tucked into black boots. When and why did this divergence occur?
2006-12-23 04:36:44 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I imagine a difference in cultural traditions. Much like some calling him "Father Christmas" or a variation, and others Santa or a variation.
That's my best guess. I think it is more important what he stands for in our original traditions or any of his names than any commercial or other interpretation.
Once again, I appreciate this thought provoking question, Skycat.
And like the old cat yowling on a warm night... From Father Christmas and I:
A Merrily joyous, barking mad, wickedly happy Christmas to everyone who celebrates!
Charles "That Cheeky Lad"
[Let's spread this wish around the globe through Yahoo answers!]
2006-12-23 04:48:12 · answer #1 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Many European cultures still use the image of St Nicholas as the basis for Santa. This usually includes the long cloak, and may also involve a bishop's mitre and crook as well.
In America, the image and concept of Santa changed over time. It is an urban myth that his look was invented nearly overnight by the Coca-cola company. Follow the source link to a site that summarises the basics of that gradual change.
2006-12-23 13:29:02 · answer #2 · answered by Andromeda_Bloodaxe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say one was more british/ american than the other- having spent xmas in both countries. I would say that maybe santa with a cloak is a more traditional and old fashioned version which may be more associated with european culture but I don't think either are unique to either country
2006-12-24 12:28:00 · answer #3 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa Claus has been around for a long time. Before Europeans started watching American Movies and TV, they all dressed very different than Americans. Today, we not only dress a lot alike, but also share many of the same expressions in our language. Here's a picture of Hawaiian Santa enjoying a day off. http://www.alohafriends.com/web%20art/XornWindsurfing_Santa.JPG
2006-12-23 12:56:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Santa/St.Nicholas/Sinterklaus in Europe is still based on the religious aspect- priest's robes, miter, crook- where in America, the secular look took over with the advertising Coca-Cola ran in the 30's. ( Personally, I like the European look better- reminds me of my childhood, when Szent Miklaus would visit on Dec. 6th with the Krampus- an imp-like horned figure dressed in fur and chains. Boy, was he scary; made me want to be good all year!)
2006-12-23 13:38:02 · answer #5 · answered by Flea© 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back in the 1930's, Coca-Cola asked an American artist to draw a Santa for an ad program. That Santa has been the "American Santa" ever since.
2006-12-23 12:45:04 · answer #6 · answered by F T 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
FATHER CHRISTMAS in UK wears red because when coca cola tried to glamourise him into the media light, that was the colour of the can so thats how he got his clothing. SANTA CLAUS in america probably got glamourised by a different person thats why he waers different clothes.
2006-12-23 12:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by meyeeee 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It didn't, we in Europe have the same coca cola invention as you do in America. The long red cloak thing was probably St Nicholas, the eastern european figure who was the inspiration for 'the real thing'! LOL
2006-12-23 12:41:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Europeans are just more stylish!!! Even Santa...Mrs Claus will be mostly wearing Dolce et Gabbana this Christmas season!
2006-12-23 12:39:38 · answer #9 · answered by minitheminx65 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
In Scotland he wears the belted jacket thingy, maybe he stopped wearing the cloak cos it was getting in his way when he was jumping in and out of chimneys...
2006-12-23 12:41:59 · answer #10 · answered by floss 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋