[Lexicog] Santa Claus and Father Christmas

[helge.gundersen at ILN.UIO.NO]

In Norway, gifts are on Christmas Eve only. For the most part, it's the
"julenisse" (the Christmas 'nisse') who comes with the gifts. He is
imported in modern times (at most hundred years ago, I think) and is by
many associated with the commercial world. However, his name and the
presence of a another character is interesting. A "nisse" (without "jule-"
in front) is an old, all-year supernatural character, a kind of house god.
He's supposed to live on farms and could make trouble if you didn't treat
him well, and on Christmas Eve, one had to put a bowl of porridge in the
barn for him (and I think some farmers still do it for the fun of the
ritual). And on Christmas Day, one could indeed see that the porridge was
eaten (by the cat). He has at some point become particularly associated
with Christmas time in several ways, and figures on many Christmas cards.
I've read that in some places, the traditional nisse is the one who comes
with the gifts. I think the opposite has been true as well in folklore
(although I'm not familiar with it), that is the "julenisse" has taken the
role of a boss for the traditional nisses. Thus, the two distinct
characters have to some extent been interwoven in people's minds. "Nissen"
(the 'nisse') can refer to either of them.

Helge Gundersen


> What tradition do you have in your language/country and how do you refer
> to
> Santa/Father Christmas as one or two different persons?
>
>
>
> Merry Chistmas!
>
>
>
> Fritz Goerling




 
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