We have so much accustomed to such signs of the holidays as Christmas tree, garland, salad etc., That almost do not think about how they have become a tradition.But often the answer to the question of our children that came from Santa Claus.This was announced today, and we'll talk.So ...
history of Santa Claus
image of Santa Claus - a good-natured handsome old man with a long lush beard, with his staff in his hand and a bag of gifts - are now familiar to every child and adult.He comes to New Year congratulations and wishes of happiness and bestows all.Not surprisingly, its occurrence especially waiting on children's matinees.
The story of Santa Claus begins with immemorial, with the mythology of ancient Slavs.But mistaken who he thinks that he was originally a good magician, bringing joy.Quite the contrary.Slavic precursor of Santa Claus - Santa Snow, Karachun, Studenets, Treskun, Winter Road, Jack Frost - was harsh, trying to freeze those who meet on the way.And the attitude towards children was a kind of - to carry in a bag ... no he gave gifts, and he had to cajole, to avoid trouble.That's where the fun left - making snowmen.In fact, for our ancestors, these were idols depicting the god of winter.With the advent of Christianity, the kind of spirit Winter is preserved in folk tales.
Only in the 19th century, Frost, Moroz Ivanovich and other characters of fairy tales began to be represented, though strict, but fair creatures.Kindness and hard work is rewarded and laziness and anger - were punished.Tale of Frost Odoevskogo Ivanovich - that came from Father Christmas!
Christmas Santa Claus
In the 80 years of the 19th century, on the occasion of Christmas, following the example of European countries became associated person called Father Christmas (or Santa Yule).That he had brought gifts to reward children for good behavior during the year.But unlike Santa, he was no saint and never had anything to do with religion.And in rural areas did not notice his appearance and continued to celebrate the Holy Supper, as before - with fortune telling and carols.
But the general public has become familiar Santa Claus since 1910.And helped this Christmas cards.First he painted in blue or white coat to toe in the color of the winter.On his head was depicted hat of the same color as Santa wearing warm boots and gloves.It becomes an indispensable attribute of a magic stick and bag with gifts.
history of Santa Claus during the Soviet era
After coming to power, the Bolsheviks began to struggle against the "religious stuff".In 1929, it banned the celebration of Christmas as a religious holiday.It is clear that Santa Claus with Christmas tree also fell out of favor.Even fairy tales have been recognized by deception designed to obscure the head of the masses.
And only in 1935 with the filing of Stalin issued a decree of the Young Communist League of New Year celebrations.Prescribing organized Christmas trees for children instead of the pre-revolutionary Christmas.It was noted that this is a great fun for the children of workers and peasants, who previously could only enviously watch the offspring of the rich entertainment.
symbolism of the Christmas tree, too, has changed.It was a secular, not a religious holiday.Instead of the Star of Bethlehem on the top of the forest beauty lit red five-pointed star.Santa Claus also remained the same kind grandfather, bringing gifts.He traveled to the Russian trio, accompanied by his beloved granddaughter, the Snow Maiden.
How Santa Claus became a grandfather
So we figured out where Santa Claus appeared.Maiden also appeared next to him much later.In Old Slavonic folklore, there is no indication of the companion of our grandfather.
image of Maiden was coined by writer Alexander Ostrovsky.In his tale, she was a daughter of Father Frost, who came to the people, attracted by the music.After the appearance of the opera by Rimsky-Korsakov's The Snow Maiden has become very popular.Sometimes she appeared on fur-trees, but by itself, with no Santa Claus.
In 1937, on the tree in the Moscow House of Unions for the first time Maiden will perform together with his grandfather.The conversion of her daughter to her granddaughter was because a cheerful girl and very young girl was closer to children, for whom feast.
Since Maiden accompanies Santa Claus on any New Year's holiday, most often it is she is leading him.However, after Gagarin's flight sometimes elkah instead Maiden appeared ... astronaut.
Helpers Santa Claus
The story of Santa Claus recently updated with new pages.In addition to the Snow Maiden, in good New Year magic participate and new fairy-tale characters.For example, Snowman, appearing in fairy tales wonderful children's writer and cartoonist Suteeva.He then goes into the forest for the Christmas tree for the holiday, then drives a car with gifts.Wild animals are mostly helping his grandfather, while some occasionally try to prevent offensive New Year holidays.Often scenarios appear Lesovichki-old men, brothers Months ...
there, where there was Santa Claus, he moved on foot or on the wings of a snowstorm.Later it began to submit to a dashing Russian troika.And now in Veliky Ustyug contained and reindeer - winter is a real form of transport.It can not very good magician countries whose lands extend to the North Pole, Santa Claus keep up!
born when Father Christmas?
Curious children want to find out how old Santa Claus.Despite the ancient Slavic roots, Grandpa still quite young.We can assume the appearance of the moment of his birth tale "Moroz Ivanovich" Odoevskogo (1840).In it first appeared a kind old man who gives to the girl diligently and punishes the lazy.According to this version, Santa 174 years.
But Frost said the tale to no one comes, gifts on the occasion does not sound.All this will be much later, towards the end of the 19th century.If we assume from this point on, Santa Claus is not even 150 years.
If we consider the date of his birth in 1935, when once again began to hold the Christmas tree, Santa then planned a modest anniversary - he turns 80 years old.
When the birthday of Santa Claus?
This is another question that has puzzled us children.After all, they received gifts for the New Year, often want to thank the good old man.This question can be answered exactly - 18 November.It is so decided by the children themselves, choosing as the birthday of the day the onset of winter in the homeland of Santa Claus.This happened in 2005.
And now every year on this day held a big celebration, which come his colleagues.This Santa Claus from Lapland present, Pakkaine from Karelia, and from the Czech Republic Mikulas even Chiskhan of Yakutia ... Every year the scope of the celebration expanded attracts new visitors.But most importantly, from their homeland, from Kostroma, hurries to congratulate Grandpa Maiden.
to celebrate and invited guests from other cities.This deputy Santa Claus, who will come to children on New Year's, and fairy-tale characters helpers.All of them are waiting for fun events.In the evening, Santa Claus lights the lights on the Christmas tree and the very first to announce the beginning of preparations for the New Year.After that, he and his assistants out on a journey across the country in time to congratulate all of its residents.
In March, Father Christmas delivers his duty spring-red and back to his home.In public until the next birthday, he will once again - in the summer, on the Day of the City.Both the festival include folk festivals, extensive program of events, telling about the Russian North, including tours of the birthplace of Santa Claus.
And let us not say exactly how old Santa Claus, but to congratulate him, to write a letter of good wishes is possible.
Where to write?
Where can live Santa Claus?At the North Pole?Or, in Lapland, near the Santa Claus?Or, in the well, as in the fairy tale "Moroz Ivanovich?"
Address Santa Claus is known to many very good.Residence it is located in the Great Ustyug in the Vologda region.There's a magnificent tower built for him, working his mail.Santa Claus even got a passport from the hands of the governor of the Vologda region.And the question of children "came from Father Christmas", we can safely answer: from the Great Ustyug.
If your child wants to write a letter to congratulate the good old man on his birthday, make a wish for the New Year, do not panic and do not get lost, because to do so easily.Write down the address of Santa Claus: 162390, Russia, Vologda region, city of Veliky Ustyug.Mail Santa Claus.
