JOULUPUKKI
Finnish Charity Spirit
Also known as Yule Goat, Yulupukki
The original recipe Santa Claus
You might have heard the story that the modern image of Santa Claus was in fact a creation of the Coca Cola Company, and that he previously wore green, not red. But as any sensible Finn is aware, that myth is untrue, for the Coca Cola advertisements were in fact created by Haddon Sundbolm, son of a Finnish emigrant, who based his designs upon the myth of Joulupukki.
Joulupukki, meaning literally ‘Yule Buck’ or ‘Yule Goat’ in Finnish, is a goat-like figure reminiscent of the modern Santa Claus. Or perhaps we should say the modern Santa Claus is reminiscent of him.
Wearing a red leather suit and travelling by sleigh, Joulupukki brings gifts from his workshop in Korvatunturi, Sápmi. Although unlike his Americanised equivalent, Joulupukki does not fly, as Finnish reindeer prefer their feet firmly on the frozen ground. Also, he knocks on the door and doesn’t get involved with all that messing with the chimney nonsense.
Joulupukki Facts and Figures
Name: Joulupukki
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Yule Goat, Yulupukki
Gender: Male
Type: Spirit
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role:
In charge of: Charity
Area of expertise: Charity
Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 5080
Cite this article
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Article last revised on May 12, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.