He’s got a different name in practically every country he visits. But no matter what Santa Claus goes by, his arrival is eagerly anticipated by children all over the world. Although the depictions and deeds of Santa Claus differ from country to country, some parts of the story stay the same. He’s a kindly old man who brings toys, presents or money to good children everywhere. Here is a list of some of the names Santa goes by in other countries that share his legend.
Santa Claus, United States of America
He’s popular across North America, but the Santa Claus most Americans are familiar with derived from the Dutch legend of Sinterklass. An early arrival in this country, he was brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century.
Dedt Moroz, Russia
According to legend, a woman had two stepdaughters – one wicked, the other nice. One day, she threw the kind girl out into the cold. But soon, Dedt Moroz, or Father Ice, appeared on his sleigh. He was so impressed with the girl’s kindness that he gave her diamonds. When the stepmother heard of this, she threw the other girl out, too. But Dedt Moroz didn’t like her and quickly turned her into ice. Like Santa, Dedt Moroz brings presents to children. Unlike Santa, he brings them to New Year’s parties.
Mikulás, Hungary
If you’re bad in Hungary, you might find only a wooden spoon waiting for you on Christmas morning. The country’s version of Saint Nicholas is known as Mikulás. Children leave a boot on their windowsill in the hope that Mikulás will fill it with treats. “Good” children receive fruits, candies and toys. But “bad” kids can expect nothing more than a spoon or a willow-switch left by a mischievous elf.
Papai Noel, Brazil
Because Brazil is on the other side of the equator, Christmas comes in the middle of summer. That’s why Santa – Papai Noel – shows up from his home in Greenland wearing an outfit made of silk. Before going to bed on Christmas Eve, children set out their shoes. And in the morning, they find them filled with small gifts. They also look for presents hidden around the house.
Hoteiosho, Japan
Like Santa, he’s an old man who carries a big sack over his back. But, unlike Santa, he’s got eyes in the back of his head and he uses them to know when children are naughty or nice.
Julenisse, Norway
Based on the German legend of St. Nicholas, the Norwegian Julenisse is the patron saint of children and seamen. Julenisse was known for his kindness toward children, and on Christmas Eve kids leave a bowl of porridge out for him to eat. During the night, he hides presents throughout the house.
Père Noël, France
Like his American counterpart, he gives presents to children who behaved during the year. His sidekick is Pre Fouettard, who helps keep track of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.
Noel Baba, Turkey
According to legend, a shopkeeper was too poor to supply his daughters with dowries. When Noel Baba (Saint Nicholas) heard of their plight, he threw three bags of coins into the shopkeeper’s yard, saving the daughters from a life of ill repute.
Joulupukki, Finland
Finland originally took the opposite approach to Christmas. Instead of being a nice guy showing up with gifts, Joulupukki, “Yule Buck,” was an evil, goat-like creature who didn’t bring presents and demanded that children behave. Winter festivals were held to keep him away. But his image was later softened and the legend was changed to more closely resemble the American Santa Claus.
The legend of Santa Claus continues under many names around the world.
Sources: Compare Infobase Ltd., “Christmas” World Book Encyclopedia, St. Nicholas Center, about.com
