What does Santa give you if you are naughty?
According to Brian Horrigan of the Minnesota History Center, as Santa Claus comes down the chimney, a lump of coal is the closest object he can get to give the naughty children and stick it on their stockings.
What do kids in France do for Christmas?
According to tradition, on Christmas Eve children leave their shoes by the fireplace filled with carrots and treats for Père Noël’s donkey, Gui (French for “Mistletoe”) before they go to bed. Père Noël takes the offerings and, if the child has been good, leaves presents in their place.
What’s the name of the Santa Claus in France?
Santa Claus in France is called “Père Noël”. Like in any places celebrating Christmas, the French Father Christmas wears a red suit and hat with white fur trimming with a broad black belt around his waist.
Who is the bogeyman of Santa Claus in France?
Originally Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) inspired the character of Santa. The Patron Saint of Lorraine was originally the distributor of presents to German and French children on 6 December. The Père Fouettard (the Bogeyman) is the counterpart of Saint Nicholas. He is covered in coal marks and is dressed all in black.
Why did they set fire to Santa’s effigy?
The religious authorities of the city of Dijon, Burgundy, decided to crusade against Santa. In front of a crowd of children and adults, they set fire to an effigy in the cathedral square! It was their way of protesting against the character of Santa, who they considered to be a usurper and a heretic.
Where did the tradition of Santa Claus come from?
When the Dutch migrated to the United States in the 19th century, they took with them the traditions of Saint Nicolas (Sinterklaas) which gradually evolved into Santa Claus. In a drawing by American cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1863, Santa appears as a peddler. A right jolly old elf distributing presents to all children.