Russian folklore is full of interesting creatures in which people have believed for centuries, and possibly for millennia.
Santa Claus belongs to the category of traditional entities; people believed in him even in the pre-Christian era. But for the New Year in its original form, he had no relationship.
When did Santa Claus appear?
Before Peter the Great, with his decree, to celebrate the New Year in the winter from 1700, the holiday fell on September, and with the transition to a new mood, the winter frosty spirit was at the epicenter of solemn events and was simply obliged to lead them. Since then, Santa Claus has not just covered the forests with snow to protect trees from freezing, not only freezing bad people and gifting good ones, but also has become a symbol of the main extravaganza of the year.
The custom to celebrate the New Year in winter was taken by Peter from Europe, and Santa Claus assumed the role of Santa Claus. Today, many people even confuse these two characters. However, how are winter wizards of different cultures really different from each other?
Where did the image of Santa Claus come from?
So, everything is relatively clear with Santa Claus, the spirit of winter came from ancient pagan beliefs. But where did Santa Claus come from? As the name implies, Saint Klaus (Nikolai) - a Christian saint who originally gave things to the poor, was introduced to Christmas in 1823 - the reason for this was the work of Clement Moore. Popularity came to the character in the 1840s, when he was honored as the spirit of Christmas everywhere.Initially, he was not always portrayed in red clothes; a good old man was often portrayed in light robes.
Interesting fact: red and white clothes came along with an exceptionally successful Coca-Cola advertising campaign, which began to be held in large numbers since 1930. The image turned out to be so successful that today they only imagine a good Santa - in a red short fur coat, with a thick white beard.
Santa Claus and Santa - Similarities and Differences
So, Santa Claus - originally a pagan character, personifying the forces of winter nature. Over time, he became exceptionally kind, began to give New Year's gifts - primarily to children, to appear with the Snow Maiden - a granddaughter, also endowed with magical powers. Santa Claus never comes in the New Year. The saint appears at Christmas, surrounded by forest elves, often on a reindeer sleigh loaded with presents. Santa Claus uses three horses, or comes on foot.
The red color of the fur coat has become relevant for Santa Claus relatively recently. In the past, he was allowed, but blue, white, blue, or even green coats had an advantage, because we are talking about the spirit of nature, the old forest man! However, Santa was also not originally red - the Coca-Cola company “gave” the established image and color to his grandfather.
Santa and Santa Claus outfit
The difference in costumes is obvious - after all, the climate in Europe and Russia varies significantly. Santa Claus, who came from the forest, can not do without a fur coat on the floor, which is decorated with patterns - like those that can be seen on the frozen windows.He has a fur collar, an embroidered belt that belts a fur coat, mittens and felt boots, a hat on fur and a beard almost to the floor. Santa Claus wears a short fur coat or jacket, belted with a belt, red pants, gloves and boots, a light cap. His beard is short, trimmed.
Santa Claus walks, leaning on a staff. A magic tool made of ice, crystal or silver allows it to freeze and unfreeze people, create magic. Santa has no staff. A bag of gifts is attributed to both heroes.
What else distinguishes Santa Claus from Santa Claus?
Santa has a list in which the names of all the children and their actions are recorded. Or even two lists - with good and bad children, good, he should bring a gift, and naughty - coal. Santa Claus knows everything without a list, and he does not give coal. A Russian wizard can freeze a bad child, then unfreeze it, demand that the baby promise to be obedient, but to offend children is not in his tradition. And Santa Claus never comes through the pipe - neither through the stove, nor through the mantelpiece. And how could he climb there - in a warm coat to the floor?
Santa Claus lives in Lapland, transported by deer, able to rush a cart with gifts across the sky so quickly that grandfather will have time to deliver gifts to children around the world in just one night. And Santa Claus lives in Veliky Ustyug, he travels on three horses, symbolizing the three winter months - December, January, February.
It is generally believed that horses in a cart with gifts are white, but any color is allowed.Grandfather comes with his granddaughter Snegurochka to distribute toys and sweets to children of immense Russia - or they come on foot, as if from nowhere. Santa comes at night, in secret from the children, and Santa Claus can be called up, which everyone did in childhood on matinees. He will show his wonders, help light a Christmas tree, and will surely give out gifts to everyone from a huge bag.
Thus, the differences between Santa Claus and Santa Claus really exist, and there are many of them - despite the fact that the difference lies only in the details. But both generous grandfathers successfully give children a holiday - once a year, but on a huge scale! And yes, of course, they exist!
