"Ruprecht" or "Santa Claus"

You know, it will soon be the fifth day in the Yulemonth. On that evening, place your little shoes in front of the window. Yule is coming nearer and nearer, and Ruprecht* is even now on his way, riding his white horse. (Have you thought about some hay for his faithful horse?)

Deep in the night, Ruprecht comes riding over the clouds. The sparkling stars show him the way through the dark winter night. On the morning of the sixth day, you will find his present for you in your shoes: an apple, nuts, and also, perhaps, something sweet to nibble on. Early on the 6th day of the new year, Yuletide is over. Then, Ruprecht's visit is over as well.

Ruprecht is the best of all friends of man. With his mighty strength, he helps all those who believe in him to prevent harm and injustice. His hair is red and shiny, just like the red coat which he wears during his long winter journey to us. His long waving beard is snow white. None can say how old he is. He has always been here: Ruprecht, the friend of countryfolk and of children! And have you ever heard him when he rides invisibly past in his carriage? You can hear the thunder rolling over the cloud mountains in stormy weather. Where his mighty stone hammer hits, the lightning strikes. That is why rascals and all those who have evil plans for us are afraid of him!

Now, when he comes to us on Ruprecht's Eve, he wants us to remember that Yule is not far off. And when he brings you the presents for Yule, he travels in a big sleigh, pulled by two reindeer. Then the children rejoice: Father Yule is coming !

Yule is the most sacred time of the year, during which we especially want to make mother very happy. At Yuletide, she is totally happy; this makes father happy, too. From Yule on, the sun climbs a little bit higher each day. People are happy about that. Even though deep snow still lies outside, it stays light longer, and soon Spring will arrive.

People who don 't know better call our old trusted Ruprecht "St. Nicholas" or "Santa Claus". But that Nicholas was only a christian bishop in a distant land, and he is dead and gone long, long ago. Ruprecht, the glorious rider on the white horse, comes to us again and again, because he cannot die! And everyone who believes firmly in him will certainly see him some time. Perhaps tonight in a dream, when you close your little eyes and sleep, you will see him. Then you can tell me in the morning if you've heard or seen Ruprecht in his red coat, riding on his white horse!

Dr. O.J.

*) Ruprecht, a by-name of Thor/Donar

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