In all Christian countries, there is the image of a Christmas grandfather who comes to people on the feast of the Nativity of Christ and gives gifts to everyone, especially children. Such a character is even among many non-Christian peoples in whom it is associated with the New Year holidays.
In France, the Christmas fairy-tale character is simply called "Father Christmas" (in French, Peer-Noel), in Russia, such a role is played by Santa Claus, the former pagan deity of the ancient Slavs.
In many western countries, Santa Claus is waiting for Christmas. The origin of this character is associated with the image of St. Nicholas of Myra, who was known for charitable deeds. Having inherited considerable wealth from his parents, he distributed money to poor people with children. St. Nicholas was distinguished not only by kindness, but also by modesty, therefore he made gifts secretly, leaving gold at the doorstep, and once even lowered a bag of gold through a chimney - Santa Claus does the same with Christmas gifts.
Santa Claus in Cyprus
In Greece and Cyprus, the Christmas grandfather is called Basil, or rather, Agios Vasilis, which means "Saint Basil". It is about St. Basil of Caesarea - a contemporary of St. Nicholas. Like western Santa Claus, Agios Vasilis has little to do with his prototype: he is also depicted as a bearded old man in red and white robes that comes from the North Pole. However, the last detail can be considered the latest stratification - in folk songs it is still mentioned about "Basil coming from Caesarea" and not from the North Pole.
The combination of the Christmas Grandfather with the image of Basil of Caesarea is connected not with the biography of the saint, but with the day of his memory, which the Church celebrates on January 1 - quite close to the Christmas holiday.
