Russian Santa

The Evolution of Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus to Grandfather Frost

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Russian Santa has become a very popular subject for folk artists and doll makers in Russia. Although, we call him Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus, modern Russians call him "Grandfather Frost." How did Saint Nicholas become Grandfather Frost?

Russian Santa is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas.  Nicholas was born in the 3rd century AD, in Patara, a city of Lycia, in Asia Minor, became a priest and later Bishop of the city of Myra in Lycia.

Although born to a wealthy family, he was orphaned at an early age and became an advocate for the poor. A humble man who shunned publicity, Nicholas offered help to anyone in need and then quietly disappeared without waiting for recognition. Yet his reputation as a holy man grew and spread, reaching distant cities that he had never even visited. Dressed in traditional bishop's robes of red and white and riding on a donkey, Nicholas was often seen handing out gifts to children and performing charitable acts for those in need.

Bishop Nicholas was beatified (made a Saint) after his death and quickly became the most beloved saint in the world. Many churches were built in his honor and he became the Patron Saint of Russia and Greece. The feast day of Saint Nicholas, December 6th, was celebrated in many countries and frequently included an exchange of gifts.

The transition of Saint Nicholas to Father Christmas or "Santa Claus" occurred first in Germany with the Reformation. In Germany the Reformed Protestant churches became a majority and the new Protestants did not want Saint Nicholas, a Catholic and Orthodox Saint, as their gift-giver. As the Reformation spread each country or region developed its own gift-giver. In France Saint Nicholas became "Pere Noel." In England he was Father Christmas. Germany knew him as "Weihnachtsmann" (Christmas man.) To the Dutch, Saint Nicholas became "Sinterklaas". And in America where Sinterklaas was pronounced differently, he became "Santa Claus."

In Russia, Saint Nicholas continued to be a popular figure until the revolution of 1917, when the communists took over and outlawed Christianity. Saint Nicholas had to go underground and Russian Santa became Grandfather Frost in reference to a character from Russian folk lore.

Traditional Russian Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th, following the old Julian calendar. When the communists took control they banned this traditional day of religious celebration and New Years Day became the most important holiday in Russia. The Russian people, however, were not willing to give up all of their Christmas traditions and transferred many of them to the New Year's celebration. Therefore, in post-revolutionary Russia, Russian Santa (Grandfather Frost) began to bring gifts to the children at New Year's. In keeping with Russian folklore Grandfather Frost, is accompanied by his granddaughter, the "Snowmaiden."

With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russian Santa is again live and well and free to wear red robes or blue robes or even purple or green robes. And once again, with the return of the religious celebration of Christmas on January 7th, Saint Nicholas has returned as the figurehead of generosity and charity.

The Russian American Company offers a selection of beautiful, handcrafted Russian Santas.