appreciate it.

Check out all of the Celtic Hammer Club apparel featuring this design in the shop! It would make a perfect gift for all of you mead drinking heathens out there!

Karin Kaos Wolters making the women's Mjölnir tank look bad ass!

Hammer of Thor Men's Tee

Hammer of Thor Women's Scoop

Don't forget to check out all of the other cool accessories available with the Mjölnir design on it. Maybe a coffee mug for those ungodly hours between drinking sessions, or maybe a poster or framed print for your Viking themed man-cave!

"CHC Logo Distressed" NEW DESIGN!

Buy Men's and Women's apparel in the CHC Store!

Back again with a new design!

The Celtic Hammer Club (CHC) logo has a lot of history and meaning behind it. 

Mjolnir Amulaet as worn by Vikings of the Middle Ages

One, the hammer shape at its center is styled after Mjolnir, the name of the war hammer wielded by Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Mjolnir amulets were worn by Vikings of the Middle Ages, and thousands have been recovered by archaeologists in the British Isles.. It represents strength. 

The Book of Kells Showing extensive Celtic artwork

Second, the insular style knot work and spirals that decorate the hammer were popular in both Celtic and Germanic cultures, but has become synonymous with Celtic culture. Basically, it serves as a visual cue to the Celtic themes and artwork on CHC apparel. 

A drawing of a tattooed or painted Celtic warrior
The blue Cirlce around the CHC logo represents this 
element of Celtic history/culture

Finally, the blue circle that surrounds the hammer that looks like a paint smear. It ties the whole thing together into a neat circular logo, but I chose to use the color blue after the blue war paint that some Celtic tribes wore when going into battle. Again, its just another little representation of Celtic history and culture.

This particular version of the CHC logo is "distressed". It gives it a vintage look, and makes it look almost like a shield that's been through a war. Even if you don't have ancestors from Northern Europe, it's still a pretty cool image to rock on a shirt, and definitely unique. Check out both men's and women's apparel in the shop.

CHC Logo "Distressed"