I know christmas is about Jesus' birthday., but where did 'Santa Clause' come from? I mean really? We are supposed to celebrate christmas because thats when the lord Jesus was born, and instead its about some guy dressed up in red going around giving presents to all the good little boys and girls of the world. Where did Santa Clause come from?!
2007-12-21 04:52:59 · 13 answers · asked by rawesome 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Santa Claus (not 'clause') is an adaptation of the name St. Nicholas. Say them both out loud slowly and you'll see how it happened.
The sleigh and reindeer came from that poem "The Night Before Christmas." But before that, St. Nicholas was supposed to come to kids' homes and put gifts in their stockings. That was in honor of the 3 magi who brought gifts to Jesus. Through the years, marketing has made it more and more comsumer-focused, and a good way to do that is to play up the jolly old guy in the red suit and toys.
Mix them all together and bake in a cultural oven for 30 minutes, and voila! You have Santa Claus.
2007-12-21 04:55:53 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
"Santa Claus" comes from St Nicholas, who was a leader of the Orthodox church in the 4th century AD from Pagea (in mordern day Turkey). He was famous for giving to the poor, especially to children and to young women who had no dowery to pay for a wedding and so where in danger of having to become prostitutes.
He was considered one of the leading scholars and theologians of his, earning his way to the office of a bishop in the church while still in his 20s. He was considered to be a person of virtue and compassion. He wrote a "creed" stating the Christian faith, called the Nicene Creed, which is still recited in churches today. There are more churches named for him then any other saint in Christianity. He is the patron saint of the Orthodox religion.
Most of the "modern" ideas of Santa Claus come out of the 1800's, a time when religion was becoming very liberal, people were rejecting the authority of the Bible, and seeking an alternate to celebrate at Christmas time. So the "Santa Claus" that we know today is only about 100-150 years old.
As western society has become more and more secular, they have exaulted a secular "Santa Claus" to the point where for many people he has replaced the intended celebration for Christmas - the Christ Mass. (Mass being a word which means "celebration" in this case, and not the Catholic service of the "mass".)
2007-12-21 05:08:26 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, Christmas is a pagan holiday appropriated by the Christian faith...just like Easter was. Much of its modern symbols and decor comes directly from its pagan origins. Christianity just tacked on Jesus's birthday to it.
The only "real meaning" it has is what you choose to give it.
2007-12-21 05:01:33 · answer #3 · answered by Scott M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and Christmas hams are simply traditions passed down from pagan traditions. They have nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus, and nothing more.
However, the idea of Santa Claus is also used to symbolize the man known as "St. Nicholas", who was not really a saint but a very nice person. So, giving gifts is not really a bad thing, as it does make people happy, but it has nothing to do with Jesus.
2007-12-21 04:56:09 · answer #4 · answered by Free Thinker A.R.T. ††† 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Jesus.
2007-12-21 05:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To celebrate the birth of Christ. The three wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus,so that is why we celebrate by giving gifts to each other.
2016-04-10 11:29:36 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real meaning of Christmas is Saturnalia. It has nothing to do with Jesus or Santa.
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/calendar/saturnalia.html
2007-12-21 04:56:30 · answer #7 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
there was a person named saint nicholas and there was a real santa claus at one time but santa is dead so now it's your mom and dad srry
2007-12-21 04:56:36 · answer #8 · answered by ~*Misguided Angel*~ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
jesus was NOT born in december, read your own mythology...
santa claus (sinter klaas) is derived from st. nicholas, who did bring gifts to children...
2007-12-21 04:56:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The real meaning of Christmas:
We read in God's Holy Law-Book the Bible in Isaiah 42:5-9 Thus saith God JAHWEH, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I JAHWEH have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am JAHWEH: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
2007-12-21 04:55:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋