who is santa claus and why he gives gifts to childrens good related website to find my answer?

Answer 1

"Saint Nicholas Day is a festival for children in much of Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the Anglo-Canadian and British Father Christmas, derive from this icon, the name 'Santa Claus' being a degeneration of the Dutch word Sinterklaas.

Some elements of this part of the Saint Nicholas tradition can be traced back to the Germanic god Wodan (Odin). The appearance is similar to some portrayals of this god. In the Saint Nicholas tradition in the Netherlands and Flanders (Northern Belgium), he rides a horse over the rooftops, and this may be derived from Odin's riding through the sky. Also, his assistants, the Zwarte Pieten ('Black Peters'), may be a remnant of the raven that accompanied Wodan.

The history of the festive Saint Nicholas celebration is complex and reflects conflicts between Protestantism and Catholicism. Since Nicholas was a canonised saint, Martin Luther replaced the festival that had become associated with the Papacy with a "Christkind" (Christ child) celebration on Christmas Eve. The Nicholas celebrations still remain a part of tradition among many Protestants, albeit on a much smaller scale than Christmas. The Protestant Netherlands, however, retain a much larger Saint Nicholas tradition. Many Catholics, on the other hand, have adopted Luther's Christkind." (Wikipedia)


"Nicholas of Myra: early Christian bishop, who was in the Middle Ages venerated as patron of sailors and protector of blessed marriages (Saint Nicholas). As Sinterklaas, he remains a characteristic figure in Dutch folklore. He is also the historical figure behind Santa Claus.

Nicholas hears about an impoverished man who is unable to offer a dowry to the men who will marry his three daughters. "They were so poor, that no man of their order wanted them as his wife. Not even men of lower rank thought about marrying them. Therefore, their father thought about ordering them to work in a brothel, so that he and the family would have some income."

Fortunately, Nicholas intervenes. During the night, he throws a purse through one of the windows of the house of the poor people. Now, the first daughter has a dowry, can leave home, and marry. This repeats itself, and then it's the last girl's turn.

In spite of this, not everything goes according to Nicholas' plan. The generous giver is caught in the act by the father, who expresses his gratitude. The modest saint makes the poor man promise that he will never tell what has happened.

Liberated from his worldly possessions, Nicholas is made bishop of nearby Myra, where he distinguishes himself by destroying the temple of Artemis (§29). In another story, we learn how three generals, who have, although innocent, been jailed, are released when the saint appears to the responsible officials in Constantinople, although he is at the same time seen in his study in Myra. A variant on this story deals with three men who have been condemned to death but are saved by a timely intervention of the good bishop. Repeatedly, Nicholas saved sailors (§§34-36 and §§45-48). After a famine has miraculously been terminated (§§37-39), the saint dies." (http://www.livius.org/ne-nn/nicholas/nicholas_of_myra1.html)

That's a brief but hopefully helpful overview of 'Santa Claus''s origin, from a fourth-century Greek bishop through to the German and Dutch robe-clad gift givers who were to metamorph into our fat and jolly Santa. Coca-Cola had something to do with our contemporary image (look it up!) as well as the famous Clement St. Moore poem and the illustrator Nash.

Answer 2

Santa Claus evolved from a legendary bishop named Saint Nicholas. Many of the stories about Saint Nick involve kind acts towards children and the downtrodden.

Answer 3

The modern tradition of Santa Clause stems from the real life Saint Nicholas who anonymously gave out gifts to children when he was alive... his spirit lives on in Santa Clause traditions

Answer 4

Saint Nickolas a Bishop.

Answer 5

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