Father Christmas – The History of Santa Claus

The history of Santa Claus is so embedded in the psyche of modern society, that no matter that religions change, are rejected and revised time and time again, faith in a magical figure that gives out toys to children remains with us. Whether he is called Sinta Klaus, Santa Claus, Father Christmas or old Saint Nick, the gentleman in red seems an almost permanent fixture in the history of western civilization.

The stories, folk tales and myths that surround the Santa figure have traveled from country to country over the centuries leaving us with an assortment of images, descriptions, songs and traditions that somehow seem to come together year after year in line with other western festivals such as Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza. The modern religious festivals replace the pagan celebrations of winter, marking the end of the calendar year and are a time for celebration, remembrance, charity and of course, being good for goodness’ sake.

Although much of the modern American image of Santa stems from the advertising efforts of large corporations in the dawn of American consumerism in the 1920s and 1930s, the history of the legend has European origins beginning in ancient Turkey.

Towards the end of the third century of the Common Era, Nicholas of Turkey, (often believed to have been either a bishop or monk or at the least a man of spiritual nature) had a reputation for extreme generosity. Early stories tell accounts of marriage dowries given to young girls without fathers and presents given anonymously (through open door or window) to poor children and orphans. As the legend goes, Nicholas secretly traveled by horse (or deer and sleigh in another version) across the region distributing gifts to worthy recipients, although accounts do differ. Whatever he did and however he traveled, Nicholas set an example that sent a resounding message.

Nicholas was sainted and December 6 was set aside as his remembrance day. As the years passed, the legend of Saint Nicholas traveled across Europe embraced by catholic and protestant alike. By the 17th century, St. Nick has established his presence across the Western European map, finding firm roots among both the Dutch and German cultures.

In modern Germany, December 6 is the day traditional families set their shoes in front of the fire along with food for the deer (or horses) and wait for Sinta Klaus to show up in the middle of the night, feed his furry friends and replace empty shoes with ones full of candy and sweet treats (compare with the hanging of stockings here). Dutch immigrants brought the image and story of the do gooder magical traveler with them when they came to the Americas.

Of course, the story of Santa Claus, as he became known after crossing the Atlantic (In the U.K. Father Christmas plays a close second to the sobriquet of Santa), has morphed over the years and been adopted by the variety of American subcultures as a symbol of good magic and reward for children. Santa is both present and future as he surmises the personal history of the old year and presents the first big step towards the coming year.

The history of Mr. Claus is the history of children and it is for children the story remains alive. Whether he comes down the chimney or sneaks in the back door, leaves presents at the end of the bed or under the tree, Santa offers a unique brand of optimism to children and adults alike. He is the human embodiment of the continuance of our collective past and the stories, songs and legends of this most famous of historical figures looks to be around for a long time to come.

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