Mikulás or Télapó? The history behind Hungary’s Santa Claus

The figure of Santa Claus traces its roots back to St Nicholas, a Catholic bishop who became renowned as the patron saint of children and students. Serving in the ancient city of Myra, his acts of generosity inspired the later tradition of Santa Claus as a gift-giver. One of the most famous legends surrounding St Nicholas recounts how he secretly aided a poor man’s three daughters by leaving gold in their windows, enabling them to marry. This story remains central to the image of Santa Claus as a charitable and giving figure.

The tradition of Santa Claus in Hungary evolved under German and Austrian influence. During the Middle Ages, St Nicholas was personified by students in monastic schools, before adults took on the role. Over time, the custom developed whereby children would leave out polished shoes to receive gifts, associated with St Nicholas’s Day on the 6th of December.

By the 19th century, these gifts were simple, often limited to sweets or fruit. In rural areas, the more ominous figure of “Miklós the Chained,” a menacing character who punished misbehaving children, emerged as part of the tradition.

The Origin of Santa Claus in Hungary

The Hungarian name for Santa Claus, “Mikulás,” originates from the Slovak word Mikuláš and gained prominence from the Highlands region. The term “Télapó,” which translates to Father Christmas, became more widely recognised in the mid-20th century. During the communist era, efforts to secularise the tradition elevated the term “Télapó,” partly influenced by the Soviet figure Ded Moroz. While “Mikulás” had long existed in Hungarian vocabulary, its contemporary usage grew alongside the regime’s attempt to reshape cultural and religious practices.