What Does Sweden Call Santa Claus?
With the holiday season just around the corner, children around the world await the arrival of Santa Claus, the magical figure who brings joy and gifts. While most countries refer to him as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, Sweden has its own unique name for this beloved character. In Sweden, Santa Claus is known as “Jultomten,” a name deeply rooted in Swedish folklore and traditions.
Jultomten: The Swedish Santa Claus
Jultomten, also known as Tomten or simply Julenisse, is a mythical figure deeply ingrained in Swedish Christmas traditions. The word “Tomten” comes from the Swedish word “tomt,” which means “plot of land” or “homestead.” It is believed that Tomten is a guardian figure who protects the household and brings good luck to the family.
In Swedish folklore, Tomten is portrayed as an elderly man with a long white beard, dressed in traditional clothing, including a pointy red hat and a gray or brown tunic. He is often depicted carrying a sack filled with gifts for the children. Similar to Santa Claus, Tomten is believed to visit homes on Christmas Eve to distribute presents to well-behaved children.
Unlike the widely recognized image of Santa Claus, Jultomten does not have a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Instead, he is said to arrive on Christmas Eve by walking, riding a horse, or even skiing through the snowy landscapes of Sweden. He is known to knock on the front door, signaling his arrival and the start of the gift-giving festivities.
FAQs about Jultomten:
1. How do children in Sweden prepare for Jultomten’s visit?
Children in Sweden eagerly await Jultomten’s visit on Christmas Eve. They often leave a bowl of porridge or rice pudding for him as a gesture of gratitude. Some children even write letters to Jultomten, expressing their wishes and dreams.
2. Is Jultomten accompanied by any helpers or elves?
Yes, Jultomten is often accompanied by a group of mythical creatures known as “tomtegubbar” or “jultomtar.” These helpers are believed to assist Jultomten in delivering gifts and spreading holiday cheer.
3. How does Jultomten decide who is on the naughty or nice list?
Similar to Santa Claus, Jultomten is said to have a keen eye and knowledge of the children’s behavior throughout the year. It is believed that he keeps a watchful eye and knows who has been well-behaved or naughty.
4. Does Jultomten visit every home in Sweden?
Traditionally, Jultomten would visit every home in Sweden. However, in modern times, some families choose to celebrate by exchanging gifts in a more private setting, while others still welcome Jultomten into their homes.
5. Are there any specific traditions associated with Jultomten in Sweden?
One popular tradition in Sweden is the “Julgransplundring,” which translates to “Christmas tree plundering.” This event takes place after Christmas, where children gather to remove ornaments from the Christmas tree. Jultomten is often present, engaging in playful interactions with the children.
6. How is Jultomten different from Santa Claus?
While Jultomten shares many similarities with Santa Claus, such as delivering gifts to children, he is deeply rooted in Swedish folklore and traditions. The image and character of Jultomten have evolved uniquely in Sweden over the years.
7. What other names are used for Santa Claus in Sweden?
Apart from Jultomten, Santa Claus is also referred to as “Julgubben” or “Christmas man” in some regions of Sweden. These alternative names reflect the diverse regional customs and dialects throughout the country.
In conclusion, Sweden embraces its own unique version of Santa Claus, known as Jultomten. This mythical figure is deeply intertwined with Swedish Christmas traditions and folklore. As children eagerly await his arrival, Jultomten brings joy and gifts, spreading the holiday spirit throughout the country.