
Written and © by Jarno Tarkoma
Father Christmas
Generally a bearded old man in fur costume who appears in Yuletide
and gives presents. Incorporates many traditions from different
European countries and also newer American customs. The
characteristics can be divided roughly into three groups: Those with
traditional religious significance, those with trad but pagan origin and those
needed for the plot only (logical fill-ins for the continuity of the story).
Main sources:
Gifts:
from St.Nicholas and the Magi (The three wise
men from Orient), from pagan (Roman) Saturnalia custom.
Beard:
St. Nicholas is traditionally imaged as bearded.
Furthermore the Magi are bearded, being Persian
priests. A traditional feature. The beard is white because the man
is old.
Costume:
The general form of the cloak probably derives from
St.Nicholas, although the traditional costumes
of the three Magi also may have contributed. The fur linings
probably are logical add-on to fit the Northern Myth. In Finland
Father Christmas may use true fur coat.
Reindeer:
Cute creatures and Santa must use some form of
transport. If He comes from North, so why not reindeers,
who can be saddled with various fabulous names as well. An
American add-on to the story.
The sock
The repository for presents. A logical
add-on.
The chimney
In Scandinavia and Germany Santa comes in in 24th
December, knocking the door like normal people. In England
and America the visit is secret and thus the entrance
must be special: the chimney.
North Pole:
the supposed dwelling place of the American
Father Christmas. No clear significance of any
kind. Probably connected with the general "Northern exposure"
of the American Christmas lore. The fact that Chistmas is
pronouncedly Winter's festivity may contribute:
North Pole is Winter doubled.
Cap:
Probably from the bishop's mitre of St.Nicholas. Curiously
enough the mitre resembles and possibly derives
from the headgear of old Magi (mages, Persian
priests. the other Christmas present-givers). The Phrygian headgear
of French Revolution fame might be one influence.