Chapter One in which we meet with Santa Claus and several characters.   Well, we have Santa Claus. Who gave him this name? Oddly enough, but Slavic people (in their own transcription). A strange thing is that the tradition of the name, made his way out Russian fairy tales, still preserved, without change to the import Santa Claus. On the one hand, the name "Santa Claus" is more to the main points prototype - a good magician, or more precisely - Nicholas.

A real person who lived in Lycia (Archbishop World Myra) was erected in the face of the saints, including for the many good works. One of them - secretly planted gold survivors of shame suddenly impoverished family. Unknown writer added the real cause of a non-existent item: that coins We fell into a stocking. And we're done, the legend of good wizard, sypyaschem gifts in hanging stockings (socks), Fly travel the world. At first not binding on the New Year and the commemoration day of St.. Nicholas (6 December OS), which is honored shortly before Christmas (December 25 to Art. Style). A then spread to the New Year celebration.

But back to the name. So, on the other hand, St. Nicholas - a great and revered throughout the Christian world the patron and benefactor, his help is great and multifaceted. Therefore Naturally, the Father Christmas, giving gifts to one day a year, has its given name. And the new Russian legend, a kind grandfather - Russian hero a native of the village of the Vologda Morozovitsa province. He lives now just in Veliky Ustyug, that next to the village, and not in any such Lapland. AT last Yollupuki lives - not pleasing to the Russian ear, no original sound, any translation of "Christmas goat." Step Brothers Santa Claus live in different countries. Babbo Natale - in Italy, Pere Noel - in France, Vaynahtsman - in Austria and Germany, Father Cristmas - UK Yuletomte - in Denmark and Greenland Yulebukk - in Norway. In the eastern countries of their names, but the New Year they celebrate on your calendar.

What makes all stepbrothers of our beloved Santa Claus, it's the lack of fine companion. The appearance of the Snow Maiden how much of our history is shrouded in mystery and legends. She appeared with a light hand of the great Russian playwright Ostrovsky, reinforcements, in modern language, further promotion? "For" this version is that the image of Maiden appeared just after the success of the play and the opera before the revolution, he (the image) is already embodied in the New Year's toys and clothes (visualized Roerich and Vrubel Vasnetsov). "Against" - that based on the play The Snow Maiden - not good character, razluchnitsa and selfish, and all ends tragically with the child's point view. There are more reliable party legend that in 1935-36. When allowed New Year celebration, and attributes such as tree and Santa Claus, in the last a couple had to pick a female one. As a working farmers, and Shepherd Pig. And it turned out great - interesting and unusual. So there was all of our scripts in the New Year granddaughter of the tradition of Santa Claus - well, kind, giving joy to children. By this time the true appearance accompanying forest little animals: bears, foxes, rabbits and other inhabitants forest. Later they were joined by cartoon characters, and Santa Formation Frost has become very diverse.

Chapter Two, in which Santa Claus went to visit in different countries.   See how it is celebrated, it is true, sometimes Santa Claus confused, where Christmas, where the New Year. And that's what found.

In Italy, taken in the first minutes of the New Year throw old stuff, psychologists say that the correct tactical move - exempt place for the new. The main thing is not to roam the streets at that time, because all the flies at random (a feature of the Russian say it!) out of the windows.

In France, the New Year is celebrated colorfully and long in the capital Fashion dress made to come up with even champagne - bottles decorate.

In Denmark, for Christmas almond taken to choose the King - a nut left in the almond cream (pudding), to whom it falls, and the Almond king. It can get expensive gift from the owners of the house, and if there is no present - the promise of a happy new year, unmarried girls believe that Hard - for the wedding.

In general in Europe during Many countries have introduced baked and lay in the New Year dishes and coins other symbols, wishes for the coming year. For example, in Bulgaria after the New Year kisses everyone is looking for surprises in the cake. In Hungary, less kiss more whistle in children's whistles, but a pie waiting required.

In Germany, the last stroke chimes need while holding coin in his hand jump into the New Year, for example, from a table or chair.

In England, with the chimes important thing - to have time to release old year through the back door and start a new through the front.

Norway has taken on New Year's fireworks start. Yet lighter that night in Scotland - set on fire rolling through the streets of the barrel with resin, so burning the old year. And in Iceland bonfires. Northern Fire, exactly, do not sleep!

Of course, independently, where and how you celebrate the New Year, the main thing - to meet it with a good humor and hope for a miracle. Perhaps from Santa Claus and company.

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