What is the Tomte in Sweden?
Tomte (Swedish) or Tonttu (Finnish, also called Nisse in Norway) are solitary, mischievous domestic spirits, responsible for the protection and welfare of a farmstead and its buildings. Tomte literally means ‘homestead man’ and is derived from the word ‘tomt’ which means homestead or building.
What is Santa Claus’s name in Sweden?
Christmas in Sweden: The tomte, Sweden’s version of Santa Claus, is a scary gnome.
What does Tomte do for families in Sweden?
In Sweden there is the Nisse, Nisser or Tomte. The tomte is reputed to safeguard the farmer and his family, as well as the land the farmer owned or worked on against any misfortune.
What is the gift giver’s name in Sweden?
List of gift-bringers
| Nation | Old man |
|---|---|
| Sweden | Jultomten (Christmas Gnome) |
| Switzerland | St Nicholas (known as Samichlaus to German-speakers and San Nicolao to Italian), Père Noël (Father Christmas) for French-speakers |
| Syria | Papa Noël (Arabic: بابا نويل baba noel) |
| Taiwan | 聖誕老人 or 聖誕老公公 (Old Man of Christmas) |
What is the difference between a gnome and a Tomte?
What are gnomes in Sweden? Swedish gnomes are small elf-like creatures that often lived around houses and in barns, according to legend. The Tomte is fond of caring for children, and if you befriended one of these creatures, then they would help to protect you against misfortune.
Are Tomte gnomes?
Gnome in Swedish is called Tomte, with other words a Tomte is a Swedish gnome. They live in and around the houses and sheds on farms and remote houses according to the gnome folklore. If you are wise you will show them “due respect”. If you respect him, he will protect your household from accidents and disasters.
What is the difference between a gnome and a tomte?
Are tomte gnomes?
What is a Tomte gnome?