Santa Claus is a character who migrated from fairy tales to reality. Children and adolescents believe in him, adults resort to his help. The existence of the hero is explained by the unusual events that take place during the New Year holidays. A gray-bearded old man in a traditional red suit takes care of children and prepares gifts throughout the year. The surprises placed under the tree on New Year's Eve are expected by kids no less than birthday presents. A relationship with a fictional character is built on belief in him and in a miracle.
History of appearance
It's hard to believe that Santa Claus is a real person. He lived in ancient times, and his homeland was not called Lapland, but the Lycian Worlds. These are lands located on the territory of present-day Turkey. References to the character date back to 253 AD. The citizen's name is Saint Nicholas. He worked in the rank of bishop, was known as a respectable person and was respected for his faith. With his savings, Saint Nicholas shared with those in need and helped them as much as he could. Sailors, merchants and bakers considered him a patron, and children did not look for a soul in a good hero.
According to the tradition established in the 10th century, December 6 was the day of the distribution of gifts at the Cologne Cathedral. The custom was quickly adopted in other cities, linking it with the famous St. Nicholas. In Russia, the hero is called.
In the 19th century, the American Clement Moore wrote a poem called "The Night Before Christmas, or the Visit of St. Nicholas." She talked about grandfather going home to give gifts to children who had behaved well all year. The character's name - Santa Claus - was associated with a generous donor.
By 1840, virtually everyone in the New World had an idea of who Santa Claus was. In 1863, the artist Thomas Nast used the image of an old man in political cartoons. Subsequently, he described the life of a wizard in illustrations. Since then, it is believed that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, and his residence accommodates many elves who help make gifts for children.
According to legend, Santa has a house where he lives and works. Here he makes notes in the book of actions of children from all over the world, assessing who was obedient and who was mischievous. It is curious that the hero was originally depicted in the form of an elf, but over time, the appearance has become more human and similar to that which can be seen in modern depictions of the character.
Biography
Throughout the year, Santa prepares for the main holiday in order to pamper children with long-awaited gifts. On the eve of the holiday, he sits in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and flies across the sky to different countries, delivering presents. Grandpa goes down the chimney to each house, leaves surprises under the tree and feasts on cookies. After completing the work, he goes home and again gives the task to the elves collecting gifts for the kids.
Santa is dressed in red pants and a jacket with a belt, he has a neat cap on his head, and high boots on his feet. In some of the pictures, you can see that the grandfather is not averse to indulging in a smoking pipe. The old man's environment is peculiar, but the history of his life remains mysterious.
Unlike, who has a granddaughter, Santa Claus is lonely. Although some suggest that Mrs. Klaus has a right to exist. The old man takes care of himself on his own and has a weakness for milk and cookies, which are usually left for him under the tree. Among his friends are elves and deer, creatures with whom Santa can easily find a common language.
The magic sled moves forest deer through the air: Dasher - Swift, Dancer - Dancer, Prenser - Racehorse, Vixen - Frisky, Comet - Comet, Cupid - Cupid, Donder - Thunder, Blitzen - Lightning and Rudolph. The last horse joined the herd by accident, overtaking the deer during a blizzard. It is distinguished by a bright red glowing nose.
If we talk about the person who served as the prototype for Santa Claus, then his biography has more confirmation and known details. Nicholas was born in Asia Minor 255-257. AD in Patara. The boy's parents died, leaving their property to the heir. He lived with his uncle, a priest, and helped those in need. There is a known case related to the family of a poor man whose daughters could not marry for lack of a dowry. The girls were going to be sold into slavery.
The night before the first deal, the eldest daughter hung up the stockings to dry after washing, and in the morning she found gold in them. Nicholas helped the girls find happiness. He came to the rescue in secret. After a while he was elected bishop. The hero's life was an example of faith, generosity and warmth. After the death of Nicholas, the tradition of giving gifts and leaving surprises in New Year's stockings continued.
Quotes and Facts
In different countries, Santa Claus is presented in different images, and in different languages of the world his name sounds different. In Russia and Belarus it is Santa Claus, in Austria - Sylvester, in Greece - Saint Basil, in Germany - Weinachtsman, in Colombia - Pope Pascual, in France - Père Noel. Holland is the country where Santa's name is Sinterklaas. In each state, the wizard hides gifts in his own way. In Sweden, children find them by the stove, in Germany - on the windowsill, in Mexico - in boots, and in Spain - on the balcony. In one corner of the world, Santa Claus is a pagan god, in another - a wizard, and in a third - a forest dweller.
In Europe, it is generally accepted that the over-aged favorite of children lives in Lapland. Many families come to the residence of Santa Claus to stay on the eve of the New Year. In America, my grandfather has residences in Torrington, Connecticut and Wilmington, New York.
Americans have made Santa Claus the idol of millions. Thanks to the famous advertising campaign of the Coca-Cola brand, the image of a brisk grandfather was entrenched in the minds of children and adults. Unsurprisingly, US cartoon characters unmistakably articulate the nuances of Santa's biography.
“Don't you know the true meaning of Christmas? It's Santa's birthday! " - is talking .
In the cartoon "Santa's Secret Service", the position of the main magician is passed down from generation to generation, and the main character states with dignity:
“Many years ago my father told me that being Santa is the best profession in the world. He was right: I love my job! "
The kind image of a plump old man bringing gifts is cultivated in America and other countries, allowing children to believe in magic and fairy tales. Every New Year's film broadcast during the holidays contains philosophical quotes on this score.
Screen adaptations
Billy Bob Thornton in the movie Bad Santa Santa has become the hero of numerous cartoon projects and films. In comedies, parents of large families, notorious bandits, heroes who do not believe in the power of Christmas, and those who lack love and warmth during the cold winter holidays appear in the image of a New Year's wizard.
Cinematographers present Santa Claus as an ordinary family man in the 1994 film Santa Claus, introduce the audience to the character forced to play the role of a good wizard in the 2003 film Bad Santa, and invite the audience to find out what a grandfather's family might look like. The film “Fred Klaus. Santa's Brother "2007 release. Thanks to the imagination of the directors, the hero of traditional legends appears in a modern guise and remains a favorite of the audience, regardless of the plot of the tape.
The main participants of the Russian winter holidays - Santa Claus and Snegurochka want to remind all residents of Russia that New Year and Christmas are coming soon and it is time to write a letter to Santa Claus and ask him to fulfill his innermost dream.
New Year's campaign for children "Letter to Santa Claus" will be held at the stations of the Crimean Railway Peninsula. Snegurochka will help the guys to compose a letter and write the address correctly December 14 from 9.00 to 16.00 in the building of the railway station in Evpatoria. All letters by mail will be sent to the residence of Father Frost in Veliky Ustyug, and it is expected that in two weeks the children will receive answers and your dreams will begin to come true.
On December 19, on the Teatralnaya Square of Evpatoria, the opening of the Mail of Ded Moroz will take place and the New Year's competition for the best letters to the main wizard of winter starts. Santa Claus's New Year mailbox will work until December 31, 2015.
Father Frost lives in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda region in a large fairytale tower and annually receives more than 200 thousand letters from children not only from Russia, but from all over the world.
Santa Claus, accompanied by the granddaughter of the Snow Maiden, rides in winter on a troika of frisky horses across the endless northern expanses of Russia. Neither snow blizzards nor crackling Siberian frosts are afraid of Santa Claus. The gray-haired grandfather is dressed in a warm fur coat, a hat and felt boots, in his hands he holds a magic staff, from the touch of which the sea waves are pacified and freeze, lakes and reservoirs freeze, fast rivers are covered with a thick layer of ice.
For children and adults, the arrival of a snowy winter is an inexpressible joy, everyone runs to ski or sled from the ice slide, or spin around on skates with funny music on the ice rink.
Santa Claus likes the joy and fun of people who are keen on winter fun, arrange noisy holidays in the middle of winter, for this Santa Claus gives people his fabulous New Year's gifts.
Every year, Santa Claus travels around and inspects his possessions, and begins his New Year's journey across Russia with a visit to the coldest place in the country in Oymyakon, where the official residence is Chyskhaana is the lord of the cold in Yakutia. The temperature minimum in Oymyakon ranges from –77.8 to –82 ° C. Chyskhaan wears on his head a high hat decorated with bull horns, according to Yakut legends he is called Bull of Winter. Every year in the fall, the Bull of Winter comes out of the Arctic Ocean and brings a symbol of cold to the earth.
Common to all Christians, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, known for his help to poor people and fabulous gifts for obedient children, served as a prototype for New Year's characters in different countries of the world. Santa Claus- one of them. Until now, there is no consensus about where Santa Claus lives, some speak in Lapland, others in the immediate vicinity of the North Pole.
Sintaklaas- New Year character in the Netherlands and Belgium, traveling with his servant Zwarte Piet. Have Sintaklaasa there is a special big red book, where each child and his good and evil deeds are written. Every year at the end of November, he arrives by steamer from Spain to bring all the gifts to the children for St. Nicholas Day - December 6th. In many cities of Belgium and the Netherlands, Sintaklaas drives through the city and is given a gala reception at the city hall. Sintaklaas does not enter the house through the chimney, but sends instead of himself a chimney sweep boy (Black Peter), who puts gifts for good children, and bags of salt for bad children. In more ancient legends, Black Peter could abduct bad children and take them to Spain.
Cheerful old woman Befana or Epiphany arrives on a broomstick in every Italian house on the night of January 5-6, sweeps the floor in the house of hospitable hosts, with a broom she sweeps out all the problems and troubles of the past year from the house, for which they leave a small treat and a glass of wine for her.
There is a legend according to which the Magi, who were in a hurry to visit the born Jesus, met an old woman on the way to Bethlehem Epifani yu, who gave them shelter and fed. They offered Epifani and go with them to Bethlehem, but she refused. And when she saw the Star of Bethlehem at night, she herself decided to go to the baby Jesus with a gift, but she never found his manger. Since then it has been flying old lady Befana on a broomstick on the night of January 5-6, hoping to find Jesus. For good children, Befana gives sweets and toys, and for those who behaved badly all year, she traditionally leaves a tiny coal, a clump of wool or a pile of dust.
Pere Noil(Pere Noel), accompanied by the "Evil Dad" (La Pere Fouettard), brings New Year's gifts to French children and puts them in shoes specially left by the hearth. And his ominous companion, when visiting naughty children, instead of gifts, gives them a good spanking, and in some versions of legends he cuts off the tongues of children who lie a lot. Père Noel rides a little donkey named Gui, which means “Mistletoe”, and the children leave a treat for the donkey - a carrot.
Delivers New Year's gifts to children in the Czech Republic and Slovakia Grandfather Mikulas (Saint Nicholas) December 6 together, he travels with an angel who gives children sweets and an imp who gives naughty kids embers and potatoes. In the festive Christmas retinue of Grandfather Mikulas there is a little Hedgehog, a diminutive form from Jezis - baby Jesus. Hedgehog presents sweets to little residents of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In Iceland, speaking, in general there is no single Santa Claus, instead of him in the national folklore there are thirteen strange-looking creatures resembling gnomes. They are called Yule Lads (Yule Lads) that is approximately "Christmas Boys", and are the sons of a fearsome mountain troll named Gryla. Previously, it was believed that Yule Lads did everything to harm people before Christmas for 13 nights, starting from December 12 they steal meat, spices and even children.
Each of "Christmas Boys" have their own name and a clear specialization, for example, Ketkrokur, there is a long hook, with which he steals meat from people. Second, by name Gluggagaegir,peeps through the windows to find something to profit from in a human dwelling, the third - Stekkjastaur, has pork legs and scares the sheep in the barns. Yulnisse is the kindest New Year's gnome, he puts small gifts in their shoes for the 13 nights before Christmas, and for naughty children potatoes instead of gifts.
In the Scandinavian countries - Norway, Finland, Sweden - there is a legend about Tomte or Nisse- small brownies on farms that harm the farm if the farmer is sloppy and does not maintain order in the house and on the farm. With the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia, all gnomes and brownies turned into little Santa Claus. Modern Tomte is called differently in Scandinavia: Yultomte, Yulnis or Yollupukki (Jultomte, Julnisse, and Joulupukki), they are similar to Santa Claus, but they are thin and slender, they are not so well-fed, they do not fly on a team of reindeer, but travel on a cart pulled by a goat on the ground. Scandinavian Santa Claus live not at the North Pole, but in the nearest forest. Unlike Santa Claus, Yultomtes do not fly into the chimney with gifts, but simply enter the door when no one sees them.
Yolupukki gives Christmas gifts to children in Finland. Now Yolupukki looks more like Santa Claus, but more than a century ago he was portrayed in a goat's skin and with small horns on its head, now only deer have horns. In finnish Yolupukki means "Christmas goat".
His image exists in almost all national traditions, and even Muslim countries have their own Khyzyr Ilyas - a good-natured old man in a red cap who brings gifts to obedient children, however, in mid-May.
Russia
Character: Santa Claus
Ded Moroz (Morozko, Treskun, Studenets) is a Slavic mythological character, the lord of the winter cold. The ancient Slavs represented him in the form of a short old man with a long gray beard. His breath is a violent cold. His tears are icicles. Rime - frozen words. And the hair is snowy clouds. The wife of Frost is Winter herself. In winter, Frost runs through the fields, forests, streets and knocks with his staff. From this knocking, crackling frosts freeze rivers, streams, puddles with ice. And if he hits the corner of the hut with his staff, the log will certainly crack. Morozko does not like those who tremble and complain about the cold very much. And to the cheerful and cheerful it gives bodily strength and a hot blush. From November to March, the frost is so strong that even the sun in front of him is shy.
Santa Claus first appeared in the USSR at Christmas in 1910, but did not become widespread. In Soviet times, a new image was spread: he appeared to children on New Year's Eve and gave gifts, this image was created by Soviet filmmakers in the 1930s.
Today in Russia there is the official residence of Father Frost - Veliky Ustyug.
Germany
Character: Santa Nikolaus and Weinachtsman
There are two winter grandfathers in Germany. One of them is Santa Nikolaus, who is inseparable from his servant Ruprecht, but he brings gifts (and not only gifts, but also rods for the guilty) to children not at Christmas, but on December 6, on the day of St. Nicholas. Ruprecht was "formed" insofar as in medieval Catholic schools in Germany a priest came to children with gifts, and the peasants, in turn, preferred to see an ordinary farm laborer in his place. So the farm laborer Ruprecht became, and the priest became Santa Nikolaus.
But on Christmas night itself, Weinachtsman comes to the German guys - an exact copy of the Russian Santa Claus. In Germany, Santa Claus appears on a donkey. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey. Christmas in Germany is a family holiday. The family must certainly gather at the festive table. On this day, a gift exchange ceremony takes place, which even has its own name - Besherung. By the way, this is another reason to doubt the purely Christian origin of our grandfather. Most likely, in the image of Santa Claus, pagan and Orthodox traditions were mixed.
France
Character: Per Noel
And New Year's Santa Claus among the French bears the name Père Noel, which literally translates as Father Christmas. In France, Père Noël also comes to children not alone, but together with Chaland - a bearded old man in a fur hat and a warm travel cloak. Père Noel gives gifts to "good" children, and for the naughty and lazy, there are rods hidden in Chaland's basket. To placate Shaland, the children sing: “Shaland came to us in a pointed hat and a straw beard. Now we have plenty of nuts and delicious buns until the New Year! " New Year is celebrated in France, as a rule, not with family, but with friends. And not at a solemn family table, but in a restaurant or even just on the street among hundreds of sparkling firecrackers and fireworks, claps of champagne, laughter and music.
United Kingdom
Character: Father Christmas or Father Christmas
In this country, where tradition is most valued, an indispensable attribute of the holiday is the Queen's short speech, which she delivers immediately after Christmas dinner. And before gathering at the festive table, the whole family goes to church. Children here order Father Christmas gifts (literally Father Christmas). He needs to write a detailed letter listing what he wants and throw it into the fireplace. The smoke from the chimney will deliver the wishlist straight to its destination.
In Great Britain, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on the second day of Christmas, when special donation boxes are opened and their contents are handed out to those in need.
USA
Character: Santa Claus
Americans borrowed their traditions from Europe, because the New World came into being through the efforts of people who came from the Old World. Christmas trees are certainly decorated here, Christmas carols are sung, and traditional turkey is served. At Christmas, Americans usually drink egg-nog, an egg-wine drink (like a cocktail) with cream. American Santa Claus is called Santa Claus.
The name "Santa Claus" first appeared in the press in 1773. The image is based on Saint Nicholas of Merlikia. The first literary description of the image belongs to William Gilly, who published the poem "Santeclaus" in 1821. A year later, a whole verse account of the visit of Santa Claus appeared from the pen of Clement Clark Moore (a professional dentist). The current appearance of Santa Claus belongs to the brush of Handon Sandblom - an American artist who painted a series of drawings for the advertising of Coca-Cola in 1931.
Finland
Character: Youlupukki
In Finland (it is generally accepted that the New Year's wizards were led from there) the local dwarf Joulupukki visits the local children. This funny name translates into Russian as "Christmas goat". The fact is that the villagers, who carried gifts to their homes on Christmas night, wore goat fur coats.
Joulupukki lives inside the Korvatunturi hill, in the Kaikuluolat caves. He has big and sensitive ears, so he knows exactly which of the kids behaved well, who was bad and who wants to receive what gift. And on Christmas night, he comes to the children while they sleep and gives them gifts that are hidden in his cap. He brings the rods to the disobedient.
In general, in many countries the main winter characters come not only to give gifts to children, but also to punish them. In any case, this was the case until the middle of the 20th century, when Christmas grandfathers gradually began to “forget” about children's disobedience.
Sweden
Character: Yul Tomten
In Sweden, everyone expects gifts from the Christmas gnome, a bit like “our” brownie who lives underground in every Swedish house. His name is Yul Tomten. Snowman Dusty, mischievous mice, a prince with a princess, witches, the King with the Snow Queen and, of course, the ubiquitous elves help him in creating Christmas miracles. The latter, by the way, have a particularly hard time. In their small mine, they constantly mine gold for Christmas tree decorations and gifts. Those who come to visit Tomten are warned: “Watch your step! Little trolls are constantly scurrying along the paths. Don't step on them! "
Italy
Character: Babbo Natale and Fairy Befana
Babbo Natale (Babbe Natale) leaves his sleigh on the roof and enters the house through the chimney, where some milk and sweets are left for him "for reinforcement."
In addition to him, on New Year's in Italy, children were happy to wait for the fairy Befana, it was she who took care of the holiday in this country: she brought sweets, toys, and various things to good children. True, she was angry and harsh with the bad, “rewarding” them only with extinguished coals. The Italians believed that the stars were brought to Befana, she entered houses through the chimney and put gifts in stockings suspended from the hoods of the hearths. According to another version, the fairy arrives in a completely earthly way - on a donkey, laden with a bale of gifts, and ties it up near the house where the children live. While the animal is feeding, Befana unlocks the doors with a small golden key and fills the children's shoes with souvenirs and sweets.
China
Character: Shan Dan Laozhen, Dong Che Lao Ren or Sho Hin
China has its own Christmas grandfathers. Those who come to China at Christmas notice, first of all, "Trees of Light" - an analogue of our Christmas tree. They are decorated in an oriental way with bright and exquisite lanterns, flowers, garlands. Chinese Christians use the same decorations in the festive decoration of their homes.
Unlike Dutch children who stuff special wooden shoes with straw, where they find gifts on Christmas morning, little Chinese hang stockings on the walls, where Dun Che Lao Ren (Grandfather Christmas) puts his Christmas gifts.
Japan
Character: Oji-san, Segatsu-san or Hoteisho
In Japan, instead of Santa Claus, the main figure of the holiday is the god Hoteyosho. If all the other "brothers" of Santa Claus, even having something goaty in their name, are still quite humanoid and goaty in them - perhaps a beard, then Japan here, as in everything else, stands apart, and the god Hoteyosho has eyes ... on the back of the head.
Czech Republic, Slovakia
Character: grandfather Mikulas and Hedgehogs
There is Grandfather Mikulas in the Czech Republic; he, like the German Santa Nikolaus. Arrives on the night of December 5-6, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. Outwardly, it looks like the Russian Santa Claus: the same long fur coat, a hat, a staff with a spiral top. Only now he brings gifts not in a sack, but in a back box. Yes, and it is not the Snow Maiden who accompanies him, but an angel in snow-white clothes and a shaggy imp. Mikulas is always happy to present good and obedient children with an orange, apple or some kind of sweetness (that is, something tasty and edible!). But if a potato or a piece of coal was found in the "Christmas boot" of a hooligan or a bum, this is definitely Mikulas.
How Mikulas gets along with another New Year's character Hedgehog is not clear and science does not know!
Hedgehogs (Hedgehogs) is probably the most modest New Year's character in the world. Throwing gifts into children's homes, Ezhishek makes sure that no one sees him. Apparently it is for this reason that nothing is known about the appearance of this good man. But, as soon as the Christmas bell tinkles on the tree, thousands of Czech and Slovak children rush to look at the gifts they have inherited. "Who brought this?" - Ask another foolish kid, "Hedgehogs!" - happy parents answer.
Mongolia
Character: Uvlin Uvgun
The whole family is in charge of the Mongols' New Year's economy. The head of the family is assisted by Zazan Okhin (Snow girl) and Shina Zhila (New Year boy). Uvlin Uvgun himself, as expected, is an excellent cattle breeder, and therefore he comes to the holiday in the traditional Mongolian clothing of a cattle breeder. Well, in order not to forget about business on New Year's Eve, from December 31 to January 1, the Mongols also celebrate the day (night !!!) of the cattle breeder.
Turkey
Character: Saint Nicholas, Noel Baba, Bishop of Merlicia
Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Merlikia ("Noel Baba") is one of the prototypes of all New Year's characters. A good miracle worker and persecutor of evil. Patron saint of abducted and lost children. Lived in 300 AD.
According to legend, Nikolai Merlikisky walked through the village past the poor man's house. And there the father was going to send his daughters to "study" the most ancient profession. Nikolai did not like this, and at night he threw three purses with gold into the house through the chimney (according to another version, three gold coins). They pleased them in girls' shoes, which were drying by the fireplace. The happy father bought a dowry for his daughters and gave them in marriage.
Uzbekistan
Character: Corbobo
Korbobo - On the eve of the New Year's holiday, he comes to his young friends on a donkey, accompanied by his granddaughter Korgyz. Instead of a fur coat, Corbobo is wearing a striped robe.
In other countries, Santa Claus is called:
Australia - Santa Claus
Austria - Sylvester
Altai Territory - Sook-Taadak
Belgium - Père Noel, Saint Nicholas
Brazil - Popeye Noel
Great Britain - Father Christmas
Hungary - Mikulas
Hawaii - Kanakaloka
Germany - Weichnachtsmann
Holland (Netherlands) - Sunderklass, Saite-Kaas, Sinter Klaas
Greece - Saint Basil
Denmark, Greenland - Uletomte, Ulemanden, Saint Nicholas
Spain - Papa Noel
Italy - Babbo Natale
Kazakhstan - Ayaz-ata, Kolotun Aga
Kalmykia - Zul
Cambodia - Ded Heat
Karelia - Pakkainen (Morozets)
Cyprus - Saint Basil
China - Dong Che Lao Ren, Sho Hing, Sheng Dan Laoren,
Colombia - Pope Pascual
Mongolia - Uvlin Uvgun
Norway - Julenissen, Nisse, Julebukk
Poland - Saint Nicholas
Romania - Mosh Jerilă
Savoy - Saint Chaland
USA - Santa Claus
Turkey - Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Merlikia, Noel Baba
Tajikistan - Ojuz
Uzbekistan - Corbobo
Finland - Yollupukki
France - Père Noel, Grandpa January
Czech Republic, Slovakia - Ded Mikulas and Yozhishek
Chile - Viejo Pascuero
Sweden - Jul Tomten, Jultomten, Kris Kringle, Yulnissan, Yolotomten
Yakutia - Ded Dyil
Japan - Oji-san, Hoteyosho, Segatsu-san
What is the difference between Santa Claus and Santa Claus? For modern children, the name is probably not so important - the main thing is that they fulfill their duties!
By the beginning of the 20th century, the image of Santa Claus was gradually formed, which we also know. Earlier attempts to create the type of "Christmas grandfather" giving gifts to children did not take root in our country.
But after the revolution, Santa Claus, as a religious prejudice, was in disgrace for more than ten years. Following the rehabilitated New Year tree, only in 1937, he appeared at the New Year celebrations at the Moscow House of Unions. Since then, Santa Claus has become one of the main characters of the New Year holidays.
In different countries, this character bears his name: Papa Noel in Spain, Mosh Jarila in Romania, Sinte Claas in Holland, Per Noel in France, Santa Claus in America.
It is a pity that our Santa Claus is gradually being replaced by Santa Claus. What is the difference between our Grandfather and the foreign Santa Claus?
First of all - in origin. Santa Claus - Saint Nicholas (Nikolaus), a real historical figure - Archbishop Nicholas of Mirliki, who had a reputation as a protector of children and lived in the fourth century in Lycia, in Asia Minor, which is part of modern southern Turkey. Raised to the rank of saints after death.
There is a legend like St. Nicholas heard about a poor city dweller who was forced to give up his three daughters to "fornication", and saved the whole family from want and shame, secretly tossing them three bags of gold. Hence the bag of gifts - an indispensable attribute of Christmas Santa Claus.
Later, this legend was transformed into a parable about how the saint threw gold coins into the chimney of the house where the poor sisters lived, and the coins accidentally fell into the stockings that were drying by the fireplace. This is how the custom was born to hang up socks before the commemoration of St. Nicholas (December 6/19) to find gifts in them in the morning.
Gradually, this day shifted in time, and the gifts of St. Nikolai began to do for Christmas already in the form of Santa. Although, here, too, not everything is so obvious. The Catholic Church prefers to regard Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) as a messenger rather than a donor. He only transmits, delivers the gifts of the infant Christ. It is clear who needs to be thanked, and to whom to address your cherished desires.
Father Frost
Russian Santa Claus is a character of Slavic fairytale ritual folklore, a pagan spirit. Despite the fact that the formation of the modern image of Santa Claus was not without imitation of Western customs, he retained almost all the characteristic Russian features. 
Our Santa Claus and to this day walks in felt boots and a long fur coat, with a staff. He prefers a sleigh pulled by a brisk and very playful troika to all types of transport, and he does not move in the sky, like a foreign Santa Claus, but on the ground! There were never any deer in his team.
Santa Claus and some of our grandfather's other foreign brothers wear shorter fur coats, with pronounced buttons, and a hat that looks like a jester's cap.
Snow Maiden
Let's not forget about the Snow Maiden, the assistant and companion of the Russian Father Frost. Her name and image are unique. No other country has a Christmas or New Year character with similar features.
The tradition of receiving gifts for New Years or Christmas is everywhere, however the characters who bring them to children can vary from country to country. It is true that American Santa Claus is rapidly gaining popularity overseas today, however, many countries still have their own unique New Year or Christmas characters, ranging from cunning gnomes to friendly witches. This article, as you probably already guessed, is dedicated to the legends of Santa Claus from around the world.The Snow Maiden is the embodiment of frozen waters in general and the waters of the Northern Dvina in particular. She is dressed only in white clothes. No other color is allowed in traditional symbols. The ornament is made only with silver threads. The headpiece is an eight-pointed crown, embroidered with silver and pearls.
S. V. Zharnikova Ph.D. n. art critic, ethnologist
Yolasveinary (Iceland)
The Yolasweinars (or Yule Guys) are a group of thirteen mischievous creatures who replace Santa Claus during the Christmas celebrations in Iceland. They appeared in the early 1930s, when an Icelandic writer penned a short poem describing their role during the Christmas season. Since then, the images of the Yolasveinar have undergone many changes, ranging from cute gift givers to annoying pests. For a time they were even considered bloodthirsty creatures that kidnap and eat children at night.
The Yolasweinars were distinguished by their playful character. Each of them played naughty in their own way. Ketkroukur, for example, used a long hook to steal meat, and Gluggagayir looked through the windows in search of things that could be stolen at night. Stekkjarsteyr loved to harass sheep; instead of legs, he had wooden prostheses.
However, the Yolasweinars could not only play pranks - they also gave gifts to children for 13 days before Christmas. Boys and girls who had behaved well throughout the year found nice gifts in their shoes thrown out of the door. Naughty children found potatoes instead of sweets.
Nisse (Scandinavia)
The legend of Niss can be found in the folklore of Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Finland and Sweden. Nisse used to be called the little dwarf-like characters who looked after the family farms. They were kind to people, but beat or in any other way took revenge on those who did not take good care of their household. Influenced by Christianity, Nisse eventually became associated with the traditional celebration of Christmas. Their appearance has changed; they acquired human features and became akin to Santa Claus.
Modern Nisse (or Joulupukki, as they are often called) are still very different from Santa Claus. They tend to be of normal build and ride on sleds that don't fly. Moreover, they do not live at the North Pole. The children are told that Nisse live in a forest near their homes. Also, Nisse do not bring gifts to children, entering the house through the chimney at night. Instead, a parent or relative changes into Nyssa and personally gives gifts to the kids.
Baby Jesus (parts of Germany, Austria, Italy and Brazil)
Baby Jesus is a traditional giver of gifts for children at Christmas in parts of the world where Christianity is the main religion. The Infant Jesus was popularized in the 1500s by Martin Luther, who hoped he would help eradicate what he called "the corrupt influence of St. Nicholas." Infant Jesus is usually depicted as a small, holy child with blond hair and angelic wings. Influence of the Infant Jesus as the main figure of the holiday began to fade with the growing popularity of Santa Claus. Unlike other gift givers, Infant Jesus has never actually been seen. Children were often told that he disappeared a few seconds before they appeared.
Belsnickel (Germany, Austria, Argentina, United States)
Belsnickel is a legendary figure who is popular in the central regions of Europe as well as some of the smaller Dutch communities in Pennsylvania. Belsnickel is Santa Claus's helper who oversees discipline. He is usually depicted as a tall character whose body is covered with hair. He sometimes wears a mask with a long tongue.
Everyone loves Santa Claus, but they are afraid of Belsnickel: in most regions, children are scared for them so that they behave well.
And although Belsnickel is presented as a negative character, in some regions he is not only responsible for discipline, but also gives gifts. In Germany, for example, on December 6, on the feast of St. Nicholas, obedient children receive sweets and small surprises. Those who misbehave for a year are given charcoal or switches.
Per Noel and Per Fuetard (France)
Per Noel looks like Santa Claus. However, unlike him, he rides a donkey named Gui (translated from French as "mistletoe"). On December 5, in some regions of France, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated. One of the figures of this holiday is Per Fuetar; they, like Belsnickel, scare naughty children. In the 1100s, Per Fuethar and his wife are said to have kidnapped and killed three young men and then made a stew out of them. After Saint Nicholas discovered the victims and brought them back to life, Fuetar repented of his atrocities and vowed to serve him with faith and truth.
Per Noel puts presents in the shoes left by the fireplace. If the child did not obey their parents, Per Fuetar brought him rusty chains and switches. In more violent versions of the story, he cut off the tongues of children who were caught in a lie.
La Befana (Italy)
Befana is a mythological character among Italians who looks like a witch. According to the most popular legend, she was a kind woman who sheltered and fed three wise men who went to worship the newborn Jesus Christ.
Outwardly, Befana looks more like a Halloween witch: she flies on a broomstick, wraps herself in a black shawl and carries a bag with gifts. She avoids people and, they say, can hit the child if he decides to follow her.
Like Santa Claus, Befana enters the house through the chimney to give gifts to the children. For naughty boys and girls, she leaves a piece of coal or ash.
Krampus (Austria, Germany and Hungary)
In the Alpine countries, Santa Claus's assistant is a terrible, bloodthirsty monster named Krampus. He punishes naughty children in various ways. It is believed that this character originated hundreds of years ago, but was banned by the church in the 19th century. Today in some regions of Bavaria and Austria on December 5, Krampus Day is celebrated. People dress up in scary costumes and walk the streets of the city, frightening passers-by. Some places even host Krampus festivals.
Krampus, as you probably already understood, did not give gifts. In traditional folklore, he beat disobedient children with a birch twig or gave them a stern warning. In more violent versions of the story, Krampus abducted the children by hiding them in a sack, which he later dumped into the river.
Sinterklaas and Black Pit (Netherlands, Flanders)
Sinterklaas is the Dutch version of Santa Claus. He wears a traditional red suit and white beard, has a jovial disposition and is argued by many to have had the greatest influence on the modern day of St. Nicholas. Unlike Santa Claus, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by steamer from Spain every year at the end of November. Upon arrival, he walks through the streets of the city, welcoming the kids. Sinterklaas has no elves: a little boy named Black Pete helps him give gifts. According to one legend, he was a slave (servant) of Sinterklaas. In other versions, he is presented as a daemon. Black Pete is now often described as a chimney sweep.
Unlike Santa Claus, Sinterklaas brings gifts to children on December 5th, on the feast of St. Nicholas. Children leave their boots and some carrots for Sinterklaas' horse for the night by the fireplace. If they obeyed their parents for a year, Sinterklaas gave them sweets and toys. To bad children, he left coals or bags of salt.
Father Christmas (UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and many other countries)
Father Christmas had the greatest influence on the creation of the image of the modern Santa Claus and remains the main giver of Christmas gifts in the holiday legends of various countries. Father Christmas is very similar to Santa Claus, however their origin stories are actually slightly different. In the stories of the 17th century, he is portrayed as a cheerful old man dressed in a green robe. He was not a gift giver at the time. He was seen as a spirit proclaiming the good news and the embodiment of the joy and merriment of the Christmas holidays. Over time, Father Christmas merged with Santa Claus and Sinterklaas and began to play the role of a gift giver.
Modern Father Christmas is practically no different from Santa Claus in terms of the way of giving gifts. He rides a reindeer sleigh and sneaks into houses through chimneys to give gifts to obedient children, who often leave a treat for him. In some countries Greenland is considered the birthplace of Father Christmas, in others - Lapland, the former province of Finland.
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