Many people think that Santa Claus has Russian origin, and his family tree goes back to the image of a frosty old man from Russian folk tales. This is not entirely true, or rather, not at all. It is sometimes mistakenly believed that Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden have been companions of festive New Year trees since ancient times, but this happened only in late XIX century. In the legends of our ancestors, from ancient times there was Frost - the lord of the winter cold. His image reflects the ideas of the ancient Slavs about Karachun, the god of the winter cold. Frost was represented as a short old man with a long gray beard. From November to March, Frost always has a lot of work. Frost runs through the forests and thumps with his staff, which causes bitter frosts. Frost sweeps through the streets and paints window panes mi pattern. Frost freezes the surface of lakes and rivers. Frost pinches the nose, gives us a blush, amuses us with fluffy snowfalls.
This image of the winter ruler is artistically developed and embodied in Russian fairy tales in the images of Grandfather Student, Grandfather Treskun, Moroz Ivanovich, Morozko. However, although these frosty grandfathers were not devoid of a sense of justice and compassion and sometimes gave gifts to kind and hardworking people wandering into their domain, they were not associated with the coming of the New Year and handing out gifts was not their main concern.
The prototype of the modern Santa Claus is considered real person named Nicholas, who was born in the 3rd century in Asia Minor (on the shore mediterranean sea) V rich family and later became a bishop. Having inherited a considerable fortune, Nicholas helped the poor, the needy, the unfortunate, and especially took care of the children. After his death, Nicholas was canonized. In 1087, pirates stole his remains from the church in Demre, where he served as a bishop during his lifetime, and transported them to Italy. The parishioners of the church were so outraged that they burst into big scandal, which, as our contemporaries would say, unwittingly performed the function of advertising. Gradually, from a saint who was known and appreciated only in his homeland, Nicholas became an object of veneration for all Christians in Western Europe.
In Russia, Saint Nicholas, nicknamed Nicholas the Wonderworker or Nicholas of Myra, also gained fame and worship, becoming one of the most revered saints. Sailors and fishermen considered him their patron and intercessor, but this saint did especially a lot of good and wonderful things for children.
There are many legends and legends about the mercy and intercession of St. Nicholas in relation to children. Western Europe. One of these stories tells that a certain poor father of a family could not find the means to feed his three daughters, and, in despair, was going to give them into the wrong hands. Having heard about this, St. Nicholas, having made his way into the house, put a bag of coins into the chimney. At that time, the old, worn-out shoes of the sisters were drying in the stove (according to another version, their stockings were drying by the fireplace). In the morning, the amazed girls took out their old shoes (stockings) filled with gold. Is it necessary to say that their happiness and exultation knew no bounds? Kind-hearted Christians tenderly retold this story to many generations of their children and grandchildren, which led to the emergence of a custom: children put their boots on the threshold at night and hang their stockings by the bed with the expectation of receiving gifts from St. Nicholas in the morning. The tradition of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day has existed in Europe since the 14th century, gradually this custom moved to Christmas night.
In the 19th century, together with European emigrants, the image of St. Nicholas became known in America. The Dutch Saint Nicholas, who was called Sinter Klaas in his homeland, reincarnated as American Santa Claus. This was facilitated by the book by Clement Clark Moore, The Coming of St. Nicholas, which appeared in 1822 in America. It tells about the Christmas meeting of a boy with St. Nicholas, who lives in the cold North and drives around on a fast reindeer team with a bag of toys, giving them away to children.
The popularity of the kind Christmas "old man in the red coat" among Americans has become very high. IN mid-nineteenth century, this Saint, or Pere Noel, became fashionable in Paris, and from France the image of Santa Claus penetrated into Russia, where Western European culture was not alien to educated and wealthy people.
Naturally, it was not difficult for a Christmas grandfather to settle down in Russia, since similar image from ancient times was present in Slavic folklore, developed in Russian folk tales and fiction(poem by N.A. Nekrasov “Frost, Red Nose”). The appearance of the Russian frosty grandfather absorbed both ancient Slavic ideas (an old man of short stature with a long gray beard and a staff in his hand), and features of the Santa Claus costume (a red fur coat trimmed with white fur).
This is a brief background of the appearance on the Christmas holidays, and later on the New Year trees, of the Russian Santa Claus. And it is all the more pleasant that only our Santa Claus has a granddaughter Snow Maiden and she was born in Russia.
Where did Santa Claus come from? The answer to this question interests not only children, but also 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 the Thunderer in another way.
According to legend, Svarog was responsible for all the gods who led the natural forces. Morozko was a similar character in those days. He was in charge of the weather in winter. It was believed that this deity gave the Slavs 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 legend, this deity created such ice that it was impossible to cut even with iron axes.
Fight against paganism
After the arrival of Christianity in Russian lands, active propaganda began new faith. All forces fought against paganism. In those days, the image of Morozko was drastically changed, making him a negative hero.
According to an invented legend, he turned into the Great Elder of the North, who came to different settlements and brutally froze people. One of these tragedies is described in the work "Frost - a Red Nose", which belongs to Nekrasov's pen.
In the poem, the Great Old Man froze his lonely mother in the forest without regret. Due to this tragedy, several children were left orphans, they had to overcome many difficulties in order to survive on their own.
The uneducated villagers began to believe in this legend. With the advent of winter, they were terribly afraid that this deity would come to their house.
Did Santa Claus pick up children
At times ancient Rus' in every village the guys were afraid of this hero. They waited in horror for his arrival. It was believed that he was catching up very coldy and wind to the villages to "pick up" the children.
Often in poor houses during a strong snowstorm it was very cold, because such shacks 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 did not matter where Santa Claus came from. The story, unfortunately, is not very pleasant. But she also had a place.
In those days, it was believed that this deity took the children to him. Unlike modern children, the children of ancient Rus' never expected this hero and were very afraid of him. Everyone didn’t even want to pronounce his name aloud, and no one was interested in the question of where Santa Claus came from.
Crucial moment
In 1910, for the first time, cartoon postcards began to depict this character in a more attractive way. Artists in this way tried to eradicate pagan traditions and overcome the fear of the children.
A character appeared on the cards who smiled and came to the children with a large bag of gifts. Artists knew for sure that kids are very easy to bribe even with 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 Soviet period, belief in any deity was strictly prohibited. In those days, Christianity was also actively oppressed. In order to further increase the patriotism of children, they turned into a kind old man who brings gifts to good children, a little forgotten Santa Claus. Where this character came from, no one knew. His legend at that time had not yet been invented.
Santa Claus, as well as his wonderful granddaughter Snegurochka, became the most beloved and desired characters. They came to kindergartens and schools on New Year's parties, entertained the kids near the Christmas trees, which in those days were organized in every park and in every club. About these good fairy-tale heroes in Soviet time many wonderful cartoons and films were shot, which today's children also enjoy watching. Perhaps because in such tapes there was not even a hint of violence, wonderful human qualities such as honesty, mutual assistance, friendship. Santa Claus in these tapes has always been fair, cheerful and infinitely kind.
Truth and speculation
Those who were children Soviet era, perhaps, they will 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 one." And the statement that he comes only to obedient children hardly needs to be given a negative connotation, because not only in the Soviet Union they tried to influence the behavior of children in this way. fairy tale character Andersen Ole Lukoye also opens colored umbrellas only over obedient children.
First children's party with the participation of Santa Claus was held in 1935 in Kharkov. The event was a huge success. The good red-cheeked grandfather in a red 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 entered the lives of people so firmly that few people were interested in the question of where Santa Claus came from. It was enough for the children to know that he was bringing gifts to New Year and they were looking forward to his arrival.
With the help of cinematography, an approximately identical image of the character emerged. He was required to have:
- Gray hair and 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 grew 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 Ded Moroz and Snegurochka come from? For the first time, people learned about this heroine from the work of Ostrovsky.
The fairy tale told that the Snow Maiden appeared in the forest in front of the walkers, who was attracted by the songs and dances of the youth. According to the plot, the girl was the daughter of Santa Claus and helped him to live.
Over time, her image passed into the status of a granddaughter. There is an easy explanation for this. By age, a small girl approached the children, with whom communication at matinees became more pleasant and liberated.
Where did Santa Claus come from in Russia, and where does he live? There is no single 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 coming Soviet power this hero was moved to Arkhangelsk. Children were taken there on excursions and showed his residence. Now the official place of residence is considered Veliky Ustyug. Here the architects built a large residence of Father Frost with all winter attributes.
Thousands of children come here to new year holidays to get to know your favorite character and plunge into his life. Many adults, in order to return at least for a while to their childhood, are also happy to walk around the possessions of their beloved fairy tale hero.
Santa Claus has a full-fledged family. Winter is considered his wife, and the well-known Snegurochka is his granddaughter. Together they reread the children's letters and collect gifts in a big bag.
Santa Claus has several animals on his 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 Leshka.
In the penates of Frost, there is a room for a wardrobe. It stores a large number of elegant fur coats of the character. Also here you can find a ski suit and summer outfits. Thus, the Russian Santa Claus is a "fashionista" compared to similar characters from other countries.
November 18 is considered to be the birthday of our fairy-tale hero. Around this period of the year, colds set in and frosts intensify in Russia. Father Frost celebrates his holiday first in Veliky Ustyug, and a few days later he arrives in the capital. Here, hundreds of children are also waiting for him with gifts and congratulations.
The main Santa Claus of the country is 37-year-old Andrei Balin. He has been in charge of the household at the residence for 15 years. The livestock specialist, at the age of 22, signed an agreement with the local authorities and makes the kids happy every year during the winter holidays.
Prototypes 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, Santa Claus is called Agios Vasilis. In these countries, January 1 is considered not only the New Year, but also a holiday named after all Vasilyev 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 connected with religion. Per Noel is considered the prototype of St. Nicholas, who gave sweets to children from poor families on Christmas holidays.
American Santa Claus is increasingly appearing in commercials and in our country. The story of the appearance of the hero is connected with Nikolai Ugodnik. This saint was real character and endured many trials in his life. Despite this, he always remained the patron 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 travels everywhere in a sleigh pulled by 12 deer. The favorite of them is Rudolf. The American prototype does not have a Snow Maiden. Little elves help him in everything. They go through the kids' letters and collect gifts.
Where did Santa Claus come from in Africa? Does he exist there? Of course yes. Here, too, there is such a character. His name is Papa Noel. Of all the characters, he is the most secretive, does not like to be in public. No one knows exactly what he looks like, where he lives.
the most interesting and unusual name possesses a character from Finland. Here it is called Joulupukki. Finnish Santa Claus comes to the children on a goat. Gnomes work for him as assistants. He lives with his wife in a small house on the mountain.
It probably 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 adults worry. It is enough for children to simply believe in his existence and wait for his arrival every New Year. After all, the feeling of a fairy tale and a miracle is preserved in a person throughout his life.
It turns out that he was not always like this: a few centuries ago, Frost wore a cloak, had only three fingers on his hands, and beat children who were objectionable to him with a staff. the site traced how the image of Santa Claus in Rus' changed from the ancient Slavs to our times.
Evil spirit of winter
No one knows exactly where and when Santa Claus was born. The first mention of an old man who causes severe frosts is seen among the Eastern Slavs. Initially, the wizard was not called Santa Claus, but Morok - the name of the god of cold and winter. There is a version according to which the word "frost" subsequently came from the name of the ancient Slavic spirit. Morok was an evil being. The Slavs represented him as a hunched, disheveled old man who walked through the forests in a linen shirt and bast shoes. Everything in its path, he covered with snow or turned into ice - trees, rivers, land. The Slavs believed that when meeting with Morok, a person would turn into an ice statue, so they were very afraid of an evil spirit. Since that time, the expressions “faint” and “confuse the head” have gone.Later, our ancestors learned to use the spirit of winter for their own purposes. The Slavs believed: if the winter is snowy and cold, then in the summer there will definitely be a lot of harvest. They began to lure the god of cold, on Christmas time and Maundy Thursday, inviting him to their place with pancakes or kutya. Food for the spirit was left on the porch or on the window. The next morning the food disappeared, and on Christmas or Christmas time frosts hit, so strong that the snow literally cracked under the gons. Hence, more affectionate names for the god of winter - Treskunets and Studenets. The image of the wizard has also changed.
The shirt and bast shoes were replaced by a long fur coat and a hat. The staff of the progenitor of Santa Claus was decorated with a bull's head - a symbol of fertility and happiness. Treskunets had warm three-fingered gloves on his hands: it was believed that all deities had fewer fingers than a person. Despite the fact that such Santa Claus has become kinder, modern children would hardly like him: the Student was still portrayed as a ferocious, shaggy old man.Moroz Ivanovich
After the Baptism of Rus', Studenets was forgotten, and no one came to replace him. Santa Claus was reborn only in the 19th century in the form of Nicholas the Wonderworker, or Nicholas the Pleasant. This saint was chosen for the image of a good old man with gifts for children, since during his lifetime he helped people a lot and was very generous. Under Emperor Alexander II, the image of St. Nicholas was first associated with the New Year and Christmas. Nikolai the Ugodnik went from house to house and gave gifts to children, but this image did not become close to the children themselves, and at the end of the 19th century, Santa Claus, familiar to us, replaced the saint.
New look Santa Claus was loved by everyone. Photo: Collage AiF
He was dressed in a long fur coat of blue or red color with fur, a hat and felt boots. The entire outfit of the wizard was painted with patterns. On the staff, instead of a bull's head, a star-shaped tip appeared. At that time, Santa Claus lived in a large ice palace and slept on featherbeds made of snow. No one knew where the elder's house was. The wizard's parents were also unknown, but, according to Russian tradition, elders should be called by name -
patronymic. WITH light hand writer Vladimir Odoevsky, Father Frost became Moroz Ivanovich. The new image appealed to both children and adults, but the location of Santa Claus then had to be earned. For children who behaved well all year, Grandfather gave sweets - sweets, candies and gingerbread. Lazy people and sluts received an icicle as gifts, and bad and evil children who grimaced and teased Santa Claus received a staff on their foreheads.
After the revolution, Santa Claus was persecuted. The magician returned only on the eve of 1936, and not alone, but with his granddaughter Snegurochka. After the next revival, Santa Claus again became even kinder. Now he began to give gifts to all children, in exchange for a poem or a song. The staff turned from a tool for cuffs into a magical device, with the help of which Santa Claus began to light Christmas trees colorful lights.In the late 80s, Santa Claus settled in his residence in Arkhangelsk, and in the late 90s he moved to Veliky Ustyug, where he lives to this day. Children from all over Russia write letters to the good wizard throughout the year, telling them what they want to receive as a gift for the New Year. Santa Claus fulfills the wishes of all the children without exception, bringing them as a gift not just toys or treats, but real fairy tale and magic.
New Year is the brightest, favorite and expected holiday. People all over the world celebrate it with pleasure, but few people know the history of the New Year in Russia and in Rus'.
Because of traditions, customs and religion different nations celebrate the new year in their own way. The process of preparing for the holiday, as well as the memories associated with it, evokes a feeling of joy, care, happiness, love and pleasure.
On the eve of the New Year holidays, work in every house goes full move. Someone is decorating the Christmas tree, someone is cleaning the house or apartment, someone is holiday menu, and someone together decides where you can celebrate the New Year.
The history of the New Year in Rus'
New Year is the favorite holiday of the people of our country. They prepare for it, wait with great impatience, meet it cheerfully and leave it in their memory for a long time in the form of pleasant pictures, vivid emotions and positive feelings.
History is of interest to few. And in vain, I tell you, dear readers. It is very interesting and lengthy.
History before 1700
In 998 Kyiv prince Vladimir in Rus' introduced Christianity. After that, the change of years took place on March 1. In some cases, the event fell on the day of Holy Pascha. This chronology lasted until the end of the 15th century.
At the beginning of 1492, by order of Tsar Ivan III, September 1 began to be considered the beginning of the year. In order for the people to respect the "September change of years", the tsar allowed peasants and noble nobles to visit the Kremlin on this day in search of sovereign favor. However, the people could not abandon the church chronology. For two hundred years there were two calendars in the country and constant confusion about dates.
History after 1700
Peter the Great decided to correct the situation. At the end of December 1699, he promulgated an imperial decree, according to which the change of years began to be celebrated on the first of January. Thanks to Peter the Great, confusion appeared in Russia in the change of eras. He threw back one year and ordered that the year 1700 be considered the beginning of the new century. In other countries, the countdown of the new century began in 1701. The Russian Tsar was mistaken for 12 months, so in Rus' the change of eras was celebrated a year earlier.
Peter the Great sought to introduce the European way of life in Russia. Therefore, he ordered to celebrate the New Year according to the European model. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree new year holidays borrowed from the Germans, for whom the evergreen tree symbolized fidelity, longevity, immortality and youth.
Peter issued a decree according to which, on New Year's holidays, decorated pine and juniper branches should be displayed in front of every courtyard. The rich population was obliged to decorate whole trees.
Initially for decoration coniferous tree used vegetables, fruits, nuts and sweets. Lanterns, toys and decorative things appeared on the Christmas tree much later. The Christmas tree first sparkled with lights only in 1852. It was installed at the Ekaterininsky railway station in St. Petersburg.
Until the end of his days, Peter the Great made sure that the New Year was celebrated in Russia as solemnly as in European states. On the eve of the holiday, the tsar congratulated people, handed gifts from his hands to the nobles, presented expensive souvenirs to favorites, actively participated in fun and festivities at the court.
The emperor arranged chic masquerades in the palace and ordered that in new year's eve arranged fireworks and fired cannons. Thanks to the efforts of Peter I in Russia, the celebration of the New Year became secular, not religious.
The Russian people had to go through many changes until the date of the New Year stopped on the first of January.
History of Santa Claus
The Christmas tree is not the only desirable attribute of the New Year. There is also a character who brings New Year's gifts. As you guessed, this is Santa Claus.
The age of this kind fairy-tale grandfather exceeds 1000 years, and the history of the appearance of Santa Claus is a mystery to many.
It is not known exactly where Santa Claus came from. Each country has its own opinion. Some peoples consider Santa Claus to be a descendant of gnomes, others are sure that his ancestors were wandering jugglers from the Middle Ages, others consider him to be St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Video story
The prototype of Santa Claus - St. Nicholas
At the end of the 10th century Eastern peoples created the cult of Nikolai Mirsky, the patron saint of thieves, brides, sailors and children. He was known for his asceticism and good deeds. After his death, Nikolai Mirsky was given the status of a saint.
The remains of Nikolai Mirsky were kept in the eastern church for many years, but in the 11th century it was robbed by Italian pirates. They transported the relics of the saint to Italy. The parishioners of the church left to pray for the preservation of the ashes of St. Nicholas.
After some time, the cult of the miracle worker began to spread in the countries of Western and Central Europe. IN European countries it was called by different names. In Germany - Nikalaus, in Holland - Klaas, in England - Klaus. In the form of a white-bearded old man, he moved through the streets on a donkey or horse and distributed to children from a bag new Year gifts.
A little later, Santa Claus began to appear at Christmas. Not all churchmen liked it, because the holiday is dedicated to Christ. Therefore, Christ began to distribute gifts, in the form of young girls in white clothes. By that time, people got used to the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker and could not imagine the New Year holidays without him. As a result, grandfather received a young companion.
The attire of this fabulous old man also changed significantly. Initially, he wore a raincoat, but in the 19th century in Holland he was dressed up as a chimney sweep. He cleaned the chimneys and lowered gifts into them. By the end of the 19th century, Santa Claus was awarded a red coat with a fur collar. The outfit stuck with him for a long time.
Santa Claus in Russia
Admirers of holiday symbols considered that the domestic Santa Claus should have a homeland. At the end of 1998, the city of Veliky Ustyug, which is located in the northern part of the Vologda region, was declared his residence.
Some believe that Santa Claus is a descendant of the spirit of cold Frost. Over time, the image of this character has changed. Initially, it was a white-bearded old man in felt boots with a long staff and a bag. He gave gifts to obedient children, and brought up the negligent ones with a stick.
Later, Santa Claus became a kinder old man. He didn't work educational activities but just told scary stories to the kids. Still later, he also abandoned horror stories. As a result, the image became only good.
Santa Claus is a guarantee of fun, dancing and gifts, which turns an ordinary day into a true holiday.
The history of the appearance of the Snow Maiden
Who is the Snow Maiden? This is a young girl with a long braid in a beautiful fur coat and warm boots. She is a companion of Santa Claus and helps him distribute New Year's gifts.
Folklore
The history of the appearance of the Snow Maiden is not as long as that of Grandfather Frost. The appearance of the Snow Maiden is due to the Old Russian folk traditions. This folk tale everyone knows.
To your own delight, the Snow Maiden from white snow blinded an old man with an old woman. The snow girl came to life, received the gift of speech and began to live with the old people at home.
The girl was kind, sweet and beautiful. She had long blonde hair and Blue eyes. Upon the arrival of spring sunny days The Snow Maiden began to feel sad. She was invited to take a walk and jump over a large fire. After the jump, she was gone, as the hot flame melted her.
Relatively appearance The Snow Maiden can be said to have been created by three artists - Roerich, Vrubel and Vasentsov. In their paintings, they depicted the Snow Maiden in a snow-white sundress and a bandage on her head.
Celebrating the New Year started a long time ago. Every year something changed and added, but the main traditions have passed through the centuries. People, regardless of social status and financial capabilities, have fun on New Year's holidays. They decorate the house, cook, buy gifts.
The New Year is inextricably linked with the corresponding attributes: a fragrant Christmas tree, garlands and Christmas decorations, Snow Maiden, and, of course, her grandfather. Few people know how he appeared, and hardly anyone knows that at first he was negative character. Once, instead of a warm elegant fur coat, he wore a cloak, bludgeoned naughty children with a staff, and was almost crippled, having three fingers on his hands. Intrigued? Then let's move on to history.
Fear of Morok
Russian Santa Claus is associated with good magic, fun and gifts that children find under the tree and in New Year's boots, such as this one.
However, everything is not so simple: East Slavs he was once considered an evil winter spirit and was called Morok, who is also referred to as the god of cold and winter. Scientists studying the life of the ancient Slavs are sure that the word "frost" appeared from the "haze".
Morok was considered the embodiment of evil and icy cold and was presented as a hunchbacked, sloppy old man, shod in bast shoes and dressed in a linen shirt. Where he passed, the earth, rivers and forests turned into an ice kingdom: he chained everything with frost. It was the ability to turn the living into the dead that made the appearance of the old man so sinister: the Slavs believed that the one who gets in his way would turn into a piece of ice. That's where the expressions "confuse the head" and "faint" came from.
Subsequently, fear gave way to curiosity, and people identified a number of signs, for example, that snowy and cold winters turn into fruitful summers and autumns. To get more harvests, they began to lure Morok on Maundy Thursday and Christmas week, exposing kutya or pancakes on the porch. They say that the bait worked "with a bang": in the morning there was no food on the porch, and Christmas and Christmas days were bitterly frosty.
From Evil God to Good Wizard
The change in attitude towards the old man, who for several centuries was known as an evil spirit, was expressed in a change in the image. He "got rid" of rags and bast shoes, and dressed up in felt boots, a good fur coat and a warm hat.
The new staff was decorated with a bull's head, which personified happiness and fertility. Although his hands still appeared to be three-fingered, they now wore warm gloves.
But with appearance while it was problematic: the deity remained angry and shaggy, with the nickname Student or Treskunets.
Not Morok, but Moroz Ivanovich!
When the Baptism of Rus' took place and paganism was uprooted in every possible way, Moroka was forgotten, but he was not replaced by anyone.
The first mention of appeared only in the 19th century, and then it was not our usual Russian Santa Claus, but Nikolai Ugodnik (Wonderworker). Saint Nicholas is the kindest old man, famous for his disinterestedness and readiness to help anyone in need. Under Alexander II, his image first became associated with the New Year and Christmas holidays, but then the residence of Father Frost in Russia was not yet mentioned. Nikolai visited houses and presented the kids with gifts that they found under the Christmas tree or in a Christmas boot.
Only closer to the beginning of the 20th century, Santa Claus received his current status.
He was “dressed up” in a long-brimmed red (blue) painted fur coat trimmed with thick fur, a warm hat and felt boots. The staff was decorated with a tip - a star.
This is how Santa Claus appeared in Russia, who then, according to legend, lived in a huge ice palace and slept on snowy featherbeds. Where exactly the elder's palace stood, no one knew.
Vladimir Odoevsky nicknamed the wizard Moroz Ivanovich, because it is not proper to call an adult simply by his first name. Santa Claus became a favorite of children and adults, although his gifts still had to be earned: they were received only by those who behaved well in the past year. Only obedient and diligent children received sweets and gingerbread. Loafers and dirty people got an ice icicle, and evil wimps - a blow with a staff on the forehead!
When the revolution happened, they forgot about the good wizard and even began to persecute those who did not want to give up traditions. But a little later, in 1936, he reappeared at children's holidays - already accompanied by the granddaughter of the Snow Maiden.
Our updated Russian Santa Claus has turned into the ultimate good-natured man who turned his staff from an instrument of punishment into a magical remote control for Christmas tree lights!
Gifts became more accessible: both a loafer and a slut could receive them, the main thing is that he recite a New Year's rhyme memorized or sing a song.
Closer to the 90s, a residence appeared in Russia - at first in Arkhangelsk, later - in Veliky Ustyug, where it is still located today. Many Russian children write letters to him, indicating the desired gifts, and everyone knows that the wish will certainly come true, because Santa Claus is the embodiment of a good miracle, which children's hearts await with bated breath!
