No matter how they say that Santa Claus good job- a day in a year - but putting gifts under the tree for each child, even with a very strong desire, is difficult in 24 hours. For this reason, in other countries of the world you can find your own, unique Santa Claus with his own address and features. We figure out what Santa Claus is in different countries peace.
About Russian Santa Claus everybody knows. He needs to write letters with wishes, which he reads in Veliky Ustyug, and then he gives a gift for a poem or a song.
But few people know that in Belarus have your own Christmas spirit Zyuzya, a cute little old man with a white beard, and in his assistants he has a grandfather with a blue or red nose - Ice Santa or Frost.
IN modern world Zyuzya remained only in folklore and textbooks on Slavic mythology, he was moved by Santa Claus, who lives in Belovezhskaya Pushcha.
The most famous god of Christmas Santa Claus. Back in 1984, the UN officially proclaimed it the most important. He lives in eternal snows, more precisely in Lapland, together with Mrs. Claus, deer and elves working all year round. The prototype of Santa was St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
In the Middle Ages, he was known as the patron of children, and on his behalf on the day of worship of the saint - December 6 - they gave them gifts. But the Reformation came and abolished the veneration of saints, as a result of which, in a number of countries, St. Nicholas was replaced by a character presenting gifts for the birth of Christ. And the boxing day was moved from December 6 to December 24, the period of Christmas markets. The Counter-Reformation came, the image of the Saint was returned, but it was already associated with Christmas. To date, the image of Klaus has broken away from the original historical and church prototype and is drowned in commerce.
IN Germany and Holland - Niemand, or in Russian Nobody. In the Middle Ages, he rode on a donkey, advising children to do cute dirty tricks - which they used, assuring that they didn’t want to play pranks. Going to bed before a magical night, the naughty left a treat for Nimand, and hay in the shoes for the donkey. Now, of course, few people think about hay, and no one in the conditions of advanced technologies is unlikely to use the services of a donkey.
There is another character in Germany with a typical unpronounceable German name Weichnachtsmann. During the Besherung - the exchange of gifts - he punishes the bad children with rods and congratulates the good ones. Accompanied by him is Kristkind, all in white and with a veil, with a basket of apples and nuts in her hands. He ate an apple - he knew good and evil, cracked a nut - he learned how to cope with difficulties when moving towards a goal. If some bad boy suddenly decided to improve, there is no problem: read a poem or sing a song by Kristkind.
next in line Italy And Babbo Natale, that is Grandpa Christmas. His duties include looking into each window and delivering pre-ordered gifts. In company with him is the good fairy Befana. Although she is a fairy, she does not iron in the best way: rags, hooked nose, on a broomstick. During the night, he manages to fly around all the Italian kids and reward them according to their deserts: were you a good fellow? here's a chocolate for you; a loser? get gold.
In the neighboring Spain are waiting Olentzero in homespun clothes. Hot Spanish blood also affected this holiday, because the spirit is favorable to lovers. On a festive night, everyone should find a mate and preferably for the rest of their lives. Again, children receive gifts, leaving a stocking outside the window. Forgot the stocking? It doesn't matter, Olentzero will throw him on the balcony and, after taking a sip good wine from his flask, he will go to give gifts to others.
Let's go to Finland To Joulupukki or Yule goat. Earlier, in accordance with his name, he dressed up in a goat's skin and undertook to spread gifts on the goat for obedient children, and again rods for naughty children.
Youlu has a very specific place of residence - Mount Korvatunturi, which resembles a large ear in shape, through which the spirit listens to desires. He does not live alone, but with his wife Muori and gnomes, whose duty is to go to the village of Poyakul to prepare gifts every day.
In France – Peer Noel, Christmas grandfather, and Per Fuettar, grandfather with rods. They visit every dwelling and leave gifts there, according to behavior, which is strictly monitored by the one with the instrument of punishment.
modest hedgehog in Slovakia sneaks under the tree as quietly as possible. That's why no one knows what he looks like. Leave a gift and ring the bell, they say, get your present.
Czech Mikulash fills baby stockings with the angel and the devil. Good - sweets, bad - ash. He dresses in a shaggy fur coat, in his hands a staff, over his shoulder a box with gifts. Sometimes his mother replaces him - Mikulashka. She is a strict woman, she takes care of those who did not obey with a broom.
Photo source: flickr
Chief Santa Claus Norway – Yulebukk, but his little helpers-spirits Ulinessi live everywhere. However, the Norwegians try to befriend Ületomte, the Christmas Dwarf.
This is a kind of analogue of the brownie, which helps to fuss at the festive table, looks after the children and tries in every possible way to alleviate the fate of the hostess. For this, he expects to receive a bowl of porridge. If you offend him, then he can cause trouble, up to setting fire to the house. The Julenisses live in both Denmark and Sweden.
English children throw letters into the fireplace, confident that the smoke will convey their wishes to the Christmas Father. He is dressed in a robe with ivy, carries with him a whip and a bag of gifts, so to speak, to each his own.
Mongols Uvlin Uvgun And Zazan Ohin(a kind of Snow Maiden). Since the Mongols are excellent cattle breeders, the outfit of such a Santa Claus is appropriate: a shaggy fur coat, a fox hat, a whip and a steel flint in his belt. In addition, at night from December 31 to January 1, the day of the cattle breeder is celebrated in Mongolia.
Your Santa Claus and in Georgia . Tovlis Babua was born in the mountainous village of Ushguli. And he takes out gifts from the hut - magic bag. Dressed in a Svan hat and black chokha.
Corbobo with granddaughter Korgyz in Uzbekistan preen in bright robes, elegant skullcaps and, together with bags of gifts, riding on a donkey, they go to villages.
Outdid everyone, of course, Japanese . They have as many as 3 New Year's characters: Oji-sen, Shogatsu-san And Santa Claus. The celebration of the New Year is a strange thing for them: who lunar calendar who is modern. But they strikingly combine original and European. Ojin, in the usual Santa outfit, receives letters and delivers gifts to cities and villages on a reindeer sleigh. And Shogutsu is expected to visit for another whole week after the New Year, you need to meet him only in new clothes (this should bring good luck) and with an altar decorated in a certain way. And in addition to everything, Beethoven is revered there, whose "Ninth Symphony" (and the number 9 is sacred to them) was first performed in Japan on the eve of 1948.
Santa Claus is different in different countries of the world, and it is difficult to list them all, but now you have at least some impression of their diversity.
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Russian Santa Claus
You know him well - every year he wishes you a Happy New Year and gives you gifts. In his hands is a crystal staff with a bull's head - a symbol of fertility and happiness. He rides in a painted sleigh pulled by a trio of snow-white horses. The Snow Maiden is the granddaughter of Santa Claus, who was made of snow.
American competitor of Santa Claus - Santa Claus
Antu is accompanied by a magical talking deer named Rudolph the Red Nose. In order to fly through the sky, Santa just needs to put his finger in his nostril.
Little Swedish Deputy Santa Claus - Yul Tomten
Yul Tomten means "Christmas gnome" in Swedish. He lives in magical forest and he has an assistant - the snowman Dusty. If you come to visit Jules Tomten - carefully look under your feet: tiny elves scurry along the paths.
Santa's Italian assistant Babbe Natale
Babbe Natale enters the house through the chimney. Every house leaves a cup of milk for him
Mongolian friend of Santa Claus Uvlin Uvgun
In Mongolia, the New Year is also a holiday for shepherds. Therefore, the Mongolian Santa Claus is the most important shepherd. In his hand he has a whip, and on his belt is a bag with tinder and flint. His assistant's name is Zazan Ohin - "Snow Girl"
Ded Moroz's Dutch colleague Sinter Klaas
Arrives in Holland on a ship accompanied by black servants.
Yakut helper of Santa Claus Ehee Dyyl
He has a huge bull that comes out of the ocean every autumn and begins to grow horns. The longer the horn, the stronger the frost.
Finnish friend of Santa Claus Joulupukki
WITH Finnish translated as Christmas grandfather or Christmas goat. The hut of Santa Claus stands on a mountain. His wife Muori and a whole family of gnomes live in it. He wears a goatskin jacket with a leather belt and a red cap.
Overseas colleague of Santa Claus from Japan Oji-san
In Japan, the New Year is celebrated with 108 tolls of the bell. The most popular new year gift- Kumade - a rake made of bamboo, so that there is something to rake in happiness. Houses are decorated with pine branches, pine is a symbol of longevity.
Companion of Santa Claus from Belgium - St. Nicholas
The Belgians know that the family that shelters St. Nicholas will get a golden apple. A Moor named Black Peter is a servant who accompanies Saint Nicholas everywhere.
Uzbek comrade Santa Claus Korbobo
Arrives in Uzbek villages on a donkey with his granddaughter Korgyz
French friend of Santa Claus Pere Noel
On New Year's Eve he wanders over rooftops and down chimneys into houses to leave presents in French children's shoes.
Norwegian Santa Claus - Julebukk
This Norwegian-Swedish wizard looks more like a gnome or a brownie than a Russian Santa Claus. His clothes consist of wooden shoes, knee-length pants, a shirt, a waistcoat, stockings and, of course, a cap. He lives in little house In the woods, whole year makes gifts and, like a real Norwegian and a dwarf, loves porridge and beer. In December, he moves closer to people. Rides a cart pulled by foxes.
Ded Moroz' Irish Colleague - Daidi na Nollaig
Daidi on Nollaig wears a long green fur coat (however, they all wear green). He also has a staff, but, unlike our Grandfather, the Irishman wears not an icicle on his staff, but a bunch of herbs (a hint to nature, so that she can grow it in the spring) and instead of a hat, Daidi has a wreath on his head.
On New Year's Eve, little girls put various herbs under their pillows before bed - mistletoe, clover, ivy, and even lavender. According to belief, it is in new year's eve you can see your future spouse.
Chinese analogue of Santa Claus - Shan Dan Laozhen
In China, Santa Claus is called simply and uncomplicated: Dong Che Lao Ren or Shan Dan Laozhen. Despite the exotic name, the habits of the Chinese grandfather from the famous Santa Claus are not at all different. On New Year's Eve, he also comes to the children's bedrooms and fills the stockings hung on the walls with gifts. Dong Che Lao Ren looks like a wise old man: he is wearing silk robes, his long beard sways in the wind, and he rides a donkey around the country.
Colleagues from the Czech Republic - Grandfather Mikulash and Grandfather Ezhishek
The first, Mikulas, delivers gifts to children from the Czech Republic, in his retinue there is an angel and an imp. The angel gives gifts and sweets to the children, and the imp gives coals and potatoes to the naughty kids. And the second one, Jerzyszek, gives gifts to the little inhabitants of Slovakia. They are often confused, because Jerzyszek and Mikulash are actually very similar, because they are brothers.
Africa
And, of course, everyone is interested in whether there is Santa Claus in Africa? Eat. And his name is Papa Noel, as in some countries of South America. Only there is very little information about him, he is the most secretive of all Santa Clauses and no one knows exactly what Papa Noel looks like. But his mission is the same as that of all other analogues - to give children gifts and a festive mood.
Everyone Have a good mood and Happy Holidays!!!
Santa, Christmas, Santa Claus...
How many brothers does our kind, generous, wise New Year's elder - Santa Claus, who brings joy and hope to the house?
Once in Asia Minor, the Christian Bishop Santa Nicolas preached. He was remembered and loved the way he was: open, able to love people, give gifts to children. It was in the XII century, when on the day of Santa Nicolas there was a tradition to give each other pleasant trifles to please with offerings and treats. And only then, on behalf of Santa Claus (short for Nicholas), they began to congratulate friends on Christmas.
Today, everyone knows that Santa is an American grandfather, but he is known and loved all over the world. Yes, and our children know more than others Australian And American Frost. Santa Claus wears a wonderful red jacket and puts a cheerful cap on his head. And in Australia, he can come to the New Year's holiday even in swimming trunks, because it's very hot there.
This grandfather smokes a pipe and loves to fly on a reindeer sleigh. They say he enters the children's house through the chimney. We didn’t check it ourselves, but we believe one hundred percent!
But the homeland of this winter kind guest is in Lapland. There, in the Finnish city of Rovaniemi, letters are written by thousands of children and adults who dream of receiving some wonderful New Year's present from Santa. Of course, parents help this New Year's wizard: they have time to "suggest" Klaus what exactly their wonderful baby is waiting for for the holiday.
And although Santa lives in Lapland, the Finnish kids are sure that in their homeland, gifts for Christmas come to the house along with the little gnome Yolupukki. He has the most wonderful cap in the world. Yolupukki hides sweets and toys in it, and then distributes them to girls and boys who are trying not to fall asleep until the gnome arrives at their house.
Phaser Christmas is another wonderful old man in a red suit with a luxurious white beard. He makes the children happy England, and those, like our little one, also recite poems to him and sing cheerful winter songs. A well-known translation of the name of the English Grandfather is Father of Christmas.
French for girls and boys, wonderful packages with cherished gifts are brought by the wonderful Pere Noel.
IN Switzerland waiting for Christmas Christkindl. He is so pretty and cheerful that sometimes artists draw his portrait, which is very reminiscent of an angel girl. Christkindl knows how to decorate the house, decorate the Christmas tree, help the housewives bake Christmas cakes and, finally, the most important thing, not mix up the gifts for children. They say he has never failed!
IN Latin America Children love the three wizard kings. Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar arrive at the houses on the eve of Christmas. Of course, with congratulations and wishes of happiness. And without gifts they are simply impossible to imagine! It's good that there are three Wizard Kings, otherwise they would not have coped with so many important Christmas errands!
Babo Nattale settled in Italy. But this is not enough for Italian children. They also invite the good fairy Befana to the New Year. And the evil fairy smears charcoal on the rascals. Do you think witches are only evil? In vain! In Italy, gifts in a slipper:; for kids leaves a pretty witch Old Befana. Befana knows perfectly well what every child has been dreaming of all year, and the shoe turns out to be exactly what is needed!
Of course, our Grandfather Frost was more fortunate than others! He has a sweet and kind beautiful granddaughter - Snegurochka. Each beautiful girl dreams of trying on the image of the Snow Maiden for the New Year. Some people are said to be good at it. She leads round dances with children, sings famous New Year's songs with them and arranges wonderful holiday contests and quizzes.
When a child is waiting for Santa Claus, he least of all thinks about the fact that somewhere in the world lives the namesake of the famous kind wizard who is able to bring a fairy tale with him one winter night. Most importantly, there is his wonderful, sweet, kind bearded Grandfather!
But adults just need to know the name of Frost in different parts of the world. Firstly, suddenly non-flying weather will force a plane with Grandfather from Australia to land somewhere in your snow-white area, and secondly, knowledge has never harmed anyone.
If it comes to you a kind person with a bag of gifts and introduce himself as Sylvester, you know he came from Austria. Meet him warmly.
Saint Nicholas can be met on these winter snowy days in Belgium.
IN Poland also has its own Saint Nicholas. Interestingly, this hero of New Year's stories has the right to be the first to be called Santa Claus. All the others followed from him. As they say, the founder and starting point, the top of the family tree of Santa Clauses around the world.
How else? It was he who gave golden apples to a poor family and placed them in front of the fire by the fireplace. Now he likes to dress in a white robe and travels the world on a horse.
Altai knows and loves his magician - Sook - Taadak.
Children are waiting for Saint Basil Cyprus.
IN Greece Santa Claus is also called St. Basil. And the Danes invite with gifts Ületomtomte, Ülimanden and St. Nicholas.
IN Kazakhstan he lives and waits for his cherished new year's hour Ayaz-ata. They love to invite him to houses where there are girls and boys. IN Spain settled Papa Noel.
Kalmyks dubbed good grandfather Zulom. "Zul, come to us!" - the name of the little inhabitants of Kalmykia and he brings them surprises and fun.
Karelia praise Pakkainen, Chinese adore a man and a wizard named Sho Hin. IN Colombia received a residence permit Pascual.
Grandfather Zhar loves to please the kids in Cambodia. But what else could this character be called in a hot country?
Uvlin Uvgun - m Mongolian Santa Moro h, and Zazan Ohin is his faithful Snow Maiden. Everything is like ours! The Mongolian Grandfather is democratic, he puts on the clothes of a cattle breeder. Everyone likes!
Norse waiting for gifts from tiny brownies, whose name is Nisse. They are very nice guys. Sweets are simply adored, like small children. And they wear wonderful and funny knitted caps. If Nisse wanders into your house (well, quite by accident!), You know what to treat him.
Sunderklaas can come to you from Netherlands, Korbobo and Korgyz - from Uzbekistan a, Mosh Jerile - from Romania.
swedes celebrate the holiday with Kris Kringle, and Japanese- with Oji-san.
Not confused?
If you think that with our Russian, Grandfather everything is simpler than a steamed turnip, then you are mistaken. He also has several names. Grandfather Treskun - that's what they called him in the old days. And what? Frost cracks, orders to run. Well, it's not to freeze. This is how we do it all the time, we checked it ourselves. Morozko is also about him. And there is another old nickname - Karachun. In a word, whatever you call it, just invite me to visit!
Our Morozko likes to give gifts to the children himself, and on New Year's Eve he leaves wonderful bundles under the Christmas tree. Mexican girls and boys are looking for sweets in ... a shoe. Yes, yes, this is the most important hidden place in festive evening! The British put gifts in a sock. The Swedes look for offerings by the stove or fireplace. In Paris, wonderful things fly right ... into the chimney. And in Germany, you can go to the window and find a doll, skates or a bag of chocolate right on the windowsill. If the New Year finds you in Germany, you know what to do.
Which of them is the best? The most festive, the most magical, the most amazing? It probably doesn't matter at all. It is important that Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Old Befina, Per Noel and Christkindl have time to come to each child. Grandfathers Frosts know their work perfectly and do not skimp on joy and sweetness for children and adults who dream of miracles. Are you one of them too? Well, you're right! You need to dream. Otherwise, Santa Claus will be bored. After all, their job is this: to find out what exactly a person needs for happiness, and to give: to whom - woolen socks in case of great cold, to whom - a convertible, and to whom - a package delicious sweets and cracker. To each, as they say, his own ...
So you wait for gifts and dream of a miracle. Will definitely wake up! New Year's Eve! All year round!
In America - Santa Claus. Gray hair, neat beard trimmed short and mustache. Red short fur coat, pants and hat-cap. Dark leather belt with a buckle fits a thick belly. Thin white gloves. Often wears glasses. Smoking a pipe (although Lately tries not to “press” on this element of the image), travels through the air on deer, enters the house through the chimney and tosses gifts into shoes and stockings left near the fireplace. The children leave milk and chocolate chip cookies for him.
Santa is a middle-aged man, overweight, cheerful and cheerful. Usually one appears, but dwarves and elves may accompany. The name "Santa Claus" first appeared in the press in 1773.
In Azerbaijan - "Saxta Baba"(Mine Baba, literally Santa Claus. The same Santa Claus, but in blue.
In Armenia - Dzmer Papi(literally Winter grandfather) and Junanushik(literally “Snowy Anush” (Anush is sweet, as well as a female name).
In England - Father Christmas And Santa Claus
In Austria -Sylvester.
In Australia, Santa Claus since the climate does not allow wearing a fur coat, here Santa appears in a red bathing suit-overalls, but always in a hat with fur.
in Altai - Sook Taadak.
In Bashkortostan and Tatarstan - Kysh Babai.
In Bulgaria - Dyado Koleda or Dyado Mraz
In Belgium and Poland - St Nicholas.
In Belarus - Ded Moroz (Dzed Maroz). Dressed in a long fur coat to the toes, leans on a magic staff, does not wear glasses, does not smoke a pipe, leads healthy lifestyle life and does not suffer from noticeable fullness. The Belarusian Santa Claus lives in his residence (since December 25, 2003) on the territory of the National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha". Guests are met not only in winter, but all year round.
And here Snow Maiden comes to help Santa Claus only in winter, for the holidays. In addition to the house of Santa Claus itself, the estate has a separate house for the Snow Maiden - the Treasury (Skarbnitsa), where gifts and letters sent by children are stored. On the territory of the residence grows the tallest spruce in Europe (40 m), which is 120 years old.
Vietnamese the spirit of the new year is called Tao Kuen. It is also called the spirit of the family hearth. On New Year's Eve, he goes to heaven on a carp, which turns into a dragon, to report to the heavenly ruler about good deeds and actions of all family members. Therefore, sweets are placed near his image, many, many sweets. Tao Kuen will eat, his lips will stick together - he will not be able to tell very much.
In Holland and the Netherlands - Site-Kaas (Sinter Klaas, Sunderklass). Sinter Klaas arrives on horseback, dressed in a miter and a white episcopal robe, accompanied by his faithful servant, the Moor, nicknamed Black Peter, who carries a bag with gifts for obedient children and a rod for the naughty.
In Georgia- “Tovlis papa”, “Tovlis babua”
In France- New Year's good man is called "daddy" Peer Noel, which means "Father Christmas", he is dressed in all white. He walks with a staff and wears a wide-brimmed hat and a long fur coat. Previously accompanied by Pre fuettar- literally translated “dad with a whip”, who mercilessly whipped those who did not obey dad and mom. Now Per Noel often comes alone.Also in France there is another Santa Claus - Shaland, an old man with a beard and in fur hat and raincoat. And in his basket he keeps not gifts, but rods for naughty children.
In Sweden and Denmark- as in France there are two Santa Clauses: a stooped grandfather Yultomten(Yolotomten, Yul Tomten) is a little old man who lives in the forest and rides in a cart pulled by foxes. He is helped by a dwarf with a beard Yulnissar. Both of them are kind and leave presents for the children on the windowsills for the New Year.
In Germany- Weinachtsman, Kristkind, Niemand, Santa Nikolaus. Santa Nikolaus- a modern New Year's wizard. He comes with his assistant Knecht Ruprecht, which keeps a journal detailing the actions of children. In the 19th century. Ruprecht performed not only secretarial duties: he grabbed the most notorious naughty, put them in a bag or carried them into the forest into the huge pocket of his raincoat. The oldest New Year's character is Nimand(Nobody). German children put the blame on him when they were naughty or broke something. On a festive night, he came on a donkey and brought sweets to obedient children. Children for these sweets put a plate on the table, and put hay in the shoes for his donkey. On the evening of December 24, when the Christmas trees are already lit, comes according to tradition Weinakhtsman(Christmas grandfather) and Christkind.
The Christmas grandfather is introduced as a friendly old man with a long white beard, a red cap and white fur, a bag of gifts and a cane. Sometimes he goes with him Polznickel. He is dressed up quite terribly, in contrast to the beautiful and meek Kristkind. He is wearing a topsy-turvy fur coat, intercepted by a chain, in one hand a rod for punishing the disobedient. Interestingly, unlike Weinakhtsman, they try not to let Poltsnikel into the house. He walks the streets, catches walkers, frightening with his chains and even forcing them to eat onions and garlic, which he specially carries with him.
But Polznikel is not considered evil, but rather harsh and fair. It is believed that with his chains he scares away evil spirits. Kristkind appears in a white outfit, holding a basket with traditional apples, nuts and sweets. Children could tell Christkind poems and sing songs, and for this they received gifts. Kristkind gives gifts only to obedient children, and the naughty ones are left empty-handed. Christkind is an invention of Martin Luther. Protestants did not recognize Catholic saints, but they wanted to keep the custom of giving gifts, so Kristkind was created, which distributed gifts to Protestant families on Christmas Day, December 25th. Then this image took root and Kristkind began to come more often to Catholic families, but Protestant families practically abandoned this character. In German folklore, children put carrots in their shoes for Odin's flying horse. And Odin gave them sweets in return.
In Greece and Cyprus- Santa's name is Vasily. Children sing a song: "Saint Basil, where are you, come, Saint Basil, give happiness, fulfill all my desires." Here the prototype of the Nativity saint is Basil the Great of Caesarea, a younger contemporary of Nicholas. Saint Basil turned out to be Christmas because his memory is celebrated by the Greek church on the first of January. In the guise of a modern Greek St. Basil has a lot of traits from his western counterpart. He is portrayed as an old man with a white beard who goes around the house and gives gifts to children.
In the north of Spain, in the Basque country - Olentzero. He does not melt with a flask of good Spanish wine, but he never forgets and gives gifts to children.
In Spain - Papa Noel. The tradition of celebrating the New Year with Santa Claus originated in the country relatively recently. Papa Noel did not appear here by chance, but appeared under the inspiration of Santa.
Spaniards are more accustomed to receiving gifts from the Fairy Kings, but Papa Noel was also welcomed here. Children are especially welcome. Now Papa Noel comes for Christmas and New Year, and on January 6, the Magic Kings come with gifts.
In India- the duties of Grandfather Mgoroz are performed by the goddess Lakshmi(goddess of happiness and prosperity). She is described as a goddess of incredible beauty, standing on a lotus and holding a lotus in two hands.
IN Italy- Santa Claus is generally a woman, and not just a woman, but a witch - an old woman Befana(La Befana). In her appearance, she resembles Baba Yaga from Russian fairy tales, but unlike Baba Yaga, Befana is terrible in her face, but kind inside. She flies on New Year's Eve through the chimney to the house of each child and leaves good kids gifts, however, some people find coals instead of sweets. These are also sweets, only black, with bitterness. So Befana hints to girls and boys: remember, did you behave well last year, did you upset your parents?
There are also Babo Nattale- leaves his sleigh on the roof and enters the house through the chimney, where some milk and sweets are left for him.
In Lithuania - Senialis Šaltis(Old Man Frost)
In Kazakhstan - Ayaz-ata literal translation sounds like Grandfather Frost.
In Cambodia (in Kampuchea) - Ded Zhara. And the New Year is celebrated there for three days: from April 13 to 15.
In Kalmykia - Zul.
In Karelia - Pakkaine, which in translation from Karelian means Frost. Pakkaine is young. His birthday is December 1st.
In China - Sho Hing, Sheng Dan Laojen or Dong Che Lao Ren. He will definitely visit everyone. Chinese child and leave a gift for everyone. Sho Hin is a wise old man who wears silk robes, has a long beard, and studied Confucius, wushu and aikido. He travels around the country on a donkey.
In Colombia, Pascual.
In Karelia - Pakkainen.
In Mongolia -Uvlin Uvgun, and accompany it Zazan Ohin(Snow Maiden) and Tire Vein(boy New Year). New Year in Mongolia coincides with the festival of cattle breeding, so Uvlin Uvgun wears the clothes of a cattle breeder: in a furry coat and a large fox hat. In his hands he has a long whip, a flint, a flint and a snuffbox. It depends on him whether there will be plenty of milk and meat for the New Year's table.
In Norway- Make gifts for children Nisse(Yolinise) - cute little brownies. Nisse wear knitted caps. They also like tasty things (sweet oatmeal and a piece of butter). Even though the Nisse are caring protectors of the home, they are very vindictive - from damaging livestock to destroying an entire farm. And if you wish, you can become invisible. He loves attics and cupboards with dishes. Friendly with pets.
Later, the image of Nisse was transformed into Santa's Christmas helper. At the head of the Nisse clan is the son of that Nisse, who first gave two silver coins to a little girl more than four hundred years ago.
And it was like this: one Nisse accidentally saw a girl who on Christmas Eve put a bowl in the snow so that Nisse would leave some food for her. Nisse put two coins into the bowl. And then he liked this idea so much that every year he began to give coins and sweets to children. It is Nissa who is helped to choose the best spruce, worthy of decorating the whole city! They climb to the very top beautiful Christmas tree and swing on it until people pay attention.
In Savoy - Saint Schaland.
In Ukraine - Father Frost(Did Frost). But it is St. Nicholas, and not Santa Claus, who brings gifts (mykolaichiki) to children on the night of December 18-19 and puts them under the pillow.
In Uzbekistan - “Korbobo(To the delight of the children, on New Year's Eve, he enters the villages on horseback on a donkey, himself in a striped robe, in a patterned skullcap. And the Snow Maiden with him Korgyz also in a skullcap and she also has many, many braids, like any Uzbek girl.”- I found this information on the Internet, and my Uzbek friend told me this - Cor Bobo(literal translation Black Grandfather or Grandfather) the robe is like that of the Russian Santa Claus, only the color of the robe has some difference - it is white and blue. The girl next to him Kor Kyz, unlike the Russian Snow Maiden, who has a kokoshnik on her head - Kor Kyz has a cap that fits her head.
In Romania - most often you will meet the name Mosh Jarile, but it is not so. Now in Romania Santa Claus is called Mosh Krachun- Christmas in Romanian.According to a Romanian legend, the shepherd Crăciun sheltered the Virgin Mary. When she gave birth, he gave her and her Child cheese and milk.
Since then, Saint Mosh Krachun has been giving gifts to children. He comes from the outback Codri. Mosh Dzharile - this is a pseudonym for the time of the socialist period - now they have returned to the old name.
In Moldova - Mosh Krachun He also has his own retinue - these are the famous Pekale and Tyndale, as well as other national characters. Mosh Krachun wears not a red fur coat, but a traditional caftan with a belt decorated with a national pattern, and a sheep's kushma on his head.
In Russia - Father Frost. A tall, thin, but strong old man. Stern, stately, unsmiling, but kind and fair. walks in a white, blue or red sheepskin coat, with a long white beard and a staff in his hand, in felt boots. Pants are usually hidden under a sheepskin coat and are almost invisible, but linen pants and a shirt are white or decorated with ornaments. Belted with a wide belt. Wears embroidered gloves. He rides on three horses. Inseparable from his granddaughter Snegurochka . Sometimes a Snowman can also accompany. Since 1998, Veliky Ustyug has been considered the official residence of Santa Claus in Russia. Since 2005 official day Father Frost's birth is considered to be January 18, when in Veliky Ustyug the first very coldy. He enters through the door when he is called loudly three times and presents gifts. Or put gifts under the tree.
In Tuvai - Sook irey
In Tajikistan - Baboi Barfi
In Finland - Joulupukki. "Youlu" means Christmas, o "pukki" - a goat, that is, a Christmas goat. The fact is that many years ago, Santa Claus wore a goat skin, and delivered gifts on a goat. Gray hair, neat beard and mustache. Red jacket, pants and cap. Dark leather belt. Definitely glasses. He lives on Mount Korvantunturi (“mountain-ear”) either in a hut or in the mountain itself. along with his wife Muori (Maria) and the dwarves. In ancient times, he went home at Christmas (caroled), treated obedient children and punished the naughty (for which he carried rods with him). Subsequently, the educational moment was missed. Modern look and the legend is largely taken from the American Santa Claus.
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia - Mikulas - comes on the night of December 5-6, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. Outwardly similar to our Santa Claus. Long fur coat, hat, staff, with a top twisted into a spiral. Only now he brings gifts not in a bag, but in a shoulder box.
Yes, and it is not the Snow Maiden who accompanies him, but an angel in snow-white clothes and a shaggy imp. Mikulash is always happy to give good and obedient children an orange, an apple or some kind of sweetness. But if in the "Christmas boot" a hooligan or a loafer found a potato or a piece of coal, then this is definitely the work of Mikulas.
In Estonia - Jõuluvana and he looks like his Finnish cousin Joulupukki.
In the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug - Yamal Iri. In 2007, Yamal got its own Santa Claus, who gladly welcomes guests to his residence, gives them gifts, treats them and grants their wishes. year. This is one of modern grandfathers: he has a mobile phone, Email, personal site. Yamal Iri travels a lot, conducts a ritual ceremony of initiation of travelers into the "Northern Brotherhood" on the "Arctic Circle" stele in Salekhard. Yamal Iri, in addition to a wonderful staff, also has a magic tambourine, specially made by Yamal masters for rituals and ceremonies. It is made of deerskin, and stretched over a strong wooden frame. The beater for a tambourine is made of birch and covered with deer fur. Tambourine lilac and harmonizes with the white and clothes of Yamal Iri.
In Japan- since recently, two Santa Clauses have been competing: Segatsu-san and newbie Oji-san(a modified version of the American Santa). Unlike Oji-san, the traditional Segatsu-san has to go from house to house for a whole week, which the Japanese call “golden”. Dressed in a traditional Segatsu-san in a sky blue kimano. He does not give gifts, but only wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Gifts are given to children by their parents. Segatsu-san is called “Mr. New Year.
For the Japanese Santa Claus, small gates are built in front of the houses from bamboo sticks with pine branches. And richer people install dwarf trees of pine, plum or peach blossom - symbols of longevity, love of life and fidelity.
Children celebrate the New Year in new clothes, whatever next year be healthy and lucky. They play hanetsuki, participate in New Year's performances, build houses and figurines from snow (weather permitting), launch kites, and at night, pictures of sailboats are placed under the pillow so that seven wizards visit them, seven patrons of happiness.Segatsu-san, after
time in every possible way oppresses the young Santa Claus - Oji-san, and although it appeared in Japan quite recently, it has more and more fans. Oji-san brings gifts by sea and gives them to children. Dressed in a traditional red sheepskin coat. The New Year is traditionally heralded by 108 bell strikes, each ringing kills one human vice. There are only six of them: greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy. There are only 6 of them, but each has 18 shades. Therefore, it turns out 108 strokes.
Most popular gift in Japan - a rake made of bamboo (Kumade), so that there would be something to rake in happiness.
Do you know that even relatively recently - 200 years ago, our Santa Claus had nothing in common with a kind-hearted grandfather. And he was a mischievous little old man who liked to freeze everything. And the Russian Santa Claus kindled only at the end of the 19th century. Then he began to come to Christmas trees and bring gifts.
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Therefore, today we would like to introduce you to a wonderful character, without whom this day is hard to imagine. Our hero is Santa Claus. We will also tell about his numerous brothers from all over the world.
Grandfather Frost (Russia)
Santa Claus around the world is a relative of our beloved grandfather. Morozko, Studenets, Treskun - all this is one Slavic character of Slavic mythology, the lord of winter and frost. Our ancestors represented him as a short old man with a long white beard. From his breath began a strong cold. Icicles appeared from his tears. The words he spoke turned into frost. Snow clouds are his hair. In winter, Santa Claus walks around forests, fields, streets. He taps with his ice staff, and severe frosts freeze rivers, streams, puddles with ice. As soon as he hits the corner of the hut, the log will certainly burst. Morozko does not like those who complain about the cold and shiver from the cold. And cheerful and cheerful people also give a bright blush. Grandfather from November to March. At this time, even the sun is timid in front of him. In our country, Santa Claus appeared in 1910, at Christmas, but for some reason did not gain popularity. This character became beloved and famous in the 1930s, thanks to Soviet filmmakers: he came to children on New Year's Eve and gave them generous gifts. And to this day, kids believe that Santa Claus comes to every house on New Year's Eve. In different countries of the world, traditions are observed sacredly.
Santa Nikolaus (Germany)
German Santa Claus is always inseparable from his faithful servant - Ruprecht. True, he gives gifts (as, indeed, rods for naughty ones) not at Christmas, but on the night of the sixth of December. Ruprecht appeared because in medieval educational institutions in Germany, a priest gave New Year's gifts to children. The peasants, in turn, wanted to see an ordinary farm laborer in his place. That's how this one came about fabulous image, and the priest turned into a good Santa Nikolaus.
Weinachtsman (Germany)
On the night before Christmas, Weinachtsman comes to the German children. Santa Clauses from different countries are kind and loving kids heroes who want to arrange a holiday for all the kids. So the German character is an exact copy of "our" Santa Claus. He comes to the children on a donkey. Going to bed, the boys and girls of Germany put a plate on the table, in which the good old man will put delicious treats and in shoes they leave hay for his donkey. In Germany, as in many European countries, Christmas is a family holiday. Everyone must gather for festive table and give gifts to each other. This ceremony is called Besherung. This another reason doubt the Christian origin of the Russian Santa Claus. Most likely, Orthodox and pagan traditions were mixed in his image.
Per Noel (France)
In that fun party The most welcome guest in every home is Santa Claus. Different countries in the world customs suggest original meeting this hero. With his appearance, joy and fun come to the house. The French grandfather's name is Per Noel. His name can literally be translated as Father Christmas. Per Noel also congratulates the little ones not alone. His constant companion Shaland is a bearded old man in a fur hat, wrapped in a warm travel cloak. Per Noel congratulates and gives gifts to educated and obedient children, and naughty and lazy Schaland brings rods. Celebrating the New Year holiday in France is not in the family circle. Most often this happens in the company of friends in a restaurant, and often even just on the street, surrounded by hundreds of sparkling garlands and bright fireworks, sparkling champagne, fun and music.
Father Christmas (UK)
Santa Claus from different countries of the world congratulates people, observing national customs. In England, where traditions are valued above all else, the queen's speech is the main event in the New Year's celebration. She says it after a festive dinner. And before the feast, the family goes to church. Children turn to the Father of Christmas and ask him for gifts. For this you need to write magic grandfather a detailed letter with all the wishes and throw it into the fireplace. The wish list from the chimney will be delivered with smoke directly to the destination.
In England, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on the second day of the Christmas holidays. This is the time when the boxes are opened to collect donations. They are distributed to all people in need.
Santa Claus (USA)
Santa Claus in the countries of the world is a symbol of this happy holiday. Americans borrowed most of their traditions from Europeans. New World, as you know, appeared thanks to the efforts of people who arrived from the Old World. In the USA, they always decorate a Christmas tree, serve a turkey to the table. On this holiday, Americans drink egg-nog - a wine-egg drink with cream.
Santa Claus in America is called Santa Claus. It was first mentioned in the press in 1773. Mirliki became the basis of the image. In literature, it was first described by William Gilly - in a poem by Santeclaus (1821). A year later, a poetic report about this fabulous old man appeared. It was written by Clement Clark Moore. The well-known today's appearance of Santa Claus is the result of the work of Handon Sundblom, an artist from the USA, who in 1931 completed a series of original drawings for the Coca-Cola New Year's advertisement. There is an opinion that the very Santa we know is the brainchild of the mentioned popular brand.
Joulupukki (Finland)
There is an opinion that Santa Clauses from different countries come from Finland, and they themselves originated on this land. The dwarf Joulupukki came to the Finnish kids. This funny name can be translated into Russian as "Christmas goat". The villagers, who brought gifts home on Christmas night, put on fur coats made of goat skins. If your children asked you for the addresses of Santa Clauses from different countries, you can tell them that Joulupukki lives inside the Korvatunturi fell, in the mysterious caves of Kaikuluolat. He has sensitive, large ears, so he is well aware of which of the children behaved well and which was mischievous. He also knows who wants to receive what gifts.
On Christmas night, while the kids are sleeping, he comes to them and leaves generous gifts, which he hides in a cap. The disobedient are less lucky - he brings them rods. I must say that Santa Clauses from different countries come not only to give gifts to children, but also to punish them. By at least, so it was until the middle of the 20th century. Since then, Christmas grandfathers have improved considerably.
Yul Tomten (Sweden)
You can often hear the question: “How many Santa Clauses exist on Earth?” Probably as many as countries. Children in Sweden are waiting for Christmas presents from a gnome who looks a bit like our brownie. He hides in the underground of every house at Christmas. His name is Yul Tomten. He usually lives in a protected forest with picturesque valleys and lakes. They help him funny snowman Dusty, prince with princess, mischievous mice, king with Snow Queen, witches and numerous elves.
Babbo Natape and fairy Befana (Italy)
Santa Claus in the languages of the world sounds differently. The Italian grandfather's name is Babbo Natape. He leaves his fast sleigh on the roof and sneaks into every house through the chimney. The owners prepare milk and sweets for him in advance "for reinforcement".
In Italy, children are also waiting for the fairy Befana. She organized a holiday in this country: good children were brought sweets and toys. But the bad ones got only extinct coals. In Italy, there is a belief that the stars are brought to Befana. She enters the house through the chimney, puts surprises in stockings, which are hung in advance from the exhaust hoods of the hearths.
There is another version - the fairy arrives in an "earthly" way - on a cute donkey loaded with a bale of gifts. Befana opens the door with a golden key and fills the shoes with sweets and souvenirs.
Oji-san (Japan)
Santa Clauses of the world (you see the photo in our article) are very different. In Japan, the old man familiar to us is “replaced” by the god Hoteyosho. If the “brothers” of Santa Claus from other countries are quite humanoid, then Japan is very different in this sense. God Hoteyosho is an amazing character, with eyes on the back of his head.
Sho Hing (China)
If you are going to spend your Christmas holidays in China, then you will surely notice the luxurious “Trees of Light” - an interesting analogue of our Christmas tree. Orientally brightly decorated with lanterns, garlands, flowers, they delight not only local residents, but also guests of the country. The same decorations are used by Chinese peasants to decorate their houses. Little Chinese hang stockings on the walls of their dwellings, where Sho Hin puts his gifts.
Mikulas and Ezhishek (Czech Republic, Slovakia)
Czech Grandfather Mikulas comes to every house on the night of December 6th. This is the night before Saint Nicholas Day. Outwardly, he looks like the twin of our Santa Claus. He has the same long fur coat, staff, hat. Only now he brings gifts in a shoulder box and is accompanied not by a charming Snow Maiden, but by a beautiful angel in white clothes and a shaggy imp. Mikulash brings oranges, apples and various sweets to good and obedient children. In the "Christmas boot" of a slacker or bully is a piece of coal or a potato. For many, it remains a mystery how Grandfather Mikulash gets along with the Hedgehog.
This is probably the most modest and inconspicuous new year character worldwide. He throws gifts to children. Hedgehog is very careful to ensure that no one sees him. That is why the appearance of this good-natured man remains a mystery. But if the Christmas bell rings on the Christmas tree, Czech and Slovak children rush to look at their gifts. "Who brought it?" - ask the most unintelligent kids. "Hedgehogs!" - parents answer with a smile.
Noel Baba (Türkiye)
Many believe that Santa Clauses from different countries are created in the image of St. Nicholas. Noel Baba is a kind and generous miracle worker and fighter against evil, the patron of lost and abducted children. According to the existing legend, once Nicholas of Mirlikiy walked through the village past a poor house. Out of hopelessness, the father of the family was going to send his daughters to "learn" the most ancient profession on Earth. Nikolai did not like this, and at night he threw three purses filled with gold coins into the chimney of the house. They got into the girls' shoes. The father bought a dowry for his daughters and gave them all in marriage.
Uvlin Uvgun
In Mongolia new year holiday the whole family does. Sheena Zhila and Zazan Ohin help the father of the family. Uvlin Uvgun himself is the embodiment of a great cattle breeder. Therefore, it is quite natural that at the festival he appears in appropriate clothes.
Santa Claus address for letters
Every child in the world dreams of receiving the cherished New Year's gift, which he dreamed of all year ... To do this, you need to make detailed description your wishes and send to the magic grandfather. But where can I get the address of Santa Claus for letters? We will advise. Write your letters to the address: 162340 Veliky Ustyug, Father Frost's house.
There is another residence located in the Moscow Kuzminsky forest.
We hope that the upcoming New Year will be happy for you, and Santa Claus will give everyone the desired gifts.