Santa Claus from around the world. Santa Claus around the world

Santas from different countries

Now, if the "New Years" for the year in different countries there are a lot, what can we say about Santa Clauses! This popular Grandfather does not wander through his native forests and villages, but also manages to new year's eve please with your presence everyone who is waiting for him and sincerely believes that Santa Claus will certainly come! So what are they "overseas Santa Claus" and where do they live?

Russia- Santa Claus.

This is a tall man with a long white beard, in a red coat, with a staff and a bag of gifts. But earlier, the ancient Slavs represented him as a short, round-shouldered old man with a long gray beard. He walks through forests and fields, thumps with his staff and freezes ponds with ice. He does not like those who complain about the fierce winter, and those who rejoice, on the contrary, give vigor and a healthy hot blush. The image of our grandfather Morosh, which has survived to this day, was created by Soviet filmmakers in the mid-30s of the XX century.

Meet the brother of Santa Claus from Tatarstan -

Kysh Babai

Kindgrandfather Kysh Babai , with whom his snowy granddaughter, Kar Kyzy, always comes, congratulates the kids on the New Year in Tatarstan. This winter wizard's suit is blue. Kysh Babai has a white beard, sly eyes and a very kind smile.New Year's events with the participation of Kysh Babai in Tatarstan are accompanied by the presence of characters from Tatar folk tales - Shurale, Batyr, Shaitan. Kysh Babai, like our Santa Claus, gives gifts to children - he always has a full bag of them.

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. He smokes a pipe (although lately he has been trying not to “press” 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 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.

Brother of Santa Claus

Sinterklaas from Holland

This winter wizard- a lover of navigation, because every year he under New Year and Christmas comes to Holland on a beautiful ship.

He is accompanied by many black servants who help in his travels, as well as in preparations for the festive New Year celebrations.

Brother of Santa Claus in Italy - Babbe Natale

The Italian winter wizard comes to every home. He does not need doors - he uses a chimney to go down from the roof into the room. In order for Babbe Natale to eat a little on the road, children always leave a cup of milk by the fireplace or stove.

Gifts for the children of Italy are given by the good fairy La Befana, and mischievous people receive ember from the fabulous evil sorceress 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 each child's house and leaves gifts for good children, 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?

Joulupukki in Finland - the brother of our Santa Claus, who lives in the mountains

The name of this winter wizard is translatedlike "Christmas grandfather". Joulupukki's house stands on a high mountain; his wife, kind Muori, also lives in it. A family of industrious gnomes help with the household chores of Joulupukki.

Joulupukki himself wears a goatskin jacket, a wide leather belt, and a red cap.

In Greece and Cyprus- Santa's name isVasily.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 many traits from his western counterpart. He is portrayed as an old man with a white beard,who travels around the house and gives gifts to children.

Yakut Ehee Dyl - northern brother of Santa Claus

Ehee Dyyl has a wonderful and strong assistant - a huge bull. Every autumn this bull comes out of the ocean and tries to grow big horns. The longer the horn of this bull grows, the stronger the frost will be in Yakutia.

Yakut brother of Santa Claus - powerful Chyskhaan

The winter wizard from Yakutia has a peculiar costume - he wears a hat with bull horns, and the clothes simply amaze with the luxurious decoration. The image of Chyskhaan - the Yakut Bull of Winter - combined two prototypes - a bull and a mammoth, symbolizing strength, wisdom and power.

According to the legend of the Yakut people, in autumn Chyskhaan comes out of the ocean onto land, bringing cold and frost with it. In the spring, Chyskhaan's horns fall off - the frosts weaken, then the head falls off - spring comes, and the ice carries the body into the ocean, where it is miraculously restored until the next autumn.

The Yakut Chyskhaan has his own residence in Oymyakon, where guests can come to him and receive cold and frost as a gift.

Pakkaine - Karelian brother of Santa Claus

This is the younger brother of Santa Claus, because Pakkaine is young and does not have a beard. He has a permanent place of residence not far from Petrozavodsk, in the chum.

pakkaine has dark hair, he dresses in white clothes, a light sheepskin coat, a red cape and blue mittens. Pakkaine gives gifts, sweets to the children of Karelia and scolds the most mischievous ones for disobedience.

Yamal Iri - Father Frost's brother from Yamal

This winter wizard has a constantregistration in Yamal, in the city of Salekhard. Although Yamal Iri came out of the ancient legends of the indigenous Northern peoples, today he lives a completely modern life, uses the Internet and telephone.

Beating his magic tambourine, Yamal Iri drives away evil forces. If you touch the magic staff of Yamal Iri, then all your wishes will come true. The clothes of Yamal Iri are the traditional attire of the northern peoples: malitsa, kitties and jewelry made of mammoth bones.

Per Noel - brother of Santa Claus from France

. Literally, Per Noel is translated as the father of Christmas. He comes along with old grandfather Shaland. Per Noel gives gifts to good children, and Schaland uses rods for naughty children. To appease Shaland, the children must sing a song in honor of his arrival. Not very Christmas in France family celebration, and most people celebrate it with friends in clubs, restaurants, loud music, champagne, etc.

St Nicholas from Belgium - the oldest winter brother of Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas is considered the very first, eldest Santa Claus. He is dressed in a snow-white episcopal robe and miter, this magician rides a horse. Saint Nicholas congratulates the kids in Belgium and gives gifts, he is accompanied everywhere by the Moor Black Peter, in whose hands are rods for mischievous people, and behind his back is a bag with gifts for obedient children.

Each family that shelters St. Nicholas at home will receive a gift from him

Golden Apple.

In Sweden and Denmarklike in France there are two Santa Clauses: a stooped grandfatherYultomten(Yolotomten, Yul Tomten) is a little old man who lives in the forest and rides in a cart pulled by foxes. Yulnissar, a dwarf with a beard, helps him. Both of them are kind and leave presents for the children on the windowsills for the New Year.

In India- the duties of Grandfather Mgoroz are performed by the goddessLakshmi(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 Germany – Weinachtsman, Kristkind, Niemand, Santa Nikolaus . SantaNikolaus – modern New Year's wizard. He comes with his assistantKnecht 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 isNimand (None). 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 traditionWeinakhtsman (Christmas grandfather) andChristkind .

The Christmas grandfather is introduced as a friendly old man with a long white beard, a red hat and white fur, a bag of gifts and a cane. Sometimes he goes with himPolznickel . 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.

IN Georgia– “Tovlis papa”, “Tovlis babua”

In Mongolia - Uvlin Uvgun, and is accompanied by Zazan Ohin (Snow Maiden) and Sheena Zhila (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 – Making gifts for childrenNisse (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 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 goggles. 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. 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. 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 Moldova - Mosh KrachunHe 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 Savoy - Saint Schaland.

In Ukraine – Santa Claus (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 Lithuania - Senialis Šaltis (Old Man Frost)

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

In Cambodia (in Kampuchea) - Father Heat. 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 every 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.

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 himKorgyz also in a skullcap and she also has many, many braids, like any Uzbek girl.”

In Romania - most often you will meet the nameMosh Jarile, but it is not so. Now in Romania Santa Claus is calledMosh 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.

IN New Year's celebration all the guys, with bated breath, are waiting for the gifts that the fabulous grandfather will pull out of the bag. But not in all countries a gray-haired old man comes to them. After all, many nations have their own traditions. We decided to get acquainted with Santa Clauses from different parts of the world, and tell about those who all these days, tirelessly, will give happiness, smiles and a festive mood.

Ukraine and post-Soviet countries:Santa Claus. A gray-haired grandfather with a big beard, in a long red or blue sheepskin coat, has been visiting the children of the post-Soviet countries since the 30s of the last century. Until that time, Christmas trees were banned in the Soviet Union as a "relic of the past." Historically, among the Slavic peoples, Frost, Morozko is a short old man who causes bitter frosts. Belarusians call him Zyuzya.

Poland and Ukraine:St Nicholas. Christian is a type of Santa Claus and Santa Claus. According to legend, he puts gifts in socks, and naughty children get rods. In the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, this character is called Mikalas, in Germany - Nicholas. Over the past few years, Ukrainian traditions have been revived -.

US, Canada, UK: Santa Claus. The name comes from the distorted Dutch sound of St. Nicholas. The Dutch established a colony in America in the 17th century. Now the arrival of the merry Santa is expected in all English-speaking countries.

Finland and Scandinavian countries: Joulupukki. Despite the fact that Lapland is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus and his residence, known to the whole world, is located here, the Finns have their own grandfather. His name is Joulupukki (literally, the Christmas goat). Now the image almost merged with Santa outwardly, but sometimes Joulupukki is depicted in a goat skin or in a goat cart.

France: Peer Noel. This fairy-tale character enters the house to give gifts through a pipe. Peer Noel walks around in wooden shoes and puts presents in shoes.

Italy: Babbo Natale. That is the name of the Christmas grandfather, who is to the Italian children. But gifts in this country are given not only by him, but also by the fairy Befana, carrying sweets.

Mongolia: Uvlin Uvgun. This grandfather has a striking hat with horns and is dressed in the traditional clothes of a cattle breeder. Among the Mongols, Kalmyks Buryats, the New Year is Tsagan Sar, the holiday of the shepherds. It occurs two months after the winter solstice. And Uvlin Uvgun is the chief shepherd.

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

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

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

In Western Europe, USA, Canada and UK on New Year's Eve, children and adults are waiting for a visit Santa Claus. The "foreign" Santa Claus has a very real prototype - St. Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was born in the 3rd century. After receiving a spiritual title, 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 migrated to America brought with them the legend of St. Nicholas, or, as they call him, Santa Claus. He is wearing a red jacket trimmed with white fur and red trousers. On his head is a red cap.

in the Czech Republic comes to children Saint Mikulas. They bring 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 clothes and a shaggy imp. But the hero of the occasion in the Czech Republic is not Santa Claus at all, but the baby Jesus, whose name is Ezhishek, whom no one has ever seen.

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

At Finnish Santa Claus very interesting name – Joulupukki. In translation, this means - Christmas Goat. Nothing strange! Just many years ago, Santa Claus wore a goat skin, and not a fur coat, and delivered gifts on a goat. He wears a tall conical hat, long hair and red clothes. Together with his wife, Muori Joulupukki, he lives on Mount Korvantunturi.

And the kids from Germany, Poland, Holland most fortunate, because obedient children receive gifts from Saint Nicholas twice a year - on December 6 and at Christmas. Following the horse of St. Nicholas in Germany, Knecht Ruprecht walks, who brings with him rods for naughty children.

There are two Santa Clauses in France. In the New Year, the kids are looking forward to the arrival of a good Noel peer, which means Father of Christmas. 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 on eight deer. The second French Santa Claus is called Shaland. This bearded old man wears a fur hat and is wrapped in a warm travel cloak. His guys don't wait at all. holidays, because in the hands of Shaland is 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 Christmas tree. The British and Irish find gifts in a sock, while the Mexicans find gifts in a shoe. In France, gifts are thrown 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, on New Year's Eve everyone is looking forward to visiting him, although let him come more often.

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In America - Santa Claus. Gray hair, neat beard trimmed short and mustache. Red short fur coat, pants and hat-cap. A dark leather belt with a buckle wraps around a thick belly. Thin white gloves. Often wears glasses. He smokes a pipe (although lately he has been trying not to “press” 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 welcomed 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(None). 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 hat 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 many 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 each child's house and leaves gifts for good children, 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 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.

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 top of the most beautiful Christmas tree and swing on it until people notice.

In Savoy - Saint Schaland.

In Ukraine - Santa Claus(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 - Santa Claus. 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 birthday is considered to be January 18, when the first severe frosts usually strike in Veliky Ustyug. 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. The modern image and legend are largely taken from the American Santa Claus.

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

In the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug - Yamal Iri. In 2007, Yamal had 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 the modern grandfathers: he has a mobile phone, e-mail, a personal website. 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. The tambourine is 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 meet the New Year in new clothes, so that they can be healthy and successful next year. They play hanetsuki, participate in New Year's performances, build houses and figurines out of snow (weather permitting), fly kites, and at night put pictures of sailboats under the pillow to be visited by the seven wizards, 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 announced 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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Inga Mayakovskaya

Reading time: 13 minutes

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We are accustomed to the name and image of our main New Year's Wizard - Santa Claus, with a bushy beard, in a long beautiful fur coat. But it is curious that such a character in old Russia was negative - they scared children.

With the development of Soviet cinema, Santa Claus was provided with positive qualities and a good soul, thanks to which, for every New Year, along with his granddaughter, Snow Maiden , brings gifts to children on a troika of horses and attends children's holidays, congratulating them on the New Year.

It is known that the children of Australia, America and some European countries at the New Year celebrations expect gifts from Santa Claus - the most famous brother of our Santa Claus, who dresses up in a red suit with white trim and rides a reindeer sleigh through the sky, delivering gifts. What other winter wizard brothers do these two have?

Meet the brother of Santa Claus from Tatarstan - Kysh Babai

Kind grandfather Kysh Babai, with whom his snowy granddaughter, Kar Kyzy, always comes, congratulates the kids on the New Year in Tatarstan. This winter wizard's suit is blue. Kysh Babai has a white beard, sly eyes and a very kind smile.

New Year's events with the participation of Kysh Babai in Tatarstan are accompanied by the presence of characters from Tatar folk tales - Shurale, Batyr, Shaitan. Kysh Babai, like our Santa Claus, gives gifts to children - he always has a full bag of them.

Yul Tomten is the little brother of Santa Claus in Sweden

This winter wizard is very small, and his name in translation sounds like "Christmas Gnome". This character settled in the winter forest, and has a faithful assistant - the snowman Dusty.

You can visit Yul Tomten in the winter forest - unless, of course, you are afraid of the dark forest, on the paths of which little elves run.

Brother of Santa Claus in Italy - Babbe Natale

Gifts for the children of Italy are given by the good fairy La Befana, and mischievous people receive ember from the fabulous evil sorceress Befana.

Uvlin Uvgun - Father Frost's brother from Mongolia

On New Year's Eve, Mongolia also celebrates the Shepherd's Day. Uvlin Uvgun walks with a whip, like the most important shepherd in the country, and on his belt in a bag he carries the main items for shepherds - tinder and flint.

Uvlin Uvgun's assistant is his granddaughter, the "snow girl", Zazan Ohin.

Father Frost's brother - Sinterklaas from Holland

This winter wizard is a lover of navigation, because every year on New Year's Eve and Christmas he sails to Holland on a beautiful ship.

He is accompanied by many black servants who help with his travels, as well as with preparations for the festive New Year celebrations.

Joulupukki in Finland is the brother of our Santa Claus, who lives in the mountains

The name of this winter wizard is translated as "Christmas grandfather". Joulupukki's house stands on a high mountain; his wife, kind Muori, also lives in it. A family of industrious gnomes help with the household chores of Joulupukki.

Joulupukki himself wears a goatskin jacket, a wide leather belt, and a red cap.

Yakut Ehee Dyyl - the northern brother of Santa Claus

Oji-san is the Japanese brother of Santa Claus

Oji-san wears a red sheepskin coat and looks very much like Santa Claus. This winter wizard brings gifts to children on a ship across the sea.

St. Nicholas from Belgium - the oldest winter brother of Santa Claus

Each family that shelters St. Nicholas at home will receive a golden apple as a gift from him.

Korbobo - Uzbek brother of Santa Claus

The kind grandfather Corbobo, who brings gifts to the kids on New Year's Eve, always travels accompanied by his granddaughter Korgyz. He rides on a donkey, and therefore can come even to the most distant villages.

Per Noel - brother of Santa Claus from France

This winter wizard from France is extreme. He roams the roofs of houses and enters houses through the chimneys of fireplaces and stoves to put gifts in shoes for children.

Yamal Iri - Father Frost's brother from Yamal

This winter wizard has a permanent residence permit in Yamal, in the city of Salekhard. Although Yamal Iri came out of the ancient legends of the indigenous Northern peoples, today he lives a completely modern life, uses the Internet and telephone.

Pakkaine - Karelian brother of Father Frost

This is the younger brother of Santa Claus, because Pakkaine is young and does not have a beard. He has a permanent place of residence not far from Petrozavodsk, in the chum.

Pakkaine Has dark hair, he dresses in white clothes, a light sheepskin coat, a red cape and blue mittens. Pakkaine gives gifts, sweets to the children of Karelia and scolds the most mischievous ones for disobedience.

Father Frost's brother in Udmurtia - Tol Babai

The Udmurt giant Tol Babai, the youngest in the family of giants, is fluent in the languages of animals and birds, he studied the benefits of plants for many decades and became the main guardian of the nature of this beautiful region.

Tol Babai comes to people not only on New Year's Eve, he always meets with them, 365 days a year, giving gifts and talking about the nature of Karelia. Tol Babai carries gifts for children and adults in a birch bark box behind his back.

Sook Irey from Tuva - another northern brother of Santa Claus

This winter wizard walks in a richly decorated, very beautiful national costume of fairy-tale heroes of Tuva. This Tuvan winter wizard has his own residence - in the near future a cultural and entertainment center will be built next to it.

Sook Irey is accompanied by mother winter named Tugeni Eneken. The main Santa Claus of Tuva gives gifts to children. He distributes sweets, he also knows how to restrain frosts and give people good weather.

Yakut brother of Santa Claus - powerful Chyskhaan

The Yakut Chyskhaan has his own residence in Oymyakon, where guests can come to him and receive cold and frost as a gift.