How did Santa come to be Santa? Was there really a Santa Claus at one time? Answers, people!
2006-12-24 13:53:45 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
The Dutch Saint Nicholas, or Sinter Klaas, is the immediate forebear of the North American Santa Claus. The historical Saint Nicholas was venerated in early Christian legend for saving storm-tossed sailors, defending young children, and giving generous gifts to the poor. His legend spread throughout Europe, emphasizing his role as a traditional bringer of gifts. The American version of the Santa Claus figure received its inspiration and its name when the Dutch settlers brought the legend to New York in the 17th century. The familiar image of Santa Claus as a jolly man with a white beard, is a North American invention of the 19th century.
Encarta Encyclopedia
2006-12-24 13:56:07 · answer #1 · answered by Tenn Gal 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Santa Clause was a man who lived a long time in a country called Turkey. In fact he is considered a Saint by the Christian Orthodox faith in that country. Saint Nicholas or Santa Clause was a man who loved children and defended the poor. It has been told that Nicholas as a young, rich, boy helped out a poor family by giving money to them so the girls in that particular family could get married. Along time ago girls had to have money so they could get married as a way of helping their husband to support them and help them set up a household. Well this family had money for a dowry and one of the girls in this family was going to sell herself as a hooker so her sister could get married. Will Nicholas heard of the girls plight and he would sneak up their house and throw money into the girls bedroom window hence the start of the stockings hanging from the fireplace at Christmas time. Each night Nicholas would do this and one night the father of the girls wanted to know who the kind stranger was managed to capture Nicholas. After capturing Nicholas, the boy as the father of the girls not to tell anyone how the family got the money. Hence the idea of Santa Clause giving gifts anonymously at night during Christmas Eve. Some of the Saint Nicholas has been kept in the idea of Santa Clause but I don't think the Saint wants to be remember as a commercial gimmick to keep a pagan holiday going and line the pockets of retailers with gold for only themselves.
2006-12-24 20:02:30 · answer #2 · answered by Gail M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as some one said already Santa close is based on St. Nicholas
but the look of santa (fat guy with a white beard wearing red) came from some old coca cola ads.
2006-12-24 13:58:22 · answer #3 · answered by goldenbrowngod 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saint Nicholas was born in Patara of Lycia about the middle of the third century, of devout and wealthy parents who provided him with a Christian upbringing and education. He was orphaned at an early age.
Later he was ordained a priest, and when the bishop of his district died, he was made Bishop of Myra of Lycia.
Saint Nicholas is distinguished for his great faith, for his struggle in the name of Orthodoxy and especially for his charity.
His faith was so great, that with his prayer he calmed a stormy sea while on a trip to the Holy Lands. For this reason sailors pay homage to him as their protector.
He fought for the predominance of Orthodoxy and took part in the First Ecumenical Synod of Nicea.
Especially well known is his charity and his love for children. He used his great wealth to relieve all who were in need: poor families, widows, and especially orphans and poor children. For this same purpose he founded, as Bishop, a poorhouse, hostelries, and a hospital.
He was the personification of Christian love and affection. As such he is honored by all the Christian world, both the Eastern and the Western.
In the West especially he is considered as the great patron Saint of children and the cheerful giver of gifts under the name Santa Claus.
2006-12-24 13:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The USA
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.
Multicultural
Epiphany remains a part of the holiday season in Puerto Rico and is a day off from school. Giving gifts then is more for traditional values than the actual gift-giving celebration. Unless one wants to make a specific statement about the importance of maintaining traditional purity (anti-commercialism) and disassociation from American influence.
However, the celebration of Epiphany is not just in Puerto Rico. Some nations say it is the 3 Kings who bring the toys, while others credit Baby Jesus, since it was He who received and wants to share.
In Italy Babbo Natale, which means Father Christmas, is Santa. Children put a pair of their shoes by the door on the day before Epiphany and the following morning they find them filled with small gifts and candy. Italy, like Spain, Portugal and most of the Latin American nations ( or countries speaking Romance languages ), is mostly Catholic. December 25 is a day of more religious observance, remembering the birth of Christ. The Epiphany, called Little Christmas, is the day for gift giving. However, Babbo Natale does come on Christmas Eve in some parts of Italy.
In Spain children leave their shoes under the Christmas tree the night of January 5th and presents from the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar) appear the next morning. Santa Claus is called Papa Noel and some children receive presents both days on December 24th (from Papa Noel) and on January 6th (from the Three Kings).
In Morocco he is known as Black Peter
In Japan, Santa Clause is called Santa Clause or just "Santa". Children often call him "Santa no ojisan," which means "Uncle Santa." (This information comes to you via the courtesy of Mr. Kazuo Miyasako of Dokkyo University. Many thanks go to the readers of Lone Star Internet)
In Sweden Jultomten visits the evening before Christmas day, pulling a big bag of julklappar (Christmas presents) in the deep snow.
P� Norsk ( in Norwegian ) "Julenissen" arrives on the evening of the 24th.
In the Netherlands, he is called Kerstman.
In Finland, he is called Joulupukki.
Sinter Klaas in Dutch. He rides a white horse, leaving gifts in wooden shoes
In Russia, he is called Grandfather Frost that is "ded moroz" (the second "o" has its accent and the last "z" is pronouned as "s".)
He is also called Kris Kringle - which comes from the German term "the Christ Child"
(Christ Kind).
The information in this little piece on Christmas customs around the world is as nearly correct as we can try. However, readers are encouraged to write with corrections, and to confirm any of the names for Santa found here at client@lnstar.com.
2006-12-24 13:57:06 · answer #5 · answered by Tray-Z 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This was answered on my local radio station. WMJI 105.7 FM Cleveland, Ohio. The author of "Don't Know Much About..." Ken Davis discusses the history of christmas. You can listen to the podcast link below. Hope you enjoy it.
2006-12-24 14:09:59 · answer #6 · answered by Big "D" 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Santa is based on St. Nicholas who gave to needy children.
See attached.
2006-12-24 13:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by klgtym 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Santa Claus does not exist. He's a story parents use to buy their child's presents and goodies. But the important thing about Xmas is Jesus, dont you think?
CHRIST-mas. CHRISTMAS FOR GOD'S SAKES!
2006-12-24 13:56:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
St. Nick of coarse!
Merry Christmas!!!!
2006-12-24 14:02:20 · answer #9 · answered by Sammee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a man who really loved xmas.
2006-12-24 13:55:05 · answer #10 · answered by kaaykes314 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋