The story of Santa Claus. Originally from a fairy tale: biography of Santa Claus and Snow Maiden Where the fabulous Santa Claus lives

We are already so accustomed to such signs of New Year's holidays as a Christmas tree, garlands, Olivier salad, etc., that we hardly think about how they became traditional. But we often answer the question of our children about where Santa Claus came from. We will talk about this today. So…

The story of Santa Claus

The image of Santa Claus - a stately, good-natured old man with a long, fluffy beard, with a staff in his hand and a bag of gifts - is now familiar to every child and adult. He comes to congratulates, wishes for happiness and bestows upon everyone. It is not surprising that his appearance is especially expected at children's matinees.

The history of the appearance of Santa Claus begins from the depths of centuries, from the mythology of the ancient Slavs. But the one who thinks that he was originally a good magician who brings joy is mistaken. Quite the opposite. The Slavic predecessor of Ded Moroz - Snezhny Ded, Karachun, Studenets, Treskun, Zimnik, Morozko - was stern, trying to freeze those who met on the way. And the attitude towards children was peculiar - to carry them away in a sack ... It was not he who handed out gifts, but it was necessary to appease him in order to avoid trouble. That's where the fun comes from - making snowmen. In fact, for our ancestors, these were idols depicting the god of winter. With the advent of Christianity, this peculiar spirit of Winter has been preserved in folk tales.

Only in the 19th century Morozko, Moroz Ivanovich and other characters in fairy tales began to appear as strict, but fair creatures. Kindness and hard work were rewarded, and laziness and anger were punished. Odoevsky's tale about Frost Ivanovich - that's where Santa Claus came from!

Christmas Santa Claus

In the 80s of the 19th century, with the holiday of Christmas, following the example of European countries, they began to associate a person called Christmas Grandfather (or Yule Grandfather). He has already brought gifts to reward children for good behavior throughout the year. But, unlike Santa Claus, he was not a saint and had nothing to do with religion at all. And in the countryside, they did not notice his appearance at all and continued to celebrate Holy Evenings, as before - with fortune-telling and carols.

But to the general public, Santa Claus has become familiar since 1910. And Christmas cards helped with this. At first, he was painted in a blue or white fur coat up to his toes, to match the color of the winter itself. A hat of the same color was depicted on his head, and Grandfather also wore warm felt boots and mittens. A magic staff and a bag with gifts became indispensable attributes.

Then they began to fight against "religious rubbish". In 1929, the celebration of Christmas as a religious holiday was banned. It is clear that Santa Claus and the Christmas tree have also fallen out of favor. Even fairy tales were deemed to be a hoax designed to obscure the heads of the masses.

And only in 1935, at the suggestion of Stalin, the Komsomol issued a decree on the celebration of the New Year. It was ordered to organize Christmas trees for children instead of pre-revolutionary Christmas ones. It was noted that this is great fun for little workers and peasants, who previously could only look with envy at the entertainment of the offspring of the rich.

The symbolism of the tree has also changed. It was a secular and not a religious holiday. Instead, on the top of the forest beauty, red Santa Claus lit up, but he remained the same kind grandfather, bringing gifts. He drove around in a Russian troika, accompanied by his beloved granddaughter Snegurochka.

How Santa Claus became a grandfather

So, we figured out where Santa Claus came from. The Snow Maiden appeared next to him much later. In ancient Slavic folklore, there is no indication of the companion of our Grandfather.

The image of the Snow Maiden was invented by the writer A. N. Ostrovsky. In his tale, she was the daughter of Santa Claus, who came to people attracted by music. After the appearance of N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov's opera, the Snow Maiden became very popular. Sometimes she appeared on Christmas trees, but on her own, without Santa Claus.

In 1937, at the Yolka in the Moscow House of Unions, for the first time, Snegurochka performed with her Grandfather. Her transformation from daughter to granddaughter happened because a cheerful girl or a very young girl was closer to the children, for whom the holiday was arranged.

Since then, the Snow Maiden has been accompanying Santa Claus at any New Year's holiday, most often it is she who is its host. True, after Gagarin's flight, sometimes on the Yolki instead of the Snow Maiden ... an astronaut appeared.

Santa Claus helpers

The story of the appearance of Santa Claus has recently been supplemented with new pages. In addition to the Snow Maiden, new fairy-tale characters take part in the good New Year's magic. For example, the Snowman, who appeared in the fairy tales of the wonderful children's writer and cartoonist Suteev. He then goes into the forest for a Christmas tree for a holiday, then he drives a car with gifts. Most of the forest animals help Grandfather, and some sometimes try to prevent the onset of the New Year's holidays. Often, Old Man-Lesovichki, Brother-Months appear in the scripts ...

Where Santa Claus came from, he moved on foot or on the wings of a blizzard. Subsequently, he was introduced to the dashing Russian troika. And now reindeer are kept in Veliky Ustyug - a real winter form of transport. The kindest wizard of the country, whose possessions extend to the North Pole, cannot keep up with Santa Claus!

When was Santa Claus born?

Curious children want to find out how old Santa Claus is. Despite the ancient Slavic roots, Grandpa is still quite young. The appearance of a fairy tale (1840) can be considered the moment of his birth. It is in her that a good old man first appears, who presents gifts to a diligent girl and punishes the lazy one. According to this version, Grandfather is 174 years old.

But in the aforementioned fairy tale, Frost does not come to anyone, he does not give out gifts in connection with the holiday. All this will be much later, towards the end of the 19th century. If you count from this moment, Santa Claus is not yet 150 years old.

When is Santa Claus's Birthday?

This is another question that children confuse us with. After all, they who have received gifts for the New Year often want to thank the good old man. This question can be answered absolutely precisely - on November 18th. After all, the children themselves decided so, choosing as the onset of winter in the homeland of Santa Claus. It happened in 2005.

And now every year on this day a big holiday is held, to which his colleagues arrive. These are Santa Claus from real Lapland, Pakkaine from Karelia, Mikulas from the Czech Republic and even Chishan from Yakutia ... Every year the scope of the celebration expands, new guests come. But most importantly, from his homeland, from Kostroma, the Snow Maiden is in a hurry to congratulate Grandfather.

Guests from other cities are also invited to the celebration. These are the deputies of Santa Claus, who will come to the children for the New Year, and the fairy-tale characters-helpers. All of them will have fun activities. And in the evening, Santa Claus lights the lights on the very first Christmas tree and announces the beginning of preparations for the New Year. After that, he and his assistants set off on a trip around the country in order to have time to congratulate all its inhabitants.

In March, Santa Claus surrenders his watch to Vesna-Krasne and returns to his house. Until the next birthday, he will appear in public again - in the summer, on City Day. Both holidays include folk festivals, an extensive program of events telling about the Russian North, including excursions around the estate of Father Frost.

And let us not say exactly how old Santa Claus is, but it is quite possible to congratulate him, write a letter with good wishes.

Where to write?

Where can Santa Claus live? At the North Pole? Or in Lapland, next to Santa Claus? Or maybe in a well, as in the fairy tale "Moroz Ivanovich"?

Many people know the address of Santa Claus very well. His residence is located in that in the Vologda region. A magnificent tower was built there for him, his post office works. Santa Claus even received a passport from the hands of the governor of the Vologda region. And to the question of children "where did Santa Claus come from", one can safely answer: from Veliky Ustyug.

If your child wants to write a letter, wish a good old man a happy birthday, make a wish for the New Year, do not be alarmed and don’t get lost, because it’s easy to do. Write down the address of Santa Claus: 162390, Russia, Vologda region, the city of Veliky Ustyug. Santa Claus mail.

Larisa Savlovskaya
GCD "Where does Santa Claus live"

Gcd "Where Santa Claus lives» .

Target:

Expand children's ideas about the world around them. Give information where Santa Claus lives... Expand children's knowledge of the customs and traditions of celebrating the New Year in our country, develop a sense of community among children in a group and skills of cooperation. Develop dialogical speech, enrich an active vocabulary, teach to use figurative words and expressions in speech, develop imagination, fantasy, independence. Enrich vocabulary with words - antonyms. Activate memory, imagination.

Create a joyful mood

Material: microphone, multimedia equipment, computer presentation "Where Santa Claus lives?» .

GCD move:

New Years is soon! This is the most fabulous and magical time of the year and it's time to get ready for it. It's time to write letters to Grandfather Frost... Homeland of Russian grandfather Frost- the city of Veliky Ustyug, that's where you need to write.

Grandfather lives in the city of Veliky Ustyug freezing.

Slide number 3,4,5,6,7

His fabulous palace is located here, in which there is also Grandfather's study Frost, and a large dressing room, and Grandpa's bedroom Frost with a carved bed and feather beds. In the center of the building there is a fabulous throne of Grandfather Frost, on which you can sit down and make a wish. To grandfather's mail Frost letters from all over the world pass. Here is grandfather freezing answers your letters and postcards.

In the very center of Veliky Ustyug there is a beautiful wooden tower. This is Grandpa's Mail Frost... This is where all the letters addressed to the kind grandfather come, and his assistants sort them out and help Grandfather Frost to send congratulations on the New Year to all ends of not only Russia, but already the whole world. Anyone can go to Grandfather's Mail Frost and prepare a congratulatory message to your friends and loved ones at any time of the year, and the fabulous helpers will send it exactly on time. Congratulations written in the summer and received on New Years from the very homeland of Grandfather frost - that's a surprise!

Ded's tower is located in a pine forest Frost.

Carved gates lead into the possession of the fabulous grandfather, through which we find ourselves on the path of fairy tales. This is where real miracles begin.

Slide number 10.11

The first to meet us is Lesovichok Shishok in his house. He keeps order on the fairy trail. And there are a lot of miracles and fun here.

Slide number 12

Next, we will walk along the fabulous Mikhailo Potapycha bridge and through a clearing of valiant fun along the health path we find ourselves in an interesting place where you can play shishkobol. Never heard of a game like this? And this game is magical. We take chic, make a wish and throw it in the basket. If hit, the wish will come true.

Slide number 13.14

And we are already waiting for the house of Grandma Aushka with a Russian oven, forest berries and medicinal herbs

Slide number 15

We get to a centuries-old oak tree, where, with a howling house lives a wise owl... And on that oak there is a gilded chain, a scientist cat, and an old chest - everything is like in a real fairy tale.

Slide number 16

Have gained wisdom and are heading to the magical clearing of the Twelve Months. There is a bonfire here, and each month has its own throne.

Slide number 17

A fabulous path leads us further to the meadow of Pnya Erofeich, and then to three magical chests. And those chests are not simple, there is Grandfather Frost keeps good... No, not all kinds of money and treasures, but real good. If you enter one door of the chest and exit the other, then you become kinder. And if you go through all three chests like this, then you will notice kindness around you.

Slide number 18

And good people are met by Zhitny Grandfather in his hut

Slide number 19,20,21

Here is the Magic path that led us straight to the House of Grandfather Frost... Grandfather's house Frost is, first of all, the place where he is lives and works... And this house is extraordinary, a real Terem.

There are exactly twelve rooms here, there is also a room for important matters, a room for gifts and, of course, a room for wishes. And in the very center of the tower in the throne room stands the real throne of Grandfather Frost, on which you can sit and make a wish. And it will definitely come true, because this throne is also magical.

Slide number 22

Throne room

The first to meet you is the Throne Room. An eight-pointed snowflake spread its rays across the entire area of ​​the hall - a symbol of good luck and happiness. Believe it or not, she is the only one in the world. In the most honorable and prominent place there is a New Year's beauty - a spruce.

Near the tree there are two carved thrones and the same magic, like everyone else in this House. Grandpa's One Throne Frost, but next, smaller - Snow Maiden-granddaughters.

Slide number 23.24

Grandfather's office Frost

In the main place is the Coat of arms of our Fairy Tale with words "Do good!" on the motto ribbon and the personal standard of Grandfather's Tales Frost, and a real passport of a Russian magician! Also in Grandfather's office there is a Christmas tree decorated with the hands of honored guests.

Slide number 25.26

Grandfather's bedchamber Frost

She is fabulous in beauty extraordinary: Decorated with unique wood carvings and each carved curl has a meaning. At the head is a red sun, and at the feet is a clear month, owls multiply the wisdom of Grandfather Frost, the birds in the morning bring good news from all over the world. Cover frosty pattern embroidered... And there are exactly seven pillows in a ruffled pyramid on the bed - for each day of the week - its own, special. There is also a very large pillow - a festive one.

Also, in the bedchamber Morozova there is a magic mirror on the wall. You look into it - and you look younger before our eyes. On the other wall, opposite the Wizard's bed, bags of dreams are hung - the kids, after all, in dreams and good fairy tales and funny cartoons want to see.

Slide number 27

Wardrobe

All costumes are carefully collected and preserved here. And it is these magical costumes created by the golden hands of craftswomen "Grandfather's workshop Frost» Some of the names of the costumes can already be intriguing so that you will certainly want to see them. Among them there are "Festive Radiance", and « Frosty pattern» , "Glitter of Silver" and "Summer Snow White", and even "Birch bark tale".

Slide number 28

Gift room

There is also a room in the Fairytale House, received from dear guests by Grandfather himself. Frost... Every year this amazing collection of gifts is replenished with gifts from Ded's fabulous colleagues Frost from other cities and even countries.

Slide number 29

Grandfather's Library Frost

The magic house is full of wonders every moment. The treasured room, in which knowledge and intelligent thoughts live, is called the Library. There are a great many books in it.

Slide number 30.31

Projects room

The Projects Room is one of the favorite rooms in Grandfather's House. Frost... It is also called "Room of the future"... Here you will learn how both the House and the Fiefdom will look like in 20-30 years. Everything Grandpa is about Frost dreams.

Slide number 32

Room of desires

So this room is special, that it is here that any of you can make a cherished desire.

Slide number 33

Christmas trees room

Well, how is it possible in the House of the owner of a magical New Year's forest to do without a room for a green beauty - the main New Year's heroine! But in this room there is not one Christmas tree at all - there are a lot of them!

Slide number 34

Favorite Room in Grandpa's House Frost - for children... Children are the most magical treasure of the whole Grandfather's Tale Frost! It is for them that the fabulous merry-go-round spun and for them, first of all, miracles come true. So, in this room, an exhibition of children's fairy tales is open, so that children are closer to their favorite fairy tale characters, and adults remember their childhood and through this they begin to understand their children better.

Slide number 35.36

Snow Maiden's room

Here the grandson of Santa Claus lives... She monitors the mail.

Slide number 37

Craftswomen's room

At the grandfather's craftswomen Frost there is a separate cozy room in the House and it is convenient to work in it. Yes, there are many old things there, those that were once considered the most common in the everyday life of Russian women, but now they seem outlandish to us.

Slide number 38

And to understand where is the dream, where is the vision

Look at the house with an outlandish gaze.

Grandfather's face Frost rises for a moment,

And the inscription is huge there in front.

You are getting acquainted with the "Mail of the Grandfather Frost"

And you feel with your heart that in a fairy tale live

And that grandfather is real, not in mysticism, dreams,

Here! If you believed him, you will find him.

And the children of Russia write to the wizard,

Norway, Sweden and distant countries.

And he answers and sends what they asked,

By sending sleep and deceit into oblivion.

But that's not all. Yes! You saw the patrimony

Where is Grandpa The frost family lives?

Rooms for everyone, no one offends.

The people are inviting to contemplate this.

New Year is one of our favorite holidays. With fluffy white snow outside the window, the smell of fir-tree needles, sparkling of colorful toys and tinsel, obligatory fireworks and gifts, as well as elegant Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden.

He brings joy to both children and adults. And there is no such child who would not like to know where Father Frost lives in Russia. It turns out that his homeland is in Veliky Ustyug, and everyone who believes in a fairy tale should visit the patrimony.

The legend about Santa Claus

Scientists are often interested in where Santa Claus lives. Research on this topic has been carried out a thousand times. No reliable legend has yet been found. According to her descriptions, once upon a time, two brothers, Aquarius and Frost, lived on Mount Gleden in a dark, dark forest. The first was the eldest and was very fond of breeding water and slush. The second was capricious, because he grew up as a younger boy, he loved to do everything in defiance of Aquarius and chilled all his water, froze it and made bizarre sculptures and patterns out of it.

But then one day the brothers quarreled very much. Aquarius shouted that there should be only one master on the land of their great-grandfathers - he. Frost took offense and left to wander around the world in search of a new refuge. He also visited the far North, Siberia, and the South. Only there were hosts everywhere, and no one wanted to receive a new guest. Frost grew up, settled down, became wiser and decided to return to his native land.

Aquarius accepted it and said: “We will build you a tower here and find the Snow Maiden, stay with us, you are now a real Grandfather. He agreed. And now, at the place where the rivers Yug and Sukhona merge, there is a wonderful house, and Santa Claus is in it.

Reliable addresses of residence of Santa Claus from Russia

It is very easy to remember the address of the fairytale hero. The city in which he decided to settle is called Veliky Ustyug. The patrimony itself is not in the center, but 15 km from the city center. It can be easily found by following the identification signs.

Where did Santa Claus come from? The answer to this question is of interest not only to children, but also to adults. On the eve of the New Year, the history of the emergence of this fabulous image will be informative for all readers.

Pagan traditions

Our ancestors in ancient times worshiped many gods at once. Each image was responsible for a certain element or action. For example, Perun was considered the main deity and was called in another way the Thunderer.

According to legend, Svarog was responsible for all the gods who ruled over natural forces. Morozko was a similar character in those days. He was responsible for the weather in winter. It was believed that this deity endowed the Slavs with sparkling snow and a festival with the onset of cold weather.

People firmly believed that during the attack of enemy troops, it was he who did not allow them to advance further, freezing everything around. According to legends, this deity created such ice that could not be cut even with iron axes.

Fight against paganism

After the arrival of Christianity in the Russian lands, an active propaganda of the new faith began. With all their might, the struggle against paganism was fought. In those days, the image of Morozko was dramatically changed, making him a negative hero.

According to the invented legend, he turned into the Great Old Man of the North, who came to different settlements and severely froze people. One of these tragedies is described in the work "Frost - Red Nose", which belongs to the pen of Nekrasov.

In the poem, the Great Elder froze a lonely mother in the forest without regret. Because of this tragedy, several children were left orphans, they had to overcome many difficulties in order to survive on their own.

Uneducated villagers began to believe in this legend. With the coming of winter, they were terrified that this deity would come to their house.

Did Santa Claus take children

In the days of ancient Russia, in every village, the guys were afraid of this hero. They awaited his arrival with horror. It was believed that it was he who was driving severe frosts and winds into the villages in order to "pick up" the children.

It was often very cold in poor houses during a severe blizzard, because such hovels were not heated in any way. Weak guys sometimes froze to death. Such a misfortune in the family was associated with the arrival of this by no means kind and long-awaited character. For those families, it didn't matter where Santa Claus came from. The story, unfortunately, is not entirely pleasant. But it also took place.

In those days, it was believed that this deity took the guys to him. Unlike modern children, the children of ancient Russia never expected this hero and were very afraid of him. Everyone did not even want to pronounce his name out loud, and no one was interested in the question of where Santa Claus came from.

Crucial moment

In 1910, for the first time, drawn postcards began to depict this character in a more attractive form. In this way, artists tried to eradicate pagan traditions and overcome the fear of children.

On the postcards, a character appeared who smiled and came to the children with a large bag of gifts. The artists firmly knew that it is very easy to bribe kids with even small surprises, because kids are so gullible.

With the help of new fairy tales and stories, they and their parents were offered a good version of where Santa Claus came from in Russia.

During the period of the USSR, belief in any deity was strictly prohibited. In those days, Christianity was also actively oppressed. To further increase the patriotism of children, they turned into a kind old man bringing gifts to good children, a little forgotten Santa Claus. Where this character came from, no one knew. His legend had not yet been invented at that time.

Santa Claus, as well as his wonderful granddaughter Snegurochka, have become the most beloved and desired characters. They came to kindergartens and schools for New Year's parties, entertained the kids near the Christmas trees, which at that time were organized in every park and in every club. In Soviet times, many wonderful cartoons and films were shot about these kind fairy-tale heroes, which today's children also watch with pleasure. Perhaps because there was not even a hint of violence in such tapes, wonderful human qualities, such as honesty, mutual assistance, friendship, were unobtrusively instilled in children. Santa Claus in these tapes has always been fair, cheerful and infinitely kind.

Truth and speculation

Those who were children in the Soviet era will probably be very surprised to learn that some modern historians are trying to connect the image of Santa Claus with communist propaganda. In those days, this hero was sincerely loved and believed that he was "the real". And the statement that it comes only to obedient children hardly needs to be given a negative connotation, because it was not only in the Soviet Union that they tried to influence the behavior of children in this way. Andersen's fairytale character Ole Lukkoye also opens colored umbrellas only over obedient children.

For the first time, a children's matinee with the participation of Santa Claus was held in 1935 in Kharkov. The event was a tremendous success. The kind red-cheeked grandfather in a red fur coat was loved not only by children, but also by adults, he carried so much positive with him, created a festive mood.

Image development

Gradually, this character so firmly entered the life of people that few people were interested in the question of where Santa Claus came from. It was enough for the children to know that he brings gifts for the New Year, and they were really looking forward to his arrival.

With the help of cinematography, approximately the same image of the character emerged. He without fail had:

• Gray hair and a long beard.
• Cheerful smile.
• Red cheeks.
• Staff.
• Red or blue sheepskin coat and the same hat.
• Big bag with gifts.
• Kind eyes.

Gradually, this hero was overgrown with incredible stories and legends.

Snow Maiden: daughter or granddaughter?

Over time, the writers decided to diversify the character and added an assistant to him. Where did Santa Claus and Snow Maiden come from? For the first time, people learned about this heroine from the work of Ostrovsky.

In the tale, it was said that a Snow Maiden appeared in the forest in front of the walking people, who was attracted by the songs and dances of young people. According to the plot, the girl was the daughter of Santa Claus and helped him to lead his life.

Over time, her image passed into the status of a granddaughter. An easy explanation can be found for this. By age, a small girl approached the children, with whom communication at matinees became more pleasant and relaxed.

Where did Santa Claus come from in Russia, and where does he live? There is no definite answer to the question. This hero has repeatedly changed his place of residence during his existence. Even in ancient times, it was believed that the deity lives in a dense forest.

With the advent of Soviet power, this hero was moved to Arkhangelsk. Children were taken there on excursions and shown his residence. Now the official place of residence is Veliky Ustyug. Here the architects built a large residence of Santa Claus with all the winter attributes.

Thousands of children come here on New Year's holidays to meet their favorite character and plunge into his life. Many adults, in order to return at least for a while to childhood, also walk with pleasure through the possessions of their beloved fairy-tale hero.

Santa Claus has a full-fledged family. Zima is considered his wife, and the well-known Snow Maiden is his granddaughter. Together they reread the letters of the children and collect gifts in a large bag.

Santa Claus has several animals on the farm. It has long been customary that this hero travels in a sleigh pulled by three horses. But in the residence of the character there is also a beautiful deer Leszka.

A room for a wardrobe is set aside in the Frost Penates. It contains a large number of the character's elegant fur coats. You can also find ski suits and summer outfits here. Thus, the Russian Santa Claus is a "mod" in comparison with similar characters from other countries.

November 18 is considered to be the birthday of our fairytale hero. Around this period of the year, cold weather sets in and frosts intensify in Russia. Santa Claus celebrates his holiday first in Veliky Ustyug, and a few days later arrives in the capital. Hundreds of children with gifts and congratulations are also waiting for him here.

The main Father Frost of the country is 37-year-old Andrei Balin. He has been in charge of the farm in the residence for 15 years. At the age of 22, the zootechnician signed an agreement with the local authorities and makes the kids happy every year during the winter holidays.

Preimages in other countries

Almost every state has its own characters who play the role of donors for the New Year. So, in Cyprus and Greece, Father Frost is called Agios Vasilis. In these countries, January 1 is considered not only the New Year, but also a holiday named after all Vasiliev and Vasilis.

Where did Santa Claus come from in France? Peer Noel - this is the name of this character in this European country. Its history of appearance is associated with religion. Peer Noel is considered the prototype of St. Nicholas, who presented sweets to children from poor families during the Christmas holidays.

American Santa Claus is increasingly appearing in commercials in our country. The story of the appearance of the hero is associated with Nikolai Ugodnik. This saint was a real character and went through many trials in his life. Despite this, he always remained the patron saint of children.

Initially, Santa Claus had the appearance of an elf and was dressed in dark green clothes. But in 1930, the famous Coca-Cola company came up with a publicity stunt and depicted the character in the red and white colors used for their products.

Since that time, Santa Claus has become a large old man with a beard and mustache. He rides around in a sleigh pulled by 12 reindeer. Favorite of them is Rudolph. The American prototype does not have the Snow Maiden. Little elves help him in everything. They sort through letters from babies and collect gifts.

Where did Santa Claus come from in Africa? Does he exist there? Of course yes. There is such a character here too. His name is Papa Noel. Of all the characters, he is the most secretive, does not like to be in public. Nobody knows exactly what he looks like, where he lives.

The most interesting and unusual name has a character from Finland. Here he is called Youlupukki. Finnish Santa Claus comes to the children on a goat. Gnomes work as assistants. He lives with his wife in a small house on the mountain.

Probably, it doesn't matter what this hero is called, how tall he is, what he is wearing. The question of where Santa Claus came from, let it worry adults. Children just need to believe in his existence and wait for his arrival every New Year. After all, the feeling of a fairy tale and a miracle persists in a person throughout his life.

It seems that the New Year with trees, gifts, Santa Claus and Snow Maiden has always been ... But no matter how it is! It turns out that the beloved New Year's character, every year with trepidation expected by every Russian child, was born not so long ago. However, first things first ...

Young grandfather

I already wrote about the New Year and the tree a year ago () and talked about the fact that in our country the tradition of the Christmas and New Year tree, as well as the New Year's holiday itself, emerged in a familiar form quite recently ...

But it turns out that Santa Claus is even younger! He is only 100 years old. That is, until the beginning of the last century there was no Santa Claus ... There was a harsh and angry Crackle, there was a cheerful and fair Morozko, in Europe all children already knew Santa Claus, but our dear Grandfather Frost was not there.

Only by the beginning of the twentieth century the familiar image of Santa Claus was formed - a kind wizard with a snow-white beard in a long fur coat and a boyar hat, who brings gifts to children. However, that Santa Claus was exclusively a Christmas character, because it was Christmas that was considered the most significant winter holiday.

Death and rebirth of Santa Claus.

After the revolution, the image of Santa Claus, along with all Christmas (and generally Orthodox) traditions, was persecuted. His final exile took place on the eve of 1929, when Christmas was declared a working day, and special patrols walked the streets and looked into the windows, not allowing even the slightest hint of preparation for the bright holiday of Christmas.

But, fortunately, these bleak times are over, and already in 1935 the first New Year tree was organized. This happened after December 28, 1935, a member of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR P.P. Postyshev published an article in the Pravda newspaper where he proposed organizing a New Year celebration for children. And now, all over the country, they begin to organize New Year's events, using, although Christmas, but still strongly rethought, paraphernalia. And already in 1937, Santa Claus first appeared in front of the guests together with his granddaughter Snegurochka.

The prototypes of Santa Claus

The modern image of Santa Claus has more than one predecessor. He certainly absorbed the features of the infinitely kind and merciful Archbishop Nicholas (the prototype of Santa Claus), who lived in the city of Mira (Turkey) in the 4th century and after his death was canonized. Until now, Saint Nicholas the saint is revered not only in Christian countries, but practically all over the world.

Our Santa Claus is similar to his pagan Slavic great-grandfather - the spirit of winter, the lord of frost. It was this pagan god who showered the earth with snow, froze rivers and lakes, and often saved the people from enemies, freezing them in the harsh Russian winter.

Where does Santa Claus live

The first homeland of Ded Moroz is Arkhangelsk, it was there that in 1991 the "House of Ded Moroz" and "Post of Ded Moroz" were created.

In 1995, the leadership of the Lapland Nature Reserve on the Kola Peninsula launched the project "Fairy Lapland - Father Frost's Domain", according to which the residence of Father Frost was located in the Chunozero estate.

Lapland nature reserve

Since 1998, on the initiative of the former mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov, the state tourism project “Veliky Ustyug - the Motherland of Father Frost” has been operating in the Vologda Oblast. Within the framework of this project, since 2005, the "official" birthday of Santa Claus has also been celebrated: November 18th. This date was chosen due to the fact that the first severe frosts usually strike at these dates in Veliky Ustyug.

Father Frost's residence in Veliky Ustyug

On December 25, 1999 in Veliky Ustyug the grand opening of the "House of Father Frost" took place. Tourist trains go to the city from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vologda and other cities of Russia.

In 2011, a new fabulous residence of Father Frost was opened in Murmansk.

Since the beginning of the project, children from different countries have sent more than a million letters to Santa Claus. These letters are carefully kept in the "treasury". Letters are distributed among our Santa Clauses, so that none of them is sitting idle. So, for example, if the Lapland reserve is not indicated in the letter, then it is sent to Veliky Ustyug.

So it turns out that we have several nationwide Santa Clauses in Russia ... But, in fact, the whole point is that Santa Claus is a wonderful wizard, so he can easily end up in several places at once!

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!