Santa Clauses from around the world. What is the name of Santa Claus in different countries? All Santas are in retinue

Soon New Year...And everyone is looking forward to Santa Claus. What if old lady Befana knocks on the door of your house? And will you be very surprised to see cute brownies in knitted caps on the doorstep? Let's figure out who to expect on New Year's Eve.

Each nation has its own, but it is called differently in each country and it comes on different days.

Lives since ancient times in Rus' Moroz Ivanovich, Moroz the Red Nose. Ancestors Santa Claus they consider local gnomes, they also remember the East Slavic spirit of cold Treskun, aka Moroz and Studenets. Fairy tales and legends describe Father Frost as a powerful and harsh winter lord. Wherever it passes, expect severe cold. But on New Year's Day, Santa Claus gives gifts to obedient children. Frost has red cheeks and nose and a white fluffy beard. According to tradition, the grandfather is dressed in a long blue sheepskin coat and belted with a red sash, holding a staff in his hands. Father Frost comes to visit the children not alone, but with his granddaughter Snegurochka.

In Western Europe, USA, Canada and UK On New Year's Day, children and adults are welcome to visit Santa Claus. The “foreign” Santa Claus has a very real prototype - St. Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was born in the 3rd century. After receiving his clergy, Bishop Nicholas helped children and the poor. For which, subsequently, he was elevated to the rank of saints. The Roman Catholic Church honors Saint Nicholas as a saint who helps those who need his help. The Europeans who moved to America brought with them the legend of St. Nicholas or, as they call him, Santa Claus. He is dressed in a red jacket edged with white fur and red trousers. On his head is a red cap.

In the Czech Republic comes to the children Saint Nicholas. He brings gifts not in a bag, but in a special box, which is placed behind his shoulders. He comes not alone, but accompanied by an angel in snow-white robes and a shaggy little imp. But the hero of the occasion in the Czech Republic is not Father Frost at all, but the baby Jesus, whose name is Jerzyshek, whom no one has ever seen.

And in Italy Santa Claus woman. Her name is Befana, and she is a real witch or sorceress. Some compare her to Baba Yaga from Russian folk tales, others to the good fairy of old age. On Christmas night, the Italian Befana enters houses through the chimney and brings gifts to good children, while those who have been naughty all year receive only ashes.

U Finnish Santa Claus very interesting name - Joulupukki. Translated, this means Christmas Goat. Nothing strange! Just many years ago, Santa Claus wore a goat skin, not a fur coat, and delivered gifts on a goat. He wears a tall cone-shaped hat, long hair, and red clothing. He lives with his wife Muori Joulupukki on Mount Korvantunturi.

And the kids from Germany, Poland, Holland luckiest of all, because obedient children receive gifts from St. Nicholas twice a year - December 6 and Christmas. Following the horse of St. Nicholas, Knecht Ruprecht walks across Germany, bringing with him rods for naughty children.

There are two Santa Clauses in France. On New Year's Day, children eagerly await the arrival of good Noel's peer, which translated means Father of the Nativity. Pere Noel is dressed in a red jacket trimmed with white fur, and the same red trousers, and on his head is a pointed cap. He delivers gifts in a team of eight reindeer. The second French Santa Claus is called Shaland. This bearded old man wears a fur hat and is wrapped in a warm traveling cloak. The boys don’t expect him at all on holidays, because Shalanda is holding a basket with rods for naughty children.

In any country, Santa Claus brings gifts, but everyone does it differently. Russian Santa Claus puts gifts under the tree. The English and Irish find gifts in a sock, and the Mexicans find gifts in a shoe. In France, gifts are dumped down the chimney. Spanish Santa Claus leaves presents on the balcony, in Sweden - in the stove, in Germany - on the windowsill. But no matter what Santa Claus is, everyone looks forward to visiting him on New Year’s Eve, although let him come more often.

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Therefore, today we would like to introduce you to a wonderful character, without whom it is difficult to imagine this day. Our hero is Santa Claus. We will also tell you about its many brothers from all over the world.

Grandfather Frost (Russia)

Santa Claus from 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 imagined him as a short old man with a long white beard. His breath began to cause 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, and streets. He taps his ice staff, and the severe frosts freeze rivers, streams, and puddles with ice. If he hits the corner of the hut, the log will certainly burst. Morozko does not really like those who complain about the cold and shiver from the cold. And it gives a bright blush to cheerful and cheerful people. Grandfather from November to March. At this time, even the sun is shy in front of it. 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. To this day, kids believe that Santa Claus comes to every home on New Year's Eve. In different countries of the world, traditions are observed sacredly.

Santa Nikolaus (Germany)

The German Father Frost is always inseparable from his faithful servant, Ruprecht. True, he gives gifts (as well as rods for naughty people) not on Christmas, but on the night of December 6th. Ruprecht appeared because in medieval educational institutions in Germany the priest gave New Year's gifts to children. The peasants, in turn, wanted to see an ordinary farm laborer in his place. This is how this fabulous image arose, and the priest turned into the good Santa Nikolaus.

Weihnachtsmann (Germany)

On the night before Christmas, Weinachtsman comes to the German children. Santa Clauses from different countries are kind and child-loving heroes who want to arrange a holiday for all the children. So the German character is an exact copy of “our” Santa Claus. He comes to the kids on a donkey. When going to bed, boys and girls in Germany put a plate on the table in which the good old man will put tasty treats, and in their shoes they leave hay for his donkey. In Germany, as in many European countries, Christmas is a family holiday. Everyone must gather at the festive table and give each other gifts. This ceremony is called Besherung. This is another reason to doubt the Christian origin of the Russian Father Frost. Most likely, Orthodox and pagan traditions were mixed in his image.

Père Noel (France)

On this joyful holiday, the most welcome guest in every home is Santa Claus. Customs in different countries of the world require an original meeting of this hero. With his appearance, joy and fun come to the house. The French grandfather's name is Pere Noel. His name can be literally translated as Father Christmas. Pere Noel is also not alone in congratulating the little ones. His constant companion Shaland is a bearded old man in a fur hat, wrapped in a warm traveling cloak. Père Noël congratulates and gives gifts to well-mannered and obedient children, and Shaland brings rods to the disobedient and lazy ones. The New Year holiday in France is celebrated not with family. 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 around the world congratulates people, observing national customs. In England, where traditions are valued above all else, the main thing in the New Year's celebration is the queen's speech. She says it after the festive dinner. And before the feast, the family goes to church. Children turn to Father Christmas and ask him for gifts. To do this, you need to write a detailed letter to the magical grandfather with all your wishes and throw it into the fireplace. The wish list from the chimney will be delivered straight to its destination with smoke.

In England, on the second day of the Christmas holidays, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated. This is the time when boxes are opened to collect donations. They are distributed to all people in need.

Santa Claus (USA)

In countries around the world, Santa Claus is the symbol of this bright holiday. Americans borrowed most of their traditions from Europeans. The New World, as we know, appeared thanks to the efforts of people who arrived from the Old World. In the USA, they always decorate the Christmas tree and serve turkey. On this holiday, Americans drink egg-nog - a wine-egg drink with cream.

Father Christmas in America is called Santa Claus. It was first mentioned in the press in 1773. The basis of the image was Myra. It was first described in literature by William Gilly in the poem Santeclaus (1821). A year later, a poetic account of this fabulous old man appeared. Its author was Clement Clark Moore. The well-known appearance of Santa Claus today is the result of the work of Handon Sundblom, an artist from the United States, who in 1931 completed a series of original drawings for the Coca-Cola New Year's advertisement. There is an opinion that the same Santa we know is the brainchild of the mentioned popular brand.

Joulupukki (Finland)

There is an opinion that Santa Clauses of different countries come from Finland, and they themselves originated on this land. The gnome Joulupukki came to visit the Finnish children. This funny name can be translated into Russian as “Christmas goat.” The villagers who carried gifts home on Christmas night wore fur coats made from 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 hill, in the mysterious Kaikuluolat caves. He has sensitive, large ears, so he knows well which of the children behaved well and which were mischievous. He also knows who wants to receive what gifts.

On Christmas night, while the children are sleeping, he comes to them and leaves generous gifts, which he hides in a cap. The disobedient ones are less lucky - he brings them the rod. It must be said that Santa Clauses from different countries come not only to give gifts to children, but also to punish them. At least this was the case until the middle of the 20th century. Since then, Christmas grandfathers have become much kinder.

Jul Tomten (Sweden)

You can often hear the question: “How many Santa Clauses are there on Earth?” Probably as many as there are countries. Children in Sweden are waiting for Christmas gifts from a gnome who is a bit like our brownie. He hides in the basement of every home on Christmas Day. His name is Yul Tomten. He usually lives in a protected forest with picturesque valleys and lakes. He is helped by the cheerful snowman Dusty, the prince and princess, mischievous mice, the King and the Snow Queen, witches and numerous elves.

Babbo Natape and the fairy Befana (Italy)

Santa Claus sounds differently in the languages of the world. The Italian grandfather's name is Babbo Natape. He leaves his fast sleigh on the roof and sneaks into each house through the chimney. The owners prepare milk and sweets for him in advance “to strengthen him.”

In Italy, children are also waiting for the fairy Befana. She organized a holiday in this country: they brought sweets and toys to good children. But the bad ones got only extinguished embers. In Italy there is a belief that Befana is brought by stars. She enters houses through the chimney and places surprises in stockings, which are hung in advance from the exhaust hoods of the fireplaces.

There is another version - the fairy arrives in an “earthly” way - on a cute donkey loaded with a bale of gifts. Befana opens the doors with a golden key and fills the shoes with sweets and souvenirs.

Oji-san (Japan)

The Santa Clauses of the world (you see the photo in our article) are very different. In Japan, the familiar old man 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 in the back of his head.

Sho Hin (China)

If you are going to spend the Christmas holidays in China, you will probably notice the luxurious “Trees of Light” - an interesting analogue of our Christmas tree. Brightly decorated in oriental style with lanterns, garlands, and flowers, they delight not only local residents, but also guests of the country. Chinese peasants use these same decorations to decorate their houses. Little Chinese hang stockings on the walls of their homes, where Sho Hin puts his gifts.

Mikulas and Jerzyshek (Czech Republic, Slovakia)

Czech Grandfather Mikulas comes to every home on the night of December 6th. This is the night before St. Nicholas Day. Outwardly, he looks like the twin of our Santa Claus. He has the same long fur coat, staff, and hat. Only now he brings gifts in a shoulder box and is accompanied not by the charming Snow Maiden, but by a beautiful angel in white clothes and a shaggy little imp. Mikulas brings oranges, apples and various sweets to good and obedient children. The “Christmas boot” of a slacker or hooligan ends up with a piece of coal or a potato. For many, it remains a mystery how Grandfather Mikulash gets along with Hedgehog.

This is probably the most modest and inconspicuous New Year's character in the whole world. He throws gifts to the children. Hedgehog is very careful that no one sees him. That is why the appearance of this good fellow remains a mystery. But if the Christmas bell rings on the tree, Czech and Slovak children rush to look at their gifts. "Who brought this?" - ask the most stupid kids. "Hedgehog!" - the parents answer with a smile.

Noel Baba (Türkiye)

Many people 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 saint of lost and kidnapped children. According to existing legend, one day Nicholas of Myra walked through the village past a poor house. Out of hopelessness, the father of the family was going to send his daughters to “study” the most ancient profession on Earth. Nikolai did not like this, and at night he threw three wallets 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 married them all off.

Uvlin Uvgun

In Mongolia, the whole family celebrates the New Year. The father of the family is helped by Shina Zhila and Zazan Okhin. Uvlin Uvgun himself is the embodiment of a magnificent cattle breeder. Therefore, it is quite natural that he appears at the holiday in appropriate clothes.

Santa Claus's address for letters

Every child in the world dreams of receiving the cherished New Year's gift that he has been dreaming about all year... To do this, you need to write a detailed description of your wishes and send it to your magical grandfather. But where can I get Santa Claus's address for letters? We'll tell you. Write your letters to the address: 162340 Veliky Ustyug, house of Father Frost.

There is another residence located in the Moscow Kuzminsky forest.

We hope that the coming New Year will be happy for you, and Santa Claus will give everyone the desired gifts.

In America - Santa Claus. Gray hair, neat beard trimmed short and mustache. Red sheepskin coat, trousers and cap. A dark leather belt with a buckle fits around his thick belly. Thin white gloves. Often wears glasses. He smokes a pipe (although lately he has been trying not to “press” on this element of the image), travels through the air on reindeer, enters the house through the chimney and throws 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 may be accompanied by gnomes and elves. The name “Santa Claus” first appeared in the press in 1773.

In Azerbaijan - “Saxta Baba”(Mine Baba, literally Father Frost. The same Father Frost, but in blue.

In Armenia - Dzmer Papi(literally Winter grandfather) and Djunanushik(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, 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 - Father Frost (Dzed Maroz). He wears a long fur coat down to his toes, leans on a magic staff, does not wear glasses, does not smoke a pipe, leads a healthy lifestyle and does not suffer from noticeable obesity. The Belarusian Father Frost lives in his residence (since December 25, 2003) on the territory of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. It welcomes guests not only in winter, but all year round.

And here Snow Maiden He comes to help Santa Claus only in winter, on holidays. In addition to the actual house of Father Frost, the estate has a separate house for the Snow Maiden - the Treasury (Skarbnitsa), where gifts and letters sent by children are kept. The tallest spruce tree in Europe (40 m), which is 120 years old, grows on the territory of the residence.

Vietnamese the name of the New Year's spirit 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 the good deeds and actions of all family members. That’s why they put sweets near his image, lots and lots of sweets. Tao Kuen will eat, his lips will stick together - he won’t be able to tell much.

In Holland and the Netherlands - Site-Kaas (Sinter Klaas, Sunderklass). Sinter Klaas arrives on horseback, dressed in a miter and a white bishop's robe, accompanied by his faithful servant, the Moor, nicknamed Black Peter, who carries a bag of gifts for obedient children and rods for disobedient ones.

In Georgia- “Tovlis papa”, “Tovlis babua”

In France- the New Year’s good guy is called “dad” Pere Noel, which means “Father Christmas,” he is dressed all in white. He walks with a staff and wears a wide-brimmed hat and a long fur coat. Used to accompany him Pre Fouettard- literally translated as “father with a whip,” who mercilessly whipped those who did not obey mom and dad. Nowadays Père Noël comes alone more often.There is also another Santa Claus in France - Shaland, an old man with a beard and a fur hat and cloak. And in his basket he stores not gifts, but rods for naughty children.

In Sweden and Denmark- just like 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. A dwarf with a beard helps him Yulnissar. Both of them are kind and leave gifts for the children on the windowsills for the New Year.

In Germany- Vainachtsman, Christkind, Niemand, Santa Nikolaus. Santa Nikolaus- a modern New Year's wizard. He comes with his assistant Knecht Ruprecht, who keeps a journal detailing the actions of children. In the 19th century. Ruprecht performed not only secretarial duties: he grabbed the most notorious naughty people, put them in a bag or in the huge pocket of his raincoat and carried them into the forest. The oldest New Year's character is Niemand(Nobody). German children blamed him when they were naughty or broke something. On a festive night, he came on a donkey and brought sweets to obedient children. For these sweets, the children put a plate on the table and put hay in their shoes for his donkey. On the evening of December 24, when the Christmas trees are already lit, it comes according to tradition Vainakhtsman(Father Christmas) and Christkind.

Father Christmas is introduced as a friendly old man with a long white beard, a red hat and white fur, a bag of gifts and a rod. Sometimes he goes with him Polznickel. He is dressed rather creepily, in contrast to the beautiful and meek Christkind. He is wearing a fur coat turned upside down, intercepted by a chain, and in one hand he holds a rod for punishing the disobedient. It is interesting that Polznickel, unlike Vainakhtsman, is trying not to be allowed into the house. He walks the streets, catching people walking, scaring them with his chains and even forcing them to eat onions and garlic, which he specially carries with him.

But Polznickel is not considered evil, but rather stern and fair. It is believed that he scares away evil spirits with his chains. Christkind 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. Christkind gives gifts only to obedient children, and the disobedient ones are left empty-handed. Christkind is an invention of Martin Luther. Protestants did not recognize Catholic saints, but they wanted to preserve the custom of giving gifts, so Christkind was created, which distributed gifts to Protestant families on Christmas Day, December 25th. Then this image took root and Christkind 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 horse to fly by. And Odin gave them sweets in return.

In Greece and Cyprus- The name is Santa Claus Vasily. Children sing a song: “Saint Basil, where are you, come, Saint Basil, give me 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 for the reason that his memory is celebrated by the Greek Church on the first of January. In the guise of a modern Greek St. Vasily has many features from his Western brother. He is depicted as an old man with a white beard who visits houses and gives gifts to children.

In the north of Spain, in the Basque country - Olentzero. He does not part 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 arose in the country relatively recently. Papa Noel did not appear here by chance, but appeared under the influence of Santa.

It is more common for Spaniards to receive gifts from Magic Kings, but Papa Noel was also welcomed here. Children are especially happy. Now Papa Noel comes to 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 both hands.

IN Italy- Santa Claus is generally a woman, and not just a woman, but a witch - an old woman Befana(La Befana). In appearance, she resembles Baba Yaga from Russian fairy tales, but unlike Baba Yaga, Befana is terrible on the face, but kind on the inside. On New Year's Eve, she flies through the chimney into each child's house and leaves gifts for good children, although some people find coals instead of sweets. These are also candies, only black, with a hint of bitterness. This is how 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 - Senelis Shaltis(Elder Frost)

In Kazakhstan - Ayaz-ata literal translation sounds like Grandfather Frost.

In Cambodia (in Kampuchea) - Santa Heat. And the New Year is celebrated there for three days: from April 13 to April 15.

In Kalmykia - Zul.

In Karelia - Pakkaine, which means Frost in Karelian. Pakkaine is young. His birthday is December 1st.

In China - Sho Hin, Sheng Dan Laoren or Dong Che Lao Ren. He will definitely visit every Chinese child and leave a gift for each one. Sho Hin is a wise old man who wears silk robes, has a long beard, and has studied Confucius, Wushu and Aikido. He travels around the country on a donkey.

In Colombia - Papa Pascual.

In Karelia - Pakkainen.

In Mongolia -Uvlin Uvgun, and accompany him Zazan Ohin(Snow Maiden) and Tire Vein(New Year boy). New Year in Mongolia coincides with the cattle breeding holiday, so Uvlin Uvgun wears the clothes of a cattle breeder: in a shaggy fur 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 enough milk and meat for the New Year's table.

In Norway- Gifts are given to children Nisse(Jolinisse) - cute little brownies. Nisse wear knitted caps. They also love 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 entire farms. And if he wishes, he can become invisible. He loves attics and cupboards. Friendly with pets.

Later, Nisse's image was transformed into Santa's Christmas helper. At the head of the Nisse family is the son of the 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 out a bowl in the snow so that Nisse would leave some food for her. Nisse put two coins in the bowl. And then he liked this idea so much that every year he began to give coins and sweets to the children. It is Nissa who helps choose the best spruce, worthy of decorating the whole city! They climb to the top of the most beautiful tree and swing on it until people pay attention.

In Savoy - Saint Chalande.

In Ukraine - Father Frost(Santa Claus). But it is Saint Nicholas, and not Father Frost, who brings gifts (mykolaichik) 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 rides into the villages riding on a donkey, himself in a striped robe and a patterned skullcap. And the Snow Maiden is with him Korgyz also wearing 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 - Core Bobo(literal translation Black Grandfather or Grandfather) the robe is the same as that of the Russian Father Frost, only the color of the robe has some difference - it is white and blue. There's a 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 come across the name Mosh Jarile, but it is not so. Now in Romania they call Santa Claus Mosh Krachun- Christmas in Romanian.According to Romanian legend, the shepherd Craciun sheltered the Virgin Mary. When she gave birth, he gave her and her Child cheese and milk.

Since then, Saint Mosh Kraciun has been giving gifts to children. He comes from the outback of Kodr. Mosh Jarile - a pseudonym during the socialist period - has now returned to its old name.

In Moldova - Mosh Craciun He also has his own retinue - the famous Pekale and Tyndale, as well as other national characters. Mosh Krechun does not wear a red fur coat, but a traditional caftan with a belt decorated with a national pattern, and on his head he has a sheep's kusma.

In Russia - Father Frost. A tall, thin, but strong old man. Stern, majestic, 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, wearing felt boots. The pants are usually hidden under a sheepskin coat and are practically invisible, but the linen pants and shirt are white or decorated with ornaments. Belted with a wide belt. Wears embroidered mittens. Rides three horses. Inseparable from his granddaughter Snegurochka . Sometimes a Snowman can accompany him. Since 1998, Veliky Ustyug has been considered the official residence of Father Frost in Russia. Since 2005, the official birthday of Father Frost has been considered January 18, when the first severe frosts usually hit Veliky Ustyug. He enters through the door when he is called loudly three times and presents gifts. Or puts gifts under the tree.

In Tuvai - Sook Irey

In Tajikistan - Baboi Barfi

In Finland - Joulupukki. “Youlu” means Christmas, o “pukki” means goat, that is, the 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. Required - glasses. He lives on Mount Korvantunturi (“mountain-ear”), either in a hut or in the mountain itself. together with his wife Muori (Maria) and the dwarves. In ancient times, he went from house to house at Christmas (caroling), treated obedient children and punished disobedient ones (for which he carried rods with him). Subsequently, the educational moment was missed. The modern image and legend are 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. A long fur coat, a hat, a staff, with the top twisted into a spiral. Only now he brings gifts not in a bag, but in a shoulder box.

And he is not accompanied by the Snow Maiden, but by an angel in snow-white clothes and a shaggy little imp. Mikulas is always happy to give good and obedient children an orange, an apple or some other sweet. But if a hooligan or slacker’s “Christmas boot” contains a potato or a piece of coal, then this is definitely the work of Mikulas.

In Estonia - Jõuluvana and he looks like his Finnish relative Joulupukki.

In the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug - Yamal Iri. In 2007, Yamal had its own Santa Claus, who happily welcomes guests at his residence, gives them gifts, treats and fulfills wishes.. Yamal Iri, created on the basis of children's drawings and works of arts and crafts, “works” in the region all the time year. This is one of the modern grandfathers: he has a mobile phone, email, and a personal website. Yamal Iri travels a lot, conducts a ritual ceremony of initiation of travelers into the “Northern Brotherhood” on the “Arctic Circle” stela in Salekhard. Yamal Iri, in addition to a wonderful staff, also has a magic tambourine, specially made by Yamal craftsmen for rituals and ceremonies. It is made of deer skin, and stretched on a strong wooden frame. The mallet for the tambourine is made of birch and covered with deer fur. The tambourine is lilac in color and goes harmoniously with the white and clothes of Yamal Iri.

In Japan- two Santa Clauses have recently 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 home for a whole week, which the Japanese call “golden”. Dressed in the 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 Japanese Santa Claus, small gates are built in front of houses from bamboo sticks with pine branches. And richer people install dwarf pine, plum or blossoming peach trees - symbols of longevity, love of life and fidelity.

Children celebrate the New Year in new clothes so that next year they will be healthy and lucky. They play hanetsuki, take part in New Year's performances, build houses and figurines out of snow (weather permitting), fly kites, and at night they put pictures of sailing ships under their pillows so that seven wizards will visit them, seven patrons of happiness.Segatsu-san, lastly

her time is oppressed in every possible way by the young Santa Claus - Oji-san, and although he appeared in Japan quite recently, he 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 killing 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 to be 108 strokes.

The most popular gift in Japan is a bamboo rake (Kumade), so that you have something to rake in happiness.

Did you know that until relatively recently - 200 years ago, our Santa Claus had nothing in common with the good-natured grandfather. And he was a mischievous little old man who loved to freeze everything. But the Russian Santa Claus became more mature only at the end of the 19th century. Then he began to come to Christmas trees and bring gifts.

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Will tell you about what the main characters of New Year's holidays look like in different countries of the world.

Tovlis Babua (Georgia)

Tovlis babua is translated from Georgian as “snow grandfather”. This is a gray-haired old man with a long beard. He is dressed in a black or white chokha with a white burka “nabadi”, and on his head he has a traditional Svan hat. Tovlis Babua brings gifts to children in a large “khurdzhini” bag.

Father Frost (Russia)

In his hands, Santa Claus holds a crystal staff with a bull's head - a symbol of fertility and happiness. He rides in a painted sleigh drawn by three snow-white horses. The fairy-tale hero is accompanied by his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden.

Santa Claus (USA, Canada, Australia, Western Europe)

Santa Claus is not wearing a fur coat, but a short red jacket. He has a red cap on his head, and his usual glasses on his nose. Santa rides across the sky on a sleigh drawn by reindeer, with a retinue of elves and gifts. Santa Claus places gifts for children under the Christmas tree, as well as in socks helpfully hung over the fireplace. Santa enters the house through the chimney.

Jollupukki (Finland)

Yollupukki has long hair, wears a tall cone-shaped hat and red clothes. He is surrounded by gnomes in peaked hats and capes with white fur. Yollupukki's hut is located on the mountain. His wife Muori and the gnomes live in it. Finnish Santa Claus wears a goatskin jacket with a leather belt and a red cap.

Jõuluvana (Estonia)

Jõuluvana resembles his Finnish relative Jölupukki: long gray hair, a snow-white beard, a red sheepskin coat and a cone-shaped cap with a pompom. He does not dress up in goat skin, but he has a reindeer, as well as assistants - gnomes. And Yyuluvan’s wife is Mother Winter.

Sinter Klaas (Holland)

Sintaklaas is an old man with a white beard and hair, wearing a red robe and miter, riding a white horse. He has a big book that contains gifts for all the children, their names and addresses. Sintaklaas arrives on a ship, accompanied by black servants.

Père-Noël and Saint-Chalandes (France)

There are two Santa Clauses in France. One is called Père-Noël. He is kind and brings gifts to the children in a basket. The second Santa Claus is called Shaland - he is a bearded old man who wears a fur hat and a warm traveling raincoat. His basket contains rods for naughty and lazy children.

Kahand Pap (Armenia)

The Armenian Father Frost is surrounded by fairy-tale creatures: Khlvliks - noisy and active little men and Aralez - half animals, half people. Kahand Pap goes to congratulate the children on their granddaughter Dzyunanushik.

Korbobo (Uzbekistan)

He is dressed in a striped robe made of national fabric and a festive red skullcap. Corbobo is accompanied by his granddaughter Korkiz. He uses a small donkey for transport.

Zyuzya (Belarus)

He is depicted as a bald grandfather of small stature, with a long gray beard. He walks barefoot, without a hat, in a white casing. In his hand is an iron mace. His breath is a strong cold. His tears are icicles. Frost - frozen words. And the hair is like snow clouds. He really doesn't like those who complain about the cold.

Senelis Shaltis, Kaledu Senelis and Kaleda (Lithuania)

In Lithuania, there are several characters playing the role of the Russian Father Frost. Senyalis Shaltis comes to the children, he wears a sheepskin coat and knitted mittens. In addition to him, Kaledu Senyalis, the Christmas grandfather, appears in homes at Christmas, and a very popular folklore character, hero of legends and tales, Kaleda, an old man in a white fur coat.

Mosh Craciun (Moldova)

Mosh Kraciun wears a mustache and beard. He is dressed in a red sheepskin coat just below the knees with the corresponding ornament of ancient times, and behind his shoulders is a bag called desaga. And all this is done with national ornaments. Mosh Krechun is wearing sheep's wool on his head, and on his feet instead of felt boots are poles. He is accompanied by characters from national fairy tales - Gugutsa and Fulgutsa.

What is the name of Santa Claus in Germany and got the best answer

Answer from Andrey Yaroslavsky[guru]
There are two winter grandfathers in Germany. One of them is Santa Nikolaus, who is inseparable from his servant Ruprecht, but brings gifts (and not only gifts, but also rods for the guilty) to children not at Christmas, but on December 6, St. Nicholas Day. But on Christmas night itself, Vainachtsman, an exact copy of the Russian Father Frost, comes to the German children.

Answer from 2 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: what is the name of Santa Claus in Germany

Answer from DDD[guru]
St. Nicholas: the genealogy of the German Father Frost
It is impossible to imagine the New Year in Russia without Father Frost. Germany also has its own Santa Claus, who brings gifts, but his name is different. And the pedigree of this Santa Claus is still controversial.
German Santa Claus comes not on New Year's Eve, as in Russia, but on St. Nicholas Day. On the morning of December 6, barely having time to wake up, children rush headlong to the door to delightfully discover behind it a sock or shoe filled with sweets. There is only one “but”: in Germany, no one still really knows what St. Nikolaus looks like. Either he is a handsome white-bearded grandfather in a shaggy fur coat and a red cap, or he is a Catholic bishop in a cassock with a tiara on his head and a staff in his hand.
Bishop or farmhand?
Saint Nicholas in bishop's vestments
And this confusion arose in ancient times. Let's start with the fact that under the name of St. Nicholas (in the Russian tradition - St. Nicholas) two saints are revered at once. One of them, Bishop Nikolaus of Myra, lived in the 4th century AD. e. , and the other, his namesake, Bishop Nicholas of Zion, in the 5th century. Later, Saint Nicholas was revered in Germany as the patron saint of sailors, merchants, bakers and schoolchildren. And in the 14th century, schools at Catholic monasteries began to celebrate the Day of St. Nicholas of Myra every year on December 6th. The holiday was accompanied by magnificent processions in which monks, children and adult parishioners participated. Even then, gifts were distributed on this day.
Christmas grandfather
But in the villages of medieval Germany, ordinary people preferred that gifts for children were brought not by the Catholic bishop, but by the legendary farmhand Ruprecht, who looked very much like the Russian Father Frost. This custom was adopted and modified in its own way by the Protestant Church that emerged as a result of the church reformation. Therefore, in Catholic regions of Germany, St. Nicholas still often appears before children in a bishop's cassock, and in Protestant regions - in a peasant sheepskin coat.
Over the centuries, the farmhand Ruprecht transformed into Nikolaus' assistant (instead of the Snow Maiden, who does not accompany the German Father Frost). Now Ruprecht carries behind his owner a bag of gifts for obedient children and a bundle of rods for lazy people and hooligans.
Sutana or sheepskin coat?
But the confusion with St. Nicholas in Germany does not end there. Until the beginning of the 20th century in Germany, he had another strong competitor - Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Grandfather), an exact copy of the Russian Father Frost. He also brought gifts to the children, but he preferred to do this not at the beginning of December, but at Christmas. Over the years, the figures of these wizards have merged into one. Now Weihnachtsmann is the "pseudonym" of St. Nicholas. Or vice versa? In general, this is the same gray-bearded grandfather who accompanies the holidays throughout December.
Santa Claus
The Americans helped a lot in eliminating this split personality by inventing their own Father Frost and calling him Santa Claus. They say that it was first described in 1822 by the American professor of Greek literature Clement Clarke Moore. In a poem he wrote for Christmas for his daughters, the scientist argued that Santa Claus is a fat, cheerful, gray-bearded old man who comes on a sleigh pulled by eight nimble reindeer.
The consonance of the names of Santa Claus (which Americans adopted from Dutch immigrants) and St. Nicholas, as well as the growing influence of American culture throughout the 20th century, contributed to the fact that over several decades the memory of the 4th century Christian bishop in Germany was noticeably erased, and St. Nicholas increasingly changes his cassock to the cheerful outfit of Father Christmas.