I only ask this because the word "santa" in my native language of Portuguese means "saint" but to name FEMALE saints.
Santo = male saint
Santa = female saint
So, why "Santa Claus" and not "Santo Claus"??
2006-11-30 04:29:10 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
To answer quickly how it became Santa:
In the 1600's, the Dutch presented Sinterklaas (meaning St. Nicholas) to the colonies in America. In their excitement, many English-speaking children uttered the name so quickly that Sinterklaas sounded like Santy Claus. After years of mispronunciation, the name evolved into Santa Claus.
To read the whole story:
http://www.northpolesantaclaus.com/santahistory.htm
2006-11-30 04:37:21 · answer #1 · answered by Govt45 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just a nuance of language.
The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition (some even say cult) to America. This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and these most curious traditions:
A merry old man with red and white clothes
Eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.
A home located on or near the North Pole
The habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th. Also the habit of entering houses through the chimney.
The most important single source for our modern day version of Santa Claus comes from the Christmas poem A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the general public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast ( see below right ).
Actually the old "cult" of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.
Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know who Santa is... And although he may be a little commercial, who can help, but love the jolly old elf?
It's the Idea of giving that reminds us; we are all on this planet together, for the long run.
So lets be kind to one another.
2006-11-30 04:38:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Santa Claus Etymology
2016-12-12 03:10:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
St. Nicholas' evolution into today's happy, larger-than-life Santa Claus is a wonderful example of the blending of countless beliefs and practices from around the world. This benevolent figure encompasses all the goodness and innocence of childhood. And because goodness is his very essence, in every kindness we do, Santa will always be remembered.
2006-11-30 05:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by Martha P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People have always wanted to worship other humans. Some humans desire to be worshiped. So it is the perfect set up for someone to find a reason to worship someone else. Some times for their voice, their athletic ability, or power they are chosen to rule over others. Then it is priests of God who others think carry more importance with God than others. Priests use to be the only ones who can read so they told the common man what the bible said. So he adored and respected him. There fore creating "saints"
2016-05-23 05:12:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know anything about the word Santa, but I can tell you that Santa is based on the ancient god, Odin, King of Winter.
2006-11-30 05:07:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋