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All over the world there is no character more adored and expected by children than Santa Claus, he is Father Frost, he is also Babo Natal, Saint Nikolaus or Pierre Noel. He has many images and names that are most often pronounced on New Year's Eve not only by children, but also by adults who firmly believe in the magic of this holiday.
The image of a plump, white-bearded old man in a red coat riding a sleigh on New Year's Eve has taken root in the minds of many people since early childhood. Everyone knows his habit of sneaking into obedient children's houses at night through a chimney or window and leaving gifts under the tree or in pre-prepared socks. But few people thought about where this resilient kind fat man came from.
The story of the good priest
It turns out that the prototype of the modern Santa was the priest Nicholas from Myra (Turkey), who lived in the fourth century AD. He became famous for his boundless generosity and love for children and the disadvantaged. Nicholas threw presents for poor children through the window and was touched by the delight of the kids with new toys.
The priest devoted his whole life to charity and patronage of the poor. From this arose another legend about three unmarried women who were so poor that they could not afford to collect a dowry for the wedding. Then Nicholas secretly threw a bag of gold at night in the hope of helping them find their happiness. Not believing his eyes, the father of the brides decided to trace where the wonderful gifts come from, but Nikolai turned out to be more cunning, and threw the third bag through the chimney.
Unfortunately, he never managed to keep his generosity a secret and everyone found out about the origin of unexpected we alth. Since then, even after the death of a priest, people continue to anonymously give gifts to the poor, hiding behind the name of Nicholas, and in some countries he was even elevated to the ranks of saints.
So, in Greece and Italy, Saint Nicholas is the patron of sailors and fishermen, and in Greek folklore he was even called the "patron of the seas." In many modern European countries, the day of this saint is celebrated on December 6, and in Russia on December 19, after the visit of Prince Vladimir to Constantinople. Stories about Nikolai spread all the way to Lapland, which was later designated as the place of residence of Klaus. The name, over time, transformed from the Dutch Sint Nikolaas to Sinter Klaas, and, having reached the shores of America, it established itself as Santa Claus.
Modern Santa captivates young children with his mystery and omnipresence - how to visit millions of kids around the world in one night, and even know who behaved onthroughout the year? The essence of Santa is perceived by everyone in the same way, only his attributes and images change, which are added or removed in each country depending on their internal traditions.
What does Santa Claus look like in different countries?
So in America, Santa Claus, imported from Denmark, transformed from a strict priest into a cheerful old gnome. In American lands, the saint turned into a plump, playful old man bringing gifts on New Year's Eve. Frosty-cheeked, tipsy, in a red suit and with a sack full of presents on his back - a typical image of Santa for all Americans.
In Germany, children are waiting for Nikolaus, leaving their shoes at the front door before going to bed and inviting the saint to visit. Obedient kids in the morning find gifts in their shoes, and those who did not listen to their parents receive coals instead of sweets and toys.
Swedish children on New Year's Eve look forward to Ültomten, a fabulous gnome on a goat sleigh, and in Denmark they order gifts for Ülemanden. He also appears with a sack on his back, but in a team with deer and with assistant elves, for whom the kids leave a saucer of milk or rice pudding.
In the Netherlands, Sinter Klaas appears in a red episcopal robe, galloping over the rooftops on New Year's Eve, accompanied by little helpers in colorful clothes. As a gift, he brings a chocolate letter that begins the name of the child, a chocolate Sinter Klaas figurine, and multi-colored marzipan in the shape of a fruit or animal.
In Spain,In Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, according to tradition, Three Kings give gifts to children, in Russia it is Santa Claus, who is assisted by his granddaughter Snegurochka.
The image of Santa Claus, which has undergone many changes, today has even acquired commercial significance to some extent. However, in the minds of millions of people, it will always be associated with New Year's magic and the mystery of ancient traditions.