approaching the most fabulous holiday that love both adults and children - the New Year.So today we would like to introduce you to the wonderful character, without which it is difficult to imagine.Our hero - Santa Claus.We will tell us about his many fellows from around the world.
Grandfather Frost (Russian)
Santa Claus around the world - a relative of our beloved grandfather.Frost, Studenets, Treskun - all one Slavic character of Slavic mythology, the lord of winter and frost.Our ancestors were his shortie old man with a long white beard.His breath begins to frost.From his tears appeared icicles.I tell them the words turned into frost.Snow clouds - his hair.In winter, Santa Claus passes forests, fields and streets.He taps his stick ice and severe frosts hold down the ice rivers, streams, puddles.As soon as he hit the corner of the hut - the log will certainly burst.Frost does not like those who complain about the cold and shivering from the cold.A fun and cheerful people gives strength of spirit an
Santa Nikolaus (Germany)
German Santa Claus always inseparable from his faithful servant - Ruprecht.However, gifts (as, indeed, and the rod for varmints), he gives not at Christmas, and on the night of December 6.Rupprecht appeared because in medieval schools of Germany gave the children Christmas gifts priest.Farmers, in turn, wanted to see his place of usual farm laborer.So there was this fabulous image, while the priest has become a kind of Santa Nikolaus.
Night Before Christmas comes to the German kids Vaynahtsman.Santas from different countries - a kind and loving kids heroes who want to arrange a holiday for all the kids.That's German character is a replica of "our" Santa Claus.For the kids, he arrives on a donkey.Going to bed, boys and girls in Germany put on the table a plate in which the good old man lay tasty treats, and shoes they leave hay for his donkey.In Germany, as in many European countries, Christmas - a family holiday.All have to get together for the holiday table and give each other gifts.This ceremony is called Besherung.This is another reason to doubt the Christian origins of the Russian Santa Claus.Most likely, in its form mixed Orthodox and pagan traditions.
Pere Noel (France)
this cheerful holiday most welcome guest in every home - Santa Claus.Customs of different countries suggest an original meeting this hero.With his appearance in the house come the joy and fun.French grandfather's name is Pere Noel.Its name literally translates as Father Christmas.Pere Noel also congratulates karapuzov not alone.His constant companion Barge - bearded old man in a fur hat, wrapped in a warm cloak road.Pere Noel congratulates and presents gifts mannered and obedient children, and the disobedient and lazy barges brings the cane.Celebrating New Year's holiday in France with his family.This occurs most often in the company of friends in a restaurant, and sometimes even on the streets, surrounded by hundreds of sparkling garlands and colorful fireworks, sparkling champagne, fun and music.
Father Christmas (UK)
Santa Claus around the world congratulated the people, respecting national customs.In England, where the tradition of value above all else, the main New Year's celebration in a speech the Queen.She says her after the festive dinner.And before the feast the family goes to church.Children turn to Father Christmas and ask him gifts.To do this, write a detailed letter to his grandfather magical with all the wishes and throw it in the fireplace.Wishlist of pipe smoke is delivered directly to the destination.
in England on the second day of the Christmas holidays celebrate St. Stephen's Day.This time, when autopsied box in which collected donations.They were handed out to all people in need.
Santa Claus (USA)
Santa Claus in the world is the symbol of this bright holiday.Most of their traditions, Americans borrowed from Europeans.New Light, as it is known, appeared thanks to the efforts of people who have arrived from the Old World.In the US, be sure to dress up the Christmas tree, the turkey is served at the table.In this holiday Americans drink egg-nog - Wine and drink with the egg cream.
Santa Claus in America is called Santa Claus.It was first mentioned in the press in 1773.The basis of the image became St Nicholas of Myra.In the literature it was first described by William Gilley - poem Santeclaus (1821).A year later came the poetic report of this fantastic old man.Its author was the Clement Clarke Moore.It is known to all present appearance of Santa Claus - the result of Handona Sundblom - artist from USA, who performed in 1931, a series of original drawings for Christmas advertising "Coca-Cola".Argued that the same Santa, which we know - the brainchild of the said popular brand.
is believed that Santas from different countries - came from Finland, and New Year's holidays themselves born on this earth.Kids come to the Finnish Joulupukki dwarf.It's funny name can be translated into Russian as "Christmas goat."Villagers, who on Christmas night carried the gifts home, put on coats of goatskin.If your children ask you for the address of Santa Clauses in different countries, you can tell them that Joulupukki lives in the hill Korvatunturi, in mysterious caves Kaykuluolat.He's sensitive, big ears, so he is well known, of the children who are well behaved and who is naughty.He knows and who wish to receive any gifts.
On Christmas Eve, while the kids are sleeping, it comes to them, and reserves generous gifts that hides in the nightcap.Naughty less lucky - he brings his whip.I must say that Santas from different countries come not only to bestow the kids, but also for their punishment.At least, it was not until the mid XX century.Since Christmas grandfathers much kinder.
Yul Tomte (Sweden)
can often hear the question: "How many Santa Clauses exist on Earth?" Perhaps as much and countries.The children are waiting for Christmas presents in Sweden on the gnome, who is a bit like our houses.He is hiding in the underground Christmas every home.His name - Yul Tomte.He usually lives in the protected forest with picturesque valleys and lakes.He is assisted by a cheerful snowman Dusty, the prince with the princess, naughty mouse with King Snow Queen, witches and many elves.
Babbo NATAP and fairy Befana (Italy)
Santa Claus on languages of the world sounds different.Italian grandfather called Babbo NATAP.He leaves his fast sled on the roof and sneaks into every home through the chimney.The hosts prepare in advance for him milk and sweet "to support".
In Italy, children are waiting for the New Year and fairy Befanu.She organized a holiday in the country: good children brought sweets and toys.But a poor battered extinct embers.In Italy, there is a belief that Befanu bring the stars.At home, she falls through the chimney, surprises lay in stockings that are hung in advance to the hoods of foci.
There is another version - a fairy comes "earthly" manner - on a pretty little donkey, loaded bale gifts.Befana golden key opens the door and fills shoes with sweets and souvenirs.
Santas of the world (photo you see our article) is very different.In Japan, we are used to the old man, "replaces" God Hoteyosho.If the "brothers" of Santa Claus in other countries very humanlike, Japan is very different in that sense.God Hoteyosho - an amazing character, with eyes on the back of the head.
Sho Hing (China)
If you are going to spend the Christmas holidays in China, you'll notice the luxurious "Tree of Light" - an interesting analogue of our Christmas tree.Oriental brightly decorated lanterns, garlands and flowers, they are a delight not only for locals but also for visitors.The same ornaments are Chinese peasants to decorate homes.Young Chinese are hung on the walls of their homes stockings where Shaw Hin puts his gifts.
Mikulas and Ezhishek (Czech Republic, Slovakia)
Czech Republic Mikulas Santa comes to every home on the night of December 6.This is the night before the day of St. Nicholas.Outwardly, it looks like a twin of our Santa Claus.He has the same long coat, staff, hat.Only now he brings gifts in a box and backpack accompanies it is not charming Snow Maiden, a beautiful angel in white clothes and shaggy imp.A good and obedient children Mikulas brings oranges, apples and a variety of sweets.In "Christmas boot" slacker or a bully is a lump of coal or a potato.For many it remains a mystery how to get along with Santa Mikulas Ezhishkom.
probably the most modest and discreet character of Christmas around the world.He throws presents for children.Ezhishek very closely to ensure that it did not see anybody.That is why this good-natured appearance remains a mystery.But if the Christmas tree zvyaknet christmas bell, the Czech and Slovak children rushing to watch your gifts."Who brought it?"- Ask most kids nesmyshlёnye."Ezhishek!"- Meet the parents with a smile.
Noel Baba (Turkey)
Many believe that Santas from different countries created in the image of St. Nicholas.Noel Baba - kind and generous miracle worker and a fighter against evil, the patron of lost and abducted children.According to the legend, such as Nicholas of Myra was walking through the village past the poor house.From desperation the father was going to send daughters to "learn" the oldest profession in the world.It Nicholas did not like, and at night he threw into the chimney houses three purse full of gold coins.They got shoes girls.His father bought his daughters a dowry and gave them all married.
In Mongolia, New Year's Day the whole family involved.Father helping family lived Bus and Zaza ohineyu.Uvlin Uvgun himself - the embodiment of the magnificent cattleman.It is therefore quite natural that the festival it appears in the appropriate attire.
Address letters to Santa Claus
Every child in the world dreams of getting the coveted Christmas gift, which he had dreamed all year ... It is necessary to make a detailed description of their wishes and send magical grandfather.But where to get the address for letters of Santa Claus?We will tell.Write your letter to the address: 162340, Veliky Ustyug, the home of Santa Claus.
There is another residence located in Moscow's Kuzminki forest.
We hope that the coming New Year will be happy for you, and Santa Claus will grant all welcome gifts.