Tricky Words: Santa Claus

In Vietnam, "Santa Claus" is the only term that can be translated from two languages: Père Noël (French) and Thanh Dan Lao Nhan /圣诞老人(Chinese) - both of these phrases mean "Santa Claus".

Etymologically, the term Santa Claus appeared in English around 1773 with the original name St. A Claus in the New York Gazette . This term originated from the Dutch character Sinterklaas, or "Saint Nicholas", a bishop in Asia Minor who became the patron saint of children. In the Netherlands, in addition to the word Sinterklaas , Santa Claus is also called Kerstman .

The term Santa Claus was attested since the 1650s. In American English, besides the word Santa Claus , people also call Santa Claus Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle or simply Santa . The term Father Christmas was not originally related to Santa Claus but was just the personification of Christmas in English folklore, first appearing in the mid-17th century after the civil war in this country, as a symbol of "party and joy" for adults. In the Victorian era, Father Christmas meant Santa Claus who delivered gifts to children.

Santa Claus's appearance varies from culture to culture. In the early 20th century, he appeared in green, brown, yellow, and even red. The French called him Père Noël , a red-and-white figure who inspired the Coca-Cola Company's Santa Claus advertisements that spread around the world in the 1930s. The Germans called him Weihnachtsmann, a term first appearing in the Berlin weekly Mannigfaltigkeiten (1770). In old German folklore, Santa Claus was a pair of twins, one dressed in red and white, giving presents to good children; the other dressed in black and brown, punishing naughty children.

In Spain, Santa Claus is called Papá Noel ; in Chile, he is called Viejo Pascuero ; and in Portugal, there are two names: Papai Noel (Brazilian Portuguese) and Pai Natal (European Portuguese); Chinese children call him Saint Christmas (聖誕老公公); the Japanese call him Santakurōsu (サンタクロース). In Russian, Santa Claus is Ded Moros (Дед Мороз, also known as Deduschka Moros), meaning "Father Frost" or "Grandfather Frost", who wears a blue and white outfit, symbolizing frost and coldness. He is always accompanied by his granddaughter, called Snegurochka (Снегурочка, "snowflake").

The image of Santa Claus is not only white but also black. According to Icelandic legend, there are a total of 13 Santa Claus with different personalities: naughty, lively or kind and gentle.

Santa Claus’s birthplace is a matter of debate. Some legends say he lives with his wife Claus in the North Pole; others claim he resides in Rovaniemi, Finland. The Danes, however, believe that Julemanden (Santa Claus) lives near Uummannaq in Greenland…

Since the early 20th century, Santa Claus has not only been riding a reindeer sleigh, but many postcards show him riding a sleigh pulled by elves, or standing in a hot air balloon or riding a motorcycle. Today, during the Christmas season, children around the world still write letters to Santa Claus, and postal workers often respond to each letter. NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) also provides children with a "Santa Tracker" service, allowing them to check Santa's location and when he will deliver gifts via the internet or phone every Christmas.

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