Features:
Europe
The Santa Claus in Europe basically comes from Nicholas, but has different characteristics in different countries.
- Switzerland
The Swiss Santa Claus is called Christkindl or Christ Child. - Italy
Santa Claus in Italy is called Babbo Natale. - Germany
In the central and northern regions of Germany, Nicholas is called “Santa Claus”. German Santa Claus also carries an assistant called Knecht Ruprecht, Krampus or Pelzebock or “Black Peter” (Zwarte Piet). He carried a large bag of gifts and held a stick in his hand. A good boy can receive his gift, but a naughty boy has to teach a lesson. - France
The image similar to Santa Claus in France is Père Noel. He is almost identical to Santa Claus. His red and white clothes once inspired the Coca-Cola Company. The original image of Santa Claus was an elf, tall and thin in animal skins. In 1931, Coca-Cola asked Swedish designers to reshape the image of Santa Claus. He is tall and fat, always smiling, the most important thing is that the padded jacket he wears is always-Coca-Cola red. This attracts the customer base they have always wanted to win over, children under 12 years old. Therefore, the well-known Santa Claus is actually an advertisement for Coca-Cola for 78 years. - United Kingdom
The British Santa Claus is also called Father Christmas (Father Christmas) like France. His image is more solemn and thinner than other Santas. - North America
The image and name come from Dutch legend, brought to New York by immigrants in the 17th century. In Dutch legend, Santa Sintirklass also brought an assistant named Black Peter. Santa Claus in North America rode a sleigh pulled by reindeer to give gifts to children.
In early 1773, “Santa Claus” appeared in American news papers. This was the first time that American best-selling author Washington Irving introduced the Dutch version of Nicholas (Santa Claus) as an American. According to New York historical records, Irving used the pen name Diedrich in a newspaper in 1809 to describe the arrival of Nicholas on horseback (without Black Pitt).
In the British-American tradition, Santa Claus always happily arrives on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. He climbs into the house from the chimney, leaves gifts for the children, and eats the children to leave for him food. During the rest of the year, he was busy making gifts and supervising children’s behavior.
Other
- Iceland
In Icelandic legends, there is not only one Santa Claus, but a total of 13 Santa Clauses, each with different personalities, some are naughty and lively, some are kind and gentle. - Scandinavia
The Christmas people in Scandinavia are called julenisse or juletomte; Scandinavian legend tells the history of Santa Claus and the assistant elf gate. - China
The image of Santa Claus in China is inseparable from commercial activities. After the reform and opening up in the 1980s, the Coca-Cola Company was introduced to China as a means of promotion.