According to legend, it was originally a knight brigand with a sinister reputation named Hans von Trotta or von Dratt.

At the end of the 15th century, he lived in Berwartstein castle, now in the Palatinate, not far from Wissembourg. He was an evil figure who terrorised the inhabitants of northern Alsace until his death in 1503. Renamed Hàns Tràpp, in popular imagery he is associated with both the Chrìstkìndel and Saint Nicholas.

The Hàns Tràpp represents winter and the procession of shadows from the other world.