Looking back: Joulupukki
Isn't it fascinating how the Santa Claus figure has evolved in different countries? In Finland, the jolly fellow is called 'Joulupukki' and his home is on Korvatunturi Mountain, in Finnish Lapland. (Some links are dead, sorry.)
Recently, I read a fascinating article concerning the possible source of the name Joulupukki, which means literally 'Jule goat'. Eventually he evolved into the American style Santa, who, surprise! was designed by the son of Finnish emigrant, Haddon Sudblom. Enjoy the reads, and have fun getting ready for Christmas!
UPDATE Dec.23rd, 2007 - Just read this in our weekend paper: Never mind the North Pole: Santa's in Lapland, by Polish student Grzegorz Wieclaw.
Posted by Marja-Leena on December 19, 2007 8:08 PM
Comments
Very pretty. I have a red bowl filled with green apples on my dining room table!
Busy with work and getting ready for holiday travel. Hope you're enjoying the festivities!
Posted by: leslee | 04:17 20 December 2007
Leslee, thanks for taking the time to drop by in your busy week. Have a safe trip and enjoy your holiday!
Posted by: marja-leena | 07:08 20 December 2007
Yes, your Christmassy pictures are lovely!
I enjoyed reading about Joulupukki, it's fascinating how these things transform, isn't it?
But St Nicholas too has his dark brother, Pere Fouetteur, who whips the naughty children! I wonder how many of the parents who threatened their children with bare twigs and no presents really carried out the threats, even in the days when times were harder and parents stricter?
Posted by: Lucy | 09:31 21 December 2007
Lucy, thank you for the compliment, and the reminder that in other traditions too, there was a dark side to Santa. He seems to have been watered down and pretty-fied, a victim of commercialism, would you say?
Posted by: marja-leena | 19:33 21 December 2007
What lovely pictures! And what a lovely time of year in the north for those who can be warm! "The frost performs it secret ministry..." A happy Christmas
Posted by: Joe Hyam | 00:14 22 December 2007
Thanks, Joe and the same to you! It's been a pleasure getting to know your writing.
Posted by: marja-leena | 14:49 23 December 2007