0-euro notes : 2 a. Finland

What a better way to post my first 0-euro note, with Santa.

Santa, or Santa Claus who is apprearing in December, is a mixture of many old customs.
In the low countries, (Belgium and the Netherlands), Saint Nicolas comes in the night of his name day (Dec. 6), with gifts for the good children.
The legend of the Turkish bisshop of Myra (280 - 342 or 352 A.D.) who died on Dec. 6, tells the story of a man who was good to people in general and specificly to children.

Nicolas of Myra (280-342(352))

One legend tells that he resurected 3 students, who were killed by a innkeeper, who had the 3 bodies hidden in a barrel with brine.
A similar story exists in France, where a bucher who killed 3 children. Saint Nicolas saved them and brought them back to their parents...

Another legend, tells the story of a poor man who had no change of giving away his 3 daughters for marriage, as he could not afford the drowry. However the man (and his daughters) were saved from poverty, as 3 times, golden coins flew through the open window into the shoes of the girls...

Saint Nicolas (Sinterklaas)

Until today, children put their shoes (or socks) so that Santa can fill them with toys and chocolate coins.

The stories of Saint Nicolas entered the Americas by the Dutch colonists in the early 19th century. They were mixed up with anglosaxian stories of Father Christmas, and resulted in a 'modern' version of the two customs.
Probably is the Russian 'Father Frost' also part of the new Santa.
"Ded Moroz" lives in the cold northern Russia, and brings gifts to the people on December 31.

Ded Moroz

In 1931, the American drafstman Haddon Sundblom, made some drawings of Santa for the Coca Cola company. He gave Santa his current, 'modern' look.

Finland emitted in 2018 two notes: Santa Claus' Main Post Office - Artic Circle 66°33'07"N.
The first note (2018-1) shows Santa enjoying his hot tea (or Glühwein).

0 euro Finland - Santa Claus' Main Post Office

This note exists in 10,000 copies and was reprinted in 2019 (LEAH (6) /2019-1 in 5,000 copies.

At the back of the note, we see design C (with European buildings - Belèm Tower)

revers side - design C

to be continued...