Twelve Days of Irish Words and Phrases: What is Santa Claus in Irish?
Written by Ciaran on Dec 03, 2024 | 0 Comments
We are on day 3 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas. Inspired by that traditional carol, and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we're bringing you Twelve Days of Irish Christmas (Words).
What is the Irish for Santa Claus?
In Irish, the man in the red suit is known as Dadaí na Nollaig (Daddy na nuh-lig). Literally translated, this is "Daddy Christmas," which has a slightly roguish air to it, don't you think? It's certainly less formal than ‘Father Christmas’.
Of course, there is also a reference to Saint Nicholas, or San Nioclás (Son Nick-laws), and some in Ireland use this saintly term or the formal title in English, too. You will hear mention of "Father Christmas" around Dublin in December, and it has a slightly posh air to it.
Just as often, you will hear him referred to by the downright chatty "Santy" - "What's Santy bringin' ye for Christmas?" This is a question my kids hear pretty regularly come Christmas time. As you may have heard, many Irish love the chat. And quizzing little ones about the wonder of Christmas and "Santy" brings a little magic to the season!
Photo Credit: Giuseppe Milo (CC BY 3.0)
Perhaps you could regale a young person in your life with some of these Irish words as a fun way to connect to your Irish heritage.
This Part Is Not For Little Eyes
During that chat, you may not want to let slip the local Irish legend that (at least some) of St. Nicholas's bones —yes, we do mean that St. Nicholas—rest in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. The saint is said to rest under an ornately carved slab in the ruined Church of St Nicholas, in Jerpoint, to be exact.
This spot is what remains of a once flourishing medieval village of Newtown Jerpoint, and the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey, founded in 1183. Historical records show that it served as a starting point for Irish-Norman Crusaders. And it was the Normans that reportedly returned back to Ireland from the Crusades with some of the famous saint's remains for the Church.
Jerpoint Abbey iin Co. Killkenny
Photo Credit: Michael Foley (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Jerpoint Abbey is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in the area. We fancy taking a trip there on St. Nicholas Feast Day, December 6th, when the local community raises money for a children's charity inspired by the saint's good deeds.
It's that generosity of spirit that is really what it is all about! So whether you call him St. Nicholas, San Nioclás, Santa, Santy, Father Christmas, or Dadaí na Nollaig, we hope you feel the spark of hope and generosity this holiday season.
What's Next?
Check back in with us tomorrow for Day 4 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas, or open door number 3 of our 12 Days of Christmas offers! And, of course, if you need any help selecting a gift for yourself or a loved one, please do get in touch.
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Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
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