Different names for Santa Claus in different countries. Santa Clauses around the world
Santa Claus comes to Russian children every winter. He brings gifts and matinees are held in his honor. And also everyone has the opportunity to go to the magician's residence, which is located in Veliky Ustyug. And what is Santa Claus called in different countries? Read about it below.
America
You need to start a story about how Santa Claus is called in different countries with the United States. Indeed, today Santa Claus has almost eclipsed the glory of a true Slavic wizard. Some children may not even immediately recognize who is who. American Santa Claus doesn't have such a long history. It has become a symbol of Christmas thanks to the Coca-Cola Company. After all, it was she who began to print the image of a fat old man with glasses and a pipe on her advertising products. But the Coca-Cola marketers did not invent the Santa Claus legend themselves. They took it from the chronicles. It is believed that Saint Nicholas was the patron and helper of all the poor. And on New Year's holidays, he gifted all the poor in a very interesting way. He climbed onto the roof and threw a present into the chimney. And since socks were always dried on the fireplace, on Christmas morning the children found surprises there. And the name Santa Claus itself is a misreading of the name of St. Nicholas.
Finland
Continuing to talk about how Santa Claus is called in different countries, one cannot fail to mention Joulupukki. This is the Finnish counterpart of Santa Claus. Does his name seem strange to you? The translation will surprise you too. Joulupukki is a Christmas goat. Why is the winter wizard called this way? In the old days, the Finns had a tradition of caroling. So, one of the people dressed up as a goat and went with friends to neighboring houses. It was believed that if you do not cajole the horned animal with a present, then it can take revenge.
Today Joulupukki is not depicted as a goat. He looks like the well-known Santa Claus. But at the same time, he also has a wife who helps him with the preparation of children's gifts. Her name is Muori and she is considered the personification of winter.
Belarus
The story of how Santa Claus is called in different countries would be incomplete, if not to say how the winter wizard of the neighboring country is called. In Belarus, he bears the name Zyuzya. An interesting nickname comes from the verb "freeze". In Belarusian this word is read as zyuzets. Santa Claus of a neighboring country is very similar to the Russian counterpart. He also wears a long fur coat, but he has it in white. Sometimes he can wear a white casing. Zyuzya carries a mace in his hands. It is to her that he conjures, summons snowstorms and draws patterns on the windows.
Denmark
Santa Clauses around the world are called differently. In Denmark, the winter wizard is usually called Ülemande. But this is not Santa Claus, but a brownie. The little man does not travel alone, he has a whole company of assistants. Brownies in Denmark are called nisse. They are dressed in red caps and stockings, and they have wooden boots on their feet. They deliver gifts on a sleigh pulled by either reindeer or goats. But they do not put presents to obedient children under the tree. Brownies love to play pranks and can hide a gift anywhere. Therefore, in the morning, children persist in looking for their presents throughout the house. Today, along with brownies, Santa Claus is also present at the Christmas holiday in Denmark.
Sweden
Santa Clauses from different countries of the world are not similar to each other. And in some Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden, gnomes bring gifts to children instead of winter wizards. The main one is Yultomten. He lives in the forest, and according to some legends even under the floorboards in the house, however, it is not clear in which one. The Swedish gnome is dressed in the fashion of European wizards in a red cap and a short red fur coat. But Yultomnen's way of moving is rather strange. Instead of horses or deer, he flies on a straw mat. The gnome's assistants include mice and elves.
Austria
The names of Santa Clauses in different countries of the world often cause a smile. But talking about Austria, you have to smile only out of emotion. There is no Santa Claus in this country. Christkind gives gifts to children. Translated, this means the Christ Child. Austrian children are sure that on Christmas night they need to open the windows and then the almighty God will definitely put gifts under the tree. It is surprising that, despite all the PR campaigns that were carried out in Austria in order to impose the cult of Santa Claus on the country, the wizard in a red coat could not take root. After all, Christkind is not just some fairy-tale character, he is the hero of biblical stories. Thus, from childhood, Austrians learn to believe in miracles that the Lord knows how to do.
Czech
We have already learned how Santa Claus is called in different countries of the world. Now let's talk about the Czech Republic. In it Saint Mikulas brings gifts for Christmas. Outwardly, he looks like Santa Claus, and he is accompanied by a devil and an angel. The task of these characters is to tell the grandfather which child is in front of him - good or bad. For good children, Mikulas takes a gift from his back basket, and for bad children, the devil pours coal. The invisible Hedgehog is always present next to these three characters. This is the Christ baby. He is called to instruct children on the right path and help those who have gone astray.
Serbia
We have found out how Santa Claus is called in different countries of Europe, and now let's take a look at our neighbors. They named the winter wizard Dedam Mrazam. Saint Nicholas became the prototype of this fairytale character. Americans and Serbs alike believe that the man who is now canonized helped the poor and the sick. He gave them gifts and helped them financially. Outwardly, the Serbian Ded Mraz is very similar to the Russian magician. He is dressed in a long red fur coat, he has a white beard, but instead of a hat he has a nightcap like Santa Claus.
Spain
You have already read how wizards are called in different languages of the world. What is the name of Santa Claus in Spain? He is called Pope Noel. He has his own team of assistants to the Magi. And Pope Noel himself was originally a sorcerer. After all, according to legend, it was these people who brought the news that Jesus was born. Today the Spanish wizard looks just like Santa Claus.
Yakutia
Ehee Dyil is an analogue of the Russian Santa Claus. He lives in the village of Oymyakon, where the temperature drops to -71⁰C. Ekhee Dyil is dressed in a blue painted fur coat, and his head is crowned with a fur hat with horns. The wizard holds a staff in his hands. Unlike all other Ded Morozov, Yakut is present in people's lives all year round. His family helps him in this. The wife is in charge of the winter months, and the grandchildren are in charge of the snow. The daughters of Ehee Dyula rule the spring, summer and autumn days.
The Yakut wizard does not move on foot, but on a bull, and his animal is not simple. It originates every autumn in the Arctic Ocean and grows throughout the winter. The Yakuts say in days of severe frosts that the bull sharpens its horns. The higher and sharper they are, the colder it is outside. And with the onset of spring, the animal's horns fall off, and the bull dies to be reborn next year.
Already from the first days of December, people around the world begin to prepare for the New Year. And the most fabulous, most welcome guest at this holiday is undoubtedly Santa Claus. All children want to receive a Christmas tree present from their kind grandfather and write letters to him. To make sure the letters get to the addressee, children send them in the most incredible ways: they put them in the freezer, throw them out the window, leave them under the tree or send them by mail. Everyone wants to be at least for a short while in a magical fairyland where Santa Claus lives. And if you ask a child where the magical grandfather lives and what his real name is, then you can get somewhat contradictory answers, because Santa Clauses in different countries of the world are different for children.
A real earthly person, whose image formed the basis of many kind characters from different countries and cultures. During his lifetime, he performed real miracles and was considered the patron saint of children. In Poland, St. Nicholas Day begins a series of winter holidays, it is celebrated on December 6, and after Christmas and Sylvester. Saint Nicholas, as in life, patronizes all children. He encourages them with his gifts, the child's parents help him in this.
Santa Claus
This is a kind wizard, in whom the children of the USA, Canada, Great Britain and the countries of Western Europe believe. The prototype of Santa is Saint Nicholas, and over time in America the image of an elf was invented, who sneaks into the house through the chimney to give gifts to children. He moves on a reindeer sleigh. They called the good wizard Santa Claus. Soon, the kind fat man became a welcome guest at the Christmas holidays. He wears a red jacket, pants, and a brimmed hat. Not all of America's children can be reached by Santa on reindeer, so he has a ship and, in some cases, a surfboard to travel to warmer regions. The kids love Santa and leave him cookies and milk.
Babbo Natale
In Italian, this is Christmas Grandfather. He is the most welcome guest in every home in Italy for the Christmas holidays, whose image is also associated with St. Nicholas. Babbo Natale travels on a sleigh and reindeer, but he leaves gifts under the tree. Children write letters to him and send them to Lapland, but not everyone can receive gifts, but only obedient children.
Dong Che Lao Ren or Shan Dan Laozhen
That is the name of the Chinese grandpa. He looks like an old sage and wears clothes traditional for Eastern countries, a silk robe, as a rule, red, an ornate headdress with pom-poms, rests on a staff and moves on a donkey. The exotic appearance does not prevent Shan Tribute Laozhen from having a lot in common with his European and American counterparts. A Chinese grandfather puts gifts in socks on the walls. Laysi envelopes are a traditional gift in China.
Segatsu-san
Another exotic Santa Claus, who throughout the "golden" week, goes from door to door to the Japanese children. Segatsu-san wears a blue kimono. For the welcome guest, adults build a special gate, and children put on beautiful things, attracting good luck and health. Various games are arranged for the holiday, and images of sailing ships are hidden under the pillows. Parents give gifts instead of Segats-san. Recently, a new hero named Oji-san has appeared in Japan. The new Santa Claus is dressed in a red sheepskin coat, travels the sea and carries gifts. His image has already managed to fall in love with Japanese kids.
Youlupukki
Translated as "Yule goat", it means the Christmas grandfather who brings gifts to children at Christmas. The image of Joulupukki is associated with the holiday of the winter solstice. Then gifts were received from the Yule goat. Until recently, Joulupukki wore the skin of a goat and had small horns, but now he is becoming more and more like Santa Claus, wears a long sheepskin coat with a small splash of national color for Finland, and warns of his appearance with a bell. Unlike the kind Santa Claus and Nicholas, Joulupukki is not such a kind hero. He does not bring gifts even to good and obedient children, but he takes away bad and disobedient children for re-education.
Daid-na-nolag
An Irish Santa Claus named Daid-na-nolag, which translates as Father Christmas, has a very peculiar image. In a country full of legends and fairy-tale elves, this Irish Santa Claus is more like an astrologer, he wears a green fur coat, a staff decorated with herbs and a wreath instead of a hat. Traditionally, in order to see their future, girls put scented herbs under the pillow at night, and the holiday in Ireland itself is filled with unusual events and mysticism.
Yamal Iri
Congratulates the peoples living in the North on New Year's holidays. The image of Yamal is based on mythical characters, it is the embodiment of the best qualities of the northern peoples. Yamal Iri is an old man who wears malitsa and jewelry made of mammoth bones, his hair is braided. It rests on a magic staff decorated in the national style. Grandfather moves on a reindeer sled, but in the modern interpretation he has already learned to ride a snowmobile.
Father Frost
The most long-awaited guest at the New Year's holiday for all children of almost all Slavic countries. According to legend, Santa Claus is a strict but fair master of winter, Morozko. Now he is a gray-haired old man, in a long fur coat and a hat, in warm felt boots and huge mittens, he leans on a magic staff and can even freeze him with it. But where he lives is hard to say. There is a version that my grandfather lives in Lapland, someone claims that at the North Pole. He comes to the children in a sleigh, he himself drives three horses, but he can also come on skis. They say that Santa Claus has a bottomless bag, so he only gets gifts from there himself, unmistakably guessing who he has prepared which. At the holiday he always appears with the Snow Maiden, who is his granddaughter. At the heart of the Snow Maiden's image is frozen water. Santa Claus, despite his advanced age, loves to play with children under the Christmas tree, lead round dances and endlessly listen to poems and songs of children. He leaves gifts for the kids under the tree.
New Year is a favorite and long-awaited holiday. Each nation has its own traditions, how to prepare for it and how to meet it. On the New Year's holiday, people believe in miracles, in magic, in the fulfillment of dreams that will certainly happen if the most desirable guest on this holiday appears on the doorstep of the house, whatever his name is - Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Zyuzya, Tovlis Babua, Dzmir Papi, Sintarklaas or Yultumts.
In Russia, it is traditionally Ded Moroz, Ded Treskun, Morozko and Karachun in one person. He looks a little harsh. He wears a fur coat to the ground and a high hat, in his hands is an ice staff and a bag of gifts.
In Australia and the USA - Santa Claus. An American grandfather wears a cap and a red jacket, smokes a pipe, travels through the air on reindeer, and enters the house through a pipe. Australian Santa Claus is the same, only in swimming trunks and on a scooter.
"Winter grandfather" in Austria is called Sylvester, Altai Territory - Sook-Taadak, in England - Father Christmas.
The very first Santa Claus is considered to be Saint Nicholas. So it is called in Belgium and Poland. Legend has it that he left golden apples in a shoe in front of the fireplace to the family who took him in. Saint Nicholas rides a horse, dressed in a miter and a white bishop's mantle. He is always accompanied by the servant-Moor Black Peter, who carries a bag with gifts for obedient children behind his back, and in his hands - rods for rascals.
In Greece, Cyprus, this character is called Saint Basil, in Denmark - Yuletome, Yulemanden, Saint Nicholas, the Western Slavs - Saint Mikalaus. In Italy - Babo Nattale. In addition to him, the good fairy Befana (La Befana) comes to obedient children and gives gifts. The naughty ones get a coal from the evil sorceress Befana.
Spain - Papa Noel, Kazakhstan - Ayaz-ata, Kalmykia - Zul, Cambodia - Ded Zhar, Karelia - Pakkainen, China - Sho Hin, Sheng Dan Laozen, Colombia - Papa Pascual.
Mongolia - Uvlin Uvgun. Accompanied by Zazan Okhin (Snow Maiden) and Shina Zhila (boy-New Year). New Year in Mongolia coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, so Santa Claus wears the clothes of a cattle breeder.
Romania - Mosh Jerilay, Savoy - Saint Schaland, Netherlands - Sanderklaas, Norway - Nisse (small brownies). Nisse wear knitted caps and love sweets.
In Uzbekistan - Korbobo and Korgyz (Snow Maiden). On New Year's Eve, a "snowy grandfather" in a striped dressing gown rides into Uzbek villages on a donkey. This is Corbobo.
Finland - Joulupukki. This name was not given to him in vain: "Youlu" means Christmas, and "pukki" - a goat. Many years ago, Santa Claus wore a goat skin and delivered gifts on a goat.
France - Grandfather January, Père Noel. The French "Grandfather January" walks with a staff and wears a wide-brimmed hat.
Czech Republic - Grandfather Mikulas, Sweden - Kris Kringl, Yulnissan, Yul Tomten (Yolotomten). Japan - Oji-san.
All Santa Clauses bring gifts, but everyone does it in their own way. Russian Santa Claus puts a gift under the tree. The British and Irish find gifts in a sock, and Mexicans in a boot. New Year's gifts are thrown down the chimney in France and onto the balcony in Spain. In Sweden, Santa Claus puts gifts on the stove, and in Germany leaves them on the windowsill.
We all know our beloved fairytale character Santa Claus since childhood. It is he who brings gifts and leaves them on New Year's Eve under the tree.
Everyone also knows that our Grandfather is not alone, he has colleagues abroad. For example, Santa Claus. Santa is the most famous colleague of our Morozko. We can say that this is the western Santa Claus.
Perhaps someone else knows about, but what about the rest? Our Slavic grandfather has many colleagues abroad. Moreover, almost every country has its own Santa Claus and all of them are also very fond of children, as we are ours.
How is Santa Claus called in different countries of the world? Now we will answer this question and try to get to know each of them a little.
Well, let's get started, our New Year's wizard "according to the passport" is also called Moroz Ivanovich or affectionately Morozko. Now let's start to figure out what is the name of Santa Claus in different countries of the world.
We give you a list of countries and the names of Santa Claus in each of them. The spelling of names is given (almost everywhere) in Latin letters and further in brackets is its approximate pronunciation in Russian.
Azerbaijan-? axta Baba (Mine Baba)
Albania-Babadimri (Babadimri)
Armenia-Dzmer Papi
Afghanistan- Baba Chaghaloo
Belarus- Zyuzya or Dzed Maroz (we think everything is clear here)
Bulgaria- Uncle Koleda or Uncle Mraz (it is clear that Mraz is frost, and nothing else)
Brazil- Papai Noel
In the picture you can see one of the European colleagues of Santa Claus - Per Noel .
Great Britain is a naturally English-speaking country, but Santa is not popular here - it has its own "British Frost".
United Kingdom- Father Christmas
Hungary- Mikul? S (Mikulas) or T? Lap? (Telapo)
Vietnam-? ng gi? N? -En (Ong gia Noen)
Germany- Weihnachtsmann (Weinachtsmann) or Nikolaus (Nicholas)
Greece- Agios Vasilis (Saint Basil)
Georgia- Tovlis papa (Tovlis Papa) or Tovlis babua (Tovlis babua)
Denmark- Julemanden (Ülemanden), Yulenisse
Egypt- Papa No? L (Papa Noel)
Israel- Baba Noel or just Santa Claus
India- there is no direct analogue of our Santa Claus, Goddess Lakshmi gives gifts to children
Indonesia- Sinterklas
Iraq / South Africa- Goosaleh (Gusaleh)
Even in Africa, they celebrate and love the New Year. And here we have our own "African Santa Claus".
Iran- Baba Noel
Ireland- Daid? na Nollaig
Spain / Latin America- Papa Noel
Italy- Babbo Natale (Babo Natale, or vice versa Natale Babo)
In Italy, the good sorceress Bafana also comes to children on New Year's Eve. She then gives the kids gifts.
Kazakhstan- Ayaz Ata
Catalonia- Pare Nadal (Per Nadal)
China- Shen Dan Laoren
Latvia-Salavecis (Salavecis)
Lithuania- Kal? D? senelis (Kaledu syanyalis)
Mongolia- Uvlin Uvgun.
Netherlands (Holland)- Sinterklaas (Sinterklaas) or Kerstman (Kerstman)
Norway- Yulebukk or Yulenisse
Poland-? wi? ty Miko? aj (Saint Nicholas) or Dziadek Mr? z (understandably, Grandfather Frost)
Portugal- Pai Natal
Romania / Moldova- Mo? Cr? Ciun (Mosh Krachun)
Serbia / Montenegro / Bosnia and Herzegovina- Deda Mraz (Santa Claus)
USA / Canada- Santa Claus
- the most famous colleague of Santa Claus, moves on a sleigh pulled by reindeer and sneaks into houses through the chimney to leave gifts under the New Year tree.
Tajikistan- Boboi Barfi
Taiwan- S? Ng-t? N L? -J? N (Sheng-tan Lo-jin)
Turkey- Noel Baba
Uzbekistan- Qor bobo (Korbobo) or Ayoz bobo (Ayoz bobo)
Ukraine- Saints Mikolai and Did Moroz (here we think everything is clear)
Finland- Joulupukki
France / Canada- Le P? Re No? L (Per Noel)
Czech Republic / Slovakia- Je ??? ek
Santa Clauses of different countries
Russia
Character: Santa Claus
Father Frost(Morozko, Treskun, Studenets) - Slavic mythological character, the lord of the winter cold. The ancient Slavs represented him in the form of a short old man with a long gray beard. His breath is a violent cold. His tears are icicles. Rime - frozen words. And the hair is snowy clouds. The wife of Frost is Winter herself. In winter, Frost runs through the fields, forests, streets and knocks with his staff. From this knocking, crackling frosts freeze rivers, streams, puddles with ice. And if he hits the corner of the hut with his staff, the log will certainly crack. Morozko does not like those who tremble and complain about the cold very much. And to the cheerful and cheerful it gives bodily strength and a hot blush. From November to March, the frost is so strong that even the sun in front of him is shy.
Santa Claus first appeared in the USSR at Christmas in 1910, but did not become widespread. In Soviet times, a new image was spread: he appeared to children on New Year's Eve and gave gifts, this image was created by Soviet filmmakers in the 1930s.
Germany
Character: Santa Nikolaus and Weinachtsman
There are two winter grandfathers in Germany. One of them - Santa Nikolaus who is inseparable from his servant Ruprecht, but gifts (and not only gifts, but also rods for the guilty) are brought to children not at Christmas, but on December 6, on the day of St. Nicholas. Ruprecht was "formed" insofar as in medieval Catholic schools in Germany a priest came to children with gifts, and the peasants, in turn, preferred to see an ordinary farm laborer in his place. So the farm laborer Ruprecht became, and the priest became Santa Nikolaus.
But on Christmas night itself, the German guys come Weinachtsman- an exact copy of the Russian Father Frost. In Germany, Santa Claus appears on a donkey. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey. Christmas in Germany is a family holiday. The family must certainly gather at the festive table. On this day, a gift exchange ceremony takes place, which even has its own name - Besherung. By the way, this is another reason to doubt the purely Christian origin of our grandfather. Most likely, in the image of Santa Claus, pagan and Orthodox traditions were mixed.
France
Character: Per Noel
And New Year's Santa Claus among the French bears a name that literally translates as Father Christmas In France, Per Noel also comes to children not alone, but together with Chalandom- a bearded old man in a fur hat and a warm traveling raincoat. Père Noel gives gifts to "good" children, and for the naughty and lazy, there are rods hidden in Chaland's basket. To placate Shaland, children sing: "Shaland came to us in a pointed hat, with a straw beard. Now we have plenty of nuts and delicious buns until the New Year!" New Year is celebrated in France, as a rule, not with family, but with friends. And not at a solemn family table, but in a restaurant or even just on the street among hundreds of sparkling firecrackers and fireworks, claps of champagne, laughter and music.
United Kingdom
Character: Father Christmas or Father Christmas
In this country, where tradition is most valued, an indispensable attribute of the holiday is the Queen's short speech, which she delivers immediately after Christmas dinner. And before gathering at the festive table, the whole family goes to church. Children order gifts here Father christmas(literally Father Christmas). He needs to write a detailed letter listing what he wants and throw it into the fireplace. The smoke from the chimney will deliver the wishlist straight to its destination. In Great Britain, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on the second day of Christmas, when special donation boxes are opened and their contents are handed out to those in need.
USA
Character: Santa Claus
Americans borrowed their traditions from Europe, because the New World came into being through the efforts of people who came from the Old World. Christmas trees are certainly decorated here, Christmas carols are sung, and traditional turkey is served. At Christmas, Americans usually drink egg-nog, an egg-wine drink (like a cocktail) with cream. American Santa Claus is called Santa Claus. The name "Santa Claus" first appeared in the press in 1773. The image is based on Saint Nicholas of Merlikia. The first literary description of the image belongs to William Gilly, who published the poem "Santeclaus" in 1821. A year later, a whole verse account of the visit of Santa Claus appeared from the pen of Clement Clark Moore (a professional dentist). The current appearance of Santa Claus belongs to the brush of Handon Sandblom - an American artist who painted a series of drawings for the advertising of Coca-Cola in 1931.
There is also a popular version that Santa Claus, as we know him, is an invention of the Coca-Cola Company.
Finland
Character: Youlupukki
In Finland (and it is generally accepted that the New Year's wizards were led from there), the local dwarf visits the local children. This funny name translates into Russian as "Christmas goat". The fact is that the villagers, who carried gifts to their homes on Christmas night, wore goat fur coats. Joulupukki lives inside the Korvatunturi hill, in the Kaikuluolat caves. He has big and sensitive ears, so he knows exactly which of the kids behaved well, who was bad and who wants to receive what gift. And on Christmas night, he comes to the children while they sleep and gives them gifts that are hidden in his cap. He brings the rods to the disobedient. In general, in many countries the main winter characters come not only to give gifts to children, but also to punish them. In any case, this was the case until the middle of the 20th century, when Christmas grandfathers gradually began to "forget" about children's disobedience.
Sweden
Character: Yul Tomten
Everybody expects gifts from the Christmas gnome, a bit like “our” brownie who lives underground in every Swedish house. His name is Yul Tomten... Lives in a protected forest surrounded by picturesque lakes and valleys. Snowman Dusty, mischievous mice, a prince with a princess, witches, the King with the Snow Queen and, of course, the ubiquitous elves help him in creating Christmas miracles. The latter, by the way, have a particularly hard time. In their small mine, they constantly mine gold for Christmas tree decorations and gifts. Those who come to visit Tomten are warned: "Watch your step! Little trolls are constantly scurrying along the paths. Don't step on them!"
Italy
Character: Babbo Natale and Fairy Befana
Babbo Natale(Babbe Natale) - Leaves his sleigh on the roof and enters the house through the chimney, where some milk and sweets are left for him "for reinforcement."
In addition to him, in Italy for the New Year, the children were happy to wait fairy Befanu, it was she who took care of the holiday in this country: she brought sweets, toys, and various things to good children. True, she was angry and harsh with the bad, "rewarding" them only with extinguished coals. The Italians believed that the stars were brought to Befana, she entered houses through the chimney and put gifts in stockings suspended from the hoods of the hearths. According to another version, the fairy arrives in a completely earthly way - on a donkey, laden with a bale of gifts, and ties it up near the house where the children live. While the animal is feeding, Befana unlocks the doors with a small golden key and fills the children's shoes with souvenirs and sweets.
China
Character: Shan Dan Laozhen, Dong Che Lao Ren or Sho Hin
China and Japan have their own Christmas grandfathers, they are called accordingly Shan Dan Laozhen and Oji-san.
Those who come to China at Christmas notice, first of all, “Trees of Light” - an analogue of our Christmas tree. They are decorated in an oriental way with bright and exquisite lanterns, flowers, garlands. Chinese Christians use the same decorations in the festive decoration of their homes. Unlike Dutch children who stuff special wooden shoes with straw, where they find gifts on Christmas morning, little Chinese hang stockings on the walls, where Dun Che Lao Ren (Grandfather Christmas) puts his Christmas gifts.
Japan
Character: Oji-san, Segatsu-san or Hoteisho
In Japan, instead of Santa Claus, the main figure of the holiday is the god Hoteyosho. If all the other “brothers” of Santa Claus, even having something goaty in their name, are still quite humanoid and goaty in them - perhaps a beard, then Japan here, as in everything else, stands apart, and the god Hoteyosho has eyes ... on the back of the head.
Czech Republic, Slovakia
Character: grandfather Mikulas and Hedgehogs
In the Czech Republic there is Grandfather Mikulas; he, like the German Santa Nikolaus. Arrives on the night of December 5-6, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. Outwardly, it looks like the Russian Santa Claus: the same long fur coat, a hat, a staff with a spiral top. Only now he brings gifts not in a sack, but in a back box. Yes, and it is not the Snow Maiden who accompanies him, but an angel in snow-white clothes and a shaggy imp. Mikulas is always happy to present good and obedient children with an orange, apple or some kind of sweetness (that is, something tasty and edible!). But if a potato or a lump of coal was found in the "Christmas boot" of a hooligan or a bum, this is definitely Mikulas.
How Mikulash gets along with another New Year's character Hedgehog is not clear and science does not know :)!
Hedgehogs(Yozhishek) - Czech Republic, Slovakia - Surely this is the most modest New Year's character in the world. Throwing gifts into children's homes, Ezhishek makes sure that no one sees him. Apparently it is for this reason that nothing is known about the appearance of this good man. But, as soon as the Christmas bell tinkles on the tree, thousands of Czech and Slovak children rush to look at the gifts they have inherited. "Who brought this?" - Ask another foolish kid, "Hedgehogs!" - happy parents answer.
Mongolia
Character: Uvlin Uvgun
The whole family is in charge of the Mongols' New Year's economy. The head of the family is assisted by Zazan Okhin (snow girl) and Shina Zhila (New Year boy). Uvlin Uvgun himself, as expected, is an excellent cattle breeder, and therefore he comes to the holiday in the traditional Mongolian clothing of a cattle breeder. Well, in order not to forget about business on New Year's Eve, from December 31 to January 1, the Mongols also celebrate the day (night !!!) of the cattle breeder.
Turkey
Character: Saint Nicholas, Noel Baba, Bishop of Merlicia
St Nicholas, Bishop of Merlikia ("Noel Baba") - One of the prototypes of all New Year's characters. A good miracle worker and persecutor of evil. Patron saint of abducted and lost children. Lived in 300 AD. According to legend, Nikolai Merlikisky walked through the village past the poor man's house. And there the father was going to send his daughters to "study" the most ancient profession. Nikolai did not like this, and at night he threw three purses with gold into the house through the chimney (according to another version, three gold coins). They pleased them in girls' shoes, which were drying by the fireplace. The happy father bought a dowry for his daughters and gave them in marriage.
Uzbekistan
Character: Corbobo
- On the eve of the New Year's holiday, he comes to his young friends on a donkey, accompanied by his granddaughter Korgyz. Instead of a fur coat, Corbobo is wearing a striped robe.
In other countries (full list of countries) Father Frost is called:
Australia - Santa Claus
Austria - Sylvester
Altai Territory - Sook-Taadak
Belgium - Père Noel, Saint Nicholas
Brazil - Popeye Noel
Great Britain - Father Christmas
Hungary - Mikulas
Hawaii - Kanakaloka
Germany - Weichnachtsmann
Holland (Netherlands) - Sunderklass, Saite-Kaas, Sinter Klaas
Greece - Saint Basil
Denmark, Greenland - Uletomte, Ulemanden, Saint Nicholas
Spain - Papa Noel
Italy - Babbo Natale
Kazakhstan - Ayaz-ata, Kolotun Aga
Kalmykia - Zul
Cambodia - Ded Heat
Karelia - Pakkainen (Morozets)
Cyprus - Saint Basil
China - Dong Che Lao Ren, Sho Hing, Sheng Dan Laoren,
Colombia - Pope Pascual
Mongolia - Uvlin Uvgun
Norway - Julenissen, Nisse, Julebukk
Poland - Saint Nicholas
Romania - Mosh Jerilă
Savoy - Saint Chaland
USA - Santa Claus
Turkey - Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Merlikia, Noel Baba
Tajikistan - Ojuz
Uzbekistan - Corbobo
Finland - Yollupukki
France - Père Noel, Grandpa January
Czech Republic, Slovakia - Ded Mikulas and Yozhishek
Chile - Viejo Pascuero
Sweden - Jul Tomten, Jultomten, Kris Kringle, Yulnissan, Yolotomten
Yakutia - Ded Dyil
Japan - Oji-san, Hoteyosho, Segatsu - san