A Brief Look at the Birth of Father Christmas and Santa Claus
It's Father Christmas in England, but he's known by other names around the world
Father Christmas is widely known as the kindly old man who appears in the winter with a long fur trimmed coat and a long beard. He arrives at the time of the holidays and he has a large bag of kids Christmas presents for all the good children.
In many other places, he is widely known as Santa Claus. The tradition of Santa Claus is largely based on the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas, but it also incorporates many other traditional figures from other countries. The myth and legend of Santa Claus incorporates many of the pagan, Scandinavian, German, Dutch, and English traditions. Our modern day version of Santa is well scripted by Clement C. Moore’s, “Night before Christmas” poem and the drawings, which were done by Thomas C. Nast.
The original Saint Nicholas was the Patron Saint of Giving who lived in the fourth century. He was from the city of Myra. Today this city is known as Demre and is in southern Turkey. It is told that this much beloved Saint and Friend of the Children would give gold coins to those he found in need. These gifts were always made anonymously. In his honor, Dec. 6th has long been set as the day of giving in many countries.
In Russia, it is Grandfather Frost who helps make the New Year a happy time for children. This legend has pagan roots. Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter, who is known as Snow Girl, bring gifts to the children for the New Year. He always wears a coat that is long, trimmed in fur, and is always colored red or blue. They travel by using a sleigh pulled by white horses. In the past, it has been Grandfather Frost who brought presents and visited children.
In Italy, Babbo Natale literally means Father Christmas and Santa is the beloved and iconic figure to which the name refers. On the day before Epiphany, the children put a pair of shoes on the doorstep and they wake the next morning to find their shoes filled with candy and treats from Babbo Natale. While the Epiphany is usually the day for Babbo Natale, in some cities in Italy he arrives on Christmas Eve.
In Spain, the children are taught to leave their shoes beneath the Christmas tree on the night of January 5th and then they find gifts and candies the next morning. These gifts are from the 3 kings. Some Spanish children put their shoes out on Dec. 24th as well and Papa Noel fills them then with his own candies and goodies.
In France, Father Christmas or Santa Claus is known by the name Pere Noel. The Brazilian and Peruvian children call him Papa Noel. The name for him in Morocco is Black Peter. Even China calls him Shengdan Laoren. Japanese children fondly refer to him as Uncle Santa. No matter what name he is given, it is the spirit of giving and love that is the true embodiment of Santa.
In many countries throughout the world the Christmas holidays is seen as a time of giving. Santa’s grotto is an integral part of many shopping centers. These whimsical scenes remind us of the traditions, the fantasy, and the fun that all combine to create this most wonderful holiday season.
This is an original news article © The Kids Window
| Products available to buy at the Kids Window |
|
|
|
|
