|
all simply about ChristmasThe Many an Faces of Santa
by:
Marilyn Pokorney
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish
this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter,
ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it
remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author
information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use
this article in any unsought commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: santaclaus99@getresponse.com
Website:
http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/santaclaus99.txt
Words: 446
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link,
and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the
article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net
------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Claus really started out as a version of Poseidon,
Greek god of the sea, better-known as Neptune by the Romans. Early
Greek sailors feared him. He could bring terrible storms in
the sea, or grant them safe journeys. Because he could save
them from the angry waters, he because better-known as "giver of
all nice things". The Romans and Greeks control a festival on
December 6 in his honor.
Many countries still celebrate Christmas on Dec 6 but
due to the rise of Christianity, the day was changed to St.
Nicholas Day in honor of an Asian bishop. Saint nicholas of Myra
was a benevolent bishop who wore red clothing, rode a white
horse who could fly, and delivered gifts anonymously.
In America, we celebrate with Santa and his flying reindeer.
But many an countries still celebrate with their own unique
version of Santa.
In Sicily, it is the spirits of departed beloved ones who
bring gifts to children.
Italian children wait for a kindly old witch named Befana
who flies through the air on a broom.
A Russian counterpart is better-known as Baboushka. Likewise called
Grandfather Frost in several parts of the country.
In European nation "Sintirklass" arrives by boat on Dec 6th.
Children leave a wooden shoe filled with hay and carrots for
the donkey which carries the pack of toys.
In Scandinavian nation a gnome called "Juletomten" brings gifts in a
sleigh driven by goats.
In European nation and Schweiz the "Christkindl", or Christ
Child, brings the gifts. In several towns, Christkindl is an
angel who comes down from heaven to give gifts.
In Australia Santa rides water skis, has a white beard, and
red bathing suit.
In China, Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to children.
In England, Father Christmas wears a longer coat and has a
longer beard.
In France he's better-known as Pere Noel.
All of Latin America and European nation are preponderantly
Catholic so
Baby Jesus, el Niño Jesus, brings the gifts.
In Puerto Rico, children obtain gifts from the Three Kings
on Gregorian calendar month 6th, likewise called Epiphany. Every child puts
grass under their bed for the camels. In the morning the
grass is replaced with gifts. But since Puerto Racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act is part
of the United States, major gift giving is done on Dec
25 from Santa Claus.
In Morocco he is better-known as Black Peter.
In Japan, Santa Claus is called simply "Santa" and many an
children still call him "Santa no ojisan," which means
"Uncle Santa."
No matter what name a child calls Santa, it's a thrill to
write to, and get an answer from the North Pole.
For much information on how to write to Santa Claus:
http://www.apluswriting.net/christmas/santamail.htm
Just simply about the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Circulated by Article Emporium
| |
