Santa Claus or Gwiazdor? Slavic culture and Western tradition – differences and similarities

As the days of December grow shorter and Christmas lights begin to twinkle in homes, children (and adults!) ask themselves: who will bring gifts this year – Santa Claus or Gwiazdor? Although both figures are associated with Christmas and gift-giving, their images are surprisingly different. It is worth taking a closer look at them to understand what they have in common and what sets them apart.

Nicholas – the saint from Myra and a hero of global culture

Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, is actually Bishop Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4th century. He was famous for his kindness, helped the poor, and performed numerous miracles through his intercession. Over time, the character underwent transformations – the bishop turned into a cheerful old man in a red coat, with a snow-white beard and a sack of presents on his back. American culture had a particularly strong influence here – especially Coca-Cola advertisements from the 1930s.

In Anglo-Saxon countries, Santa Claus arrives on the night of 24th to 25th December, travelling in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, accompanied by elves who prepare toys throughout the year. In Poland, children also receive small gifts from him on 6th December – the day of his liturgical commemoration. 

Gwiazdor – the stern guardian of Christmas order

Gwiazdor is a figure known mainly in Poland, especially in Greater Poland, Kujawy and Pomerania. The name Gwiazdor comes from the star that carollers carried in their procession, as well as the one that, according to the Gospel, led the Three Kings to Bethlehem.

Unlike Santa Claus, Gwiazdor was a menacing figure. He wore a sheepskin coat, a sheepskin cap, and his face was often blackened or covered with a mask. Instead of a sack of toys, he carried a rod. Although he gave out gifts, he also held children accountable for their behaviour. Before giving anything, he would ask the child if they knew their prayers and if they had been well-behaved and obedient. If the answers were bad, the symbolic rod would appear. Although today the image of Gwiazdor has softened, it still differs from that of Santa Claus.

Gwiazdor visits homes on Christmas Eve – 24 December – and not on 6 December, like Saint Nicholas. In many families, he comes together with carollers, which further emphasises his connection with the old community and folk customs.

Different faces of the same magic

Although the two characters differ in terms of origin, appearance and character, they have one thing in common: they bring joy to children, remind them of the importance of good behaviour and add magic to the winter season.

• Santa Claus represents Christian values – kindness, mercy and helping the weak. 
• Gwiazdor, on the other hand, reminds us of the roots of Christmas in folk culture – community, responsibility and moral judgement.

Contemporary Poland reconciles these two traditions. In many homes, children receive small gifts from Santa Claus on 6 December, and larger gifts are brought by Gwiazdor on Christmas Eve. Other families wait only for Gwiazdor or only for Santa Claus. Sometimes the difference is completely blurred, and the word Santa Claus becomes a universal term for the person who brings gifts.

In reality, there is no need to choose. Santa Claus teaches empathy and kindness, while Gwiazdor teaches reflection and responsibility. Both characters tell children (and adults!) that it is worth being kind.