One of the highlights of Christmas is Santa Claus whose legend made him a sort of magical-hearted, noble and generous “good fairy Godfather” today! Father Christmas was originally a bishop who, after his death, became the legendary St. Nicolas. Here’s something you may be surprised to learn. It was the Greek-speaking Greek! He is suspected to have been born around 280 AD in Patara near Myra. A native of San Nicolas was Christian bishop of Myra (now known as Turkey). Back in those days Myra was mainly populated by Greeks. The Turks did not arrive until the 11th century AD. This bishop was a man of generous heart and kind, devoted especially to children. In 340AD after his death, Myra, it is said that sailors stole his remains and took them to Bari, Italy, where it remains today in the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Nicolas, specially built to accommodate it. Medieval people believed the relics of saints have healing powers and each church had a store of them. Sailors increased its popularity in Europe with stories of his kindness and generosity that lead to greater devotion to the stories of miracles. St. Nicolas became so popular, loved and adored by the people he was honored as the patron of almost everything! It was indeed the national saint of Greece and Russia where churches were named after him by thousands. Known by his red cape, long white beard and the Bishop’s miter, he also became the patron: - In Greece sailors - In France lawyers - In Belgium children and travelers In other countries it was the patron of merchants, judges, poor and almost anything you can think of! Holidays in the official church was established in St-Nicolas honor some time around the 12th century. This was a time when thousands of churches across Europe were dedicated to him. A day of celebration in his honor December 6 became the official day of its celebration and the day is the anniversary of his death. In the early days of celebrations it was considered lucky to make major purchases or to get married on his feast day! Traditionally, the day was honored each year with festivals and marked by giving and charity. How did change his name to Saint-Nicolas in Santa Claus? Some say he left the Dutch name of it. After the Reformation, European supporters of Saint-Nicolas decreased but the legend was kept alive in Holland. Dutch children have a magical tradition when they leave their shoes with enthusiasm in the fireplace and “Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. The Dutch settlers brought this tradition to play with them in America in the 17th century when the spelling of his name “Sint Nikolaas” has finally been transformed and affectionately of “Sinterklaas”. Hence the name Anglican “Santa Claus” has emerged which is now the most popular name, it is known today! But others suggest the name comes from the Anglican Germans. As “Santa”, is said to come from the word “Saint” and “Christmas” is an abbreviation for the name Nicholas in Germany. What did he look like? Originally it was in Bishop’s robes holding a Bishop’s miter. Upon first arrival in America Santa did not look like the figure we know today. It was a knee thin, sad face old man wearing a fur coat length. Santa’s Back in the old days were usually dressed in blue, green or black with no red and white that we see now in sight! It was the mid-1850s that the red and white version Jolly fat than we have today gained popularity. The American image of Santa Claus developed from Dutch Sinterklaas austere, a bishop in a red bishop’s costume who rode a white horse. Washington Irving in his comic book “History of New York” is said to be the first to describe it as a plump and jolly. Changing the image of Father Christmas has continued in 1823 with the publication of the famous poem by Clement C Moore “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. In England, the mid-19th century Santa was a big red face, a jovial character who wore glasses and a crown of holly on his head. It seemed almost always accompanied by a gray bowl of punch or with a glass of punch or beer in hand. We know that in the world Santa Claus has been represented in several forms, the most popular being tall and thin or short and fat. How did he become so famous? A transformation of the paper gives the example! Dr. Clement C. Moore (an Episcopal minister) in 1822 describes Santa Claus as a benevolent Jolly fat man in a red suit. He originally wrote the famous poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” for his 3 daughters, after an outbreak of inspiration sleigh ride in the moonlight on the market after buying a turkey for Christmas. He did not been published for 20 years. Then, fame soon spread to children and adults around the world. It was much appreciated for his sense of fun and magic. This poem helped popularize the idea of Santa visit on Christmas Eve.
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