Santa vs. Father Frost
It might come as a surprise, but people in Russia do not celebrate Christmas on the 25th. Why? Partially, because of the Orthodox Church that sticks Christ’s birth to the 7th of January, according to the older (Julian) calendar. Partially, because of the Communists. Back in the days religion was prohibited, and people could hardly organise any public celebrations. However, we do have our share of the pie. New Year’s Eve is one of the most important nights of the year for Slavic people, and we happen to have our own “chairman” of the night. His name is Father Frost, and he looks suspiciously similar to Santa, but he is still a different character.
Some think he is a clone of Santa. Others, that he is an evil winter god. There are also some rumours that he is a spy and works for KGB. What is known for sure is that he is smart, powerful and charming. To eliminate all the doubts, I have composed a short comparison table, which I humbly present to your attention. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you the main character of this winter – Father Frost.
|
Character |
Santa Claus |
Father Frost |
|
Origin Official Residence Real Name Comes at Religion Superpowers Sports Presents Parties Typical clothing Character traits Marital status Companions Background
|
Netherlands Lapland (Finland) St. Nicholas/ Sinterklaas Christmas Eve Christian Can fly Luge and flying Secretly leaves under the tree. No Red suit with fur Jolly and fun Married Reindeers and elves Used to be a Greek Christian bishop. Started his career after giving dowry to three poor sisters so they would be able to marry, and not become prostitutes. |
Unknown forests Veliky Ustyug (Russia) Ded Moroz/Дед Мороз New Year’s Eve Atheist, former communist Freezes people to death Luge and skiing Gives in-person at organized celebrations. Yes Blue or silver-white robe Strict and dominant Unknown Snow maiden, which also happens to be his granddaughter Used to be a winter god ruling over frosts. Liked to freeze people and kidnap children, taking them away in his gigantic sack. Parents were sending him presents in return for their children. Saw the competition in Santa and decided to change the image. |
Happy New Year everyone! 🙂
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UC
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justlev2
MehaPatel
sarahconno
Unordinary Customer
Unordinary Customer 
wow that was interesting.. thanks! 🙂
Fascinating, answers all my questions about the difference between Santa and Father Frost. Much appreciated: http://www.flickr.com/photos/quasidogo/8322136819/in/photostream
Agree with Lev ! And was a good idea to create such a table and to bring here ! 🙂
Thank you guys! 🙂
I really like your picture James, it is very winter-like.
Dear Anna,
Santa Claus may originate from the Netherlands, but in the Netherlands Sinterklaas comes 6 December, or the night before. Christmas Eve is the main feast with presents in Germany: Heiligabend. Then the Weinachtsmann (north)or Christkind (south) comes. The last decades in the Netherlands more and more people celebrate Christmas with presents on 25 December, but for the children Sinterklaas remains the most important for the children. We have even a daily Santa Claus news program on TV from the day Santa Claus arrives by boat in the Netherlands 3 weeks earlier and which is also broadcasted by national television!
Thank you Kristel,
I didn’t know it. It is a very valuable addition to the post. 🙂
A.
Dear Kristel, I don’t understand why you didn’t tell Anna that Sinterklaas en Santa Claus are two different personages and they have nothing to do with each other! Sinterklaas is a typical personage for the Netherlands and Belgium. He leaves the countries and presents for children on December 5th and only afterwards comes the rat race for the X-mes shopping plus “ ho-ho-ho” ))))
Hi Arina,
According to my research Sinterklaas links with the Santa Claus, as both of them originate from the figure of St. Nicholas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
But, of course they might have developed into two different characters afterwards. Thanks for your feedback, anyway. 🙂
UC
This is a very informative and fun post )) I would like to add/clarify that Father Frost is actually Grandfather Frost (that’s why he has a granddaughter Snegurochka or Show Maiden). His prototype is St. Nicholas (Nikolaj).
Hi Elena,
Yes, indeed he is a grandfather. The only reason why I have used the word “Father” is because it is the most common translation.
UC
Christmas is January 7th. Jesus was born on the 6th. A little Orthodox quibble, he doesn’t become Christ until He is Risen on Easter. Confusing, of course. It’s religion.