What is Santa Claus Called in Nigeria?
What Santa Claus is called in Nigeria is really an interesting thing to know as well as the circumstances that brought about it. In line with funny things about Santa Claus characters in Nigeria will be the context of the discussion in the course of this article.
So many folks with their answers on what Santa is called in Nigeria which mainly are based on regions. The Santa Claus concept is an aged long tradition that started across Europe and talked about mainly during christmas. Be that as it may, Santa Claus and other emulating characters all over the world are known as gift-givers.
However, we cannot talk about Santa Claus without at least knowing a little about its origin.
The legend of Santa Claus has part of its main concept in hagiographer tales concerning the historical figure of Saint Nicholas. With its origin traced lots of years back to a monk called Saint Nicholas “of the blessed memory”. Saint Nickolas was born around 280 A.D. near Myra, in Patara, present-day Turkey. St. Nicholas, however, was a third-century Christian Saint.
He was well known with the tradition of giving arms to people especially children. Aside from giving away his inheritance to the poor, Saint Nicholas walked through the face of the earth helping the poor. He also became the patron saint of children. Hence, they leverage on his piety and kind-hearted heart as they all expect gifts and arms from him.
Over the course of the season, Santa however, was not the only gift giver. Among others include; the British figure of Father Christmas, Christkind or Kris Kringle and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas. The Kris Kringle or Christkind has grown popularity in some Europeans countries and is also believed to share gifts to children. Although it restricts its gifts to well-behaved kids promoting the concept of its name ‘Christkind’ i: e ‘Christ Child’.
In Nigeria, Santa Claus is known with different names based on regions and localities. Some regions call it Pastor Blessing, but the most popular name is Father Christmas. Although, no one can actually testify the reasons and origin to why, in Nigeria, Santa Claus is generally known as Father Christmas.
Santa Claus or Father Christmas as it’s known in Nigeria are mostly seen in Nigeria during Christmas Season. Attending mostly children parties starting from the school’s end of the year parties and other Christmas parties. Santa Clause or Father Christmas as its popularly called in Nigeria are usually with their red and white costume. Father Christmas in Nigeria also has other funny aspects that distinguish them from “Global perception” on what they should look like.
In Nigeria, Father Christmas has got no light vehicle or any private means of mobility. The mostly use anyone that is at their disposal. Some board taxi, bicycle, bike, and tricycle also called Keke Napep. So, don’t be surprised when you see Father Christmas anytime of the day using any of the previously listed transportation means in Nigeria.
Unlike in other civilized countries, anyone can actually become Father Christmas in Nigeria. There is actually no specific or particular person that is placed with the task of being Father Christmas. As a matter of fact, ones you have the costume, anyone can actually become Father Christmas in Nigeria. So don’t be surprised if you see your next-door neighbor or favorite singer or actor wearing the Father Christmas costume.
The Father Christmas in Nigeria have different outlooks. Although the put on the traditional red and white costume but most times the look very awful in them. Looking extremely unpleasant and terribly in their outfit. Don’t be surprise when you see Father Christmas with a Black and white beard, and with a brown belt on the waist. Or probably when you see a father Christmas with a black or green poly bag of gifts. Some of them also go to the extent of wearing red trousers or leggings with a red shirt.
Unlike the name Santa Claus, which was the name from day one. In Nigeria, Santa Claus is generally known as Father Christmas. In some cases, people also refer to it as Pastor Blessing. The name Santa Claus is mainly known by few elites. In rural areas, and part of urban areas, the names popular to them are Father Christmas and Pastor Blessing.
Santa Claus or Father Christmas in Nigeria serves as a periapt. Most times, they are simply used by a group as its representative symbol and supposed to bring good luck. Like during end of the year parties of schools, companies, clubs among others. They are, however, Likely to be invited in any of the parties for the amusement of the kids. In cases where the will be sharing gifts to the children, then the organization must have to make provision for that.
In Nigeria, Father Christmas or Santa Claus really mean business and are not all about gift-givers. To get them in your funfair or parties, they have to be paid in other to attend. And so, they are not there for the amusement or to make you or the children laugh in most cases. Most of them are not funny at all and to collect any gift from them, you will have to pay first. If one expects anything more than taking pictures with them and collection of gifts in some cases, then you are on your own. Father Christmas in most cases are used for money-making. That is why you can see some on the street corner begging with the costume. (Man must eat)
Father Christmas in Nigeria most time have “these funny” costume. Starting from wearing an already faded red and white costume. Some of them even have their beards falling off. While some also have their face filled with white powders and with black eyeglasses. It’s not an uncommon sight to see a Father Christmas in Nigeria with bare hands and probably, not covers his or her foot too. Both male and females in Nigeria wear a Father Christmas costume. So don’t be surprised when you see a “Father” Christmas in Nigeria with an obvious feminine stature
The main concept of the word Father Christmas in Nigeria as well as in the rest of the world is a gift giver and friend of the children. From its initiation by Saint Nicholas of the blessed memory up until date. Children look forward to meeting Santa Claus or Father Christmas depending on what you call it, especially during Christmas and Nigeria is not an exception.
The adoption of the Father character in Nigeria has indeed added some good flare in the Christmas Season. As it serves as a positive vibe and makes the Christmas celebration memorable especially for children. Don’t be astounded when you hear the name (Father Christmas) this Christmas season, as it will for sure be on all the children’s lips.
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i love santa clausa