2007-12-04 05:28:01 · 5 answers · asked by Paul Preston 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Bishop of Myra in Lycia, in what was then called Asia Minor.
He lived in the 4th centruy, and is honored as a saint in both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions.
Details of his life are sketchy, and the customary belief that he secretly gave gifts to poor children (leading to the west identifying him with Santa Claus) is hard to verify historically.
One legend (?) about him is that he was imprisoned during the persecution by the Roman Emperor Diocletan but was then released by Constantine after the latter emperor embraced Christianity.
2007-12-04 06:27:30 · answer #1 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saint Nicholas of Myra is the primary inspiration for the Christian figure of Santa Claus. He was a 4th century Christian bishop of Myra in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey. Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes. He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to Christianity.
2007-12-04 13:18:30 · answer #2 · answered by Rachelle_of_Shangri_La 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He was the Bishop of Myra. Noted for his generosity to the poor. But, did you know he is also the patron saint of pawn brokers and sailors.
2007-12-04 06:23:44 · answer #3 · answered by ruriksson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you already know, why are you asking?
2007-12-04 06:37:35 · answer #4 · answered by conchobor2 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
if this is a contest, what's the prize?
2007-12-04 05:39:16 · answer #5 · answered by Mirko 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋