The origins of Santa Claus

Santa Claus

Did you know that…

• Because of the rotation of the earth and the different time zones, Santa actually has 31 hours to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve if he travels east to west.
• Santa has 2 two Christmas Eves to deliver toys. The Eastern Orthodox churches do not recognize the Gregorian correction to the Julian calendar for liturgical events and they celebrate Christmas Eve on January 6th.
• In Poland St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on the December 6th, this is a day when St. Nicolas, gives all the children in Poland gifts.
• Santa Only delivers gifts to children who believe in him: so approx 50-55% of the world's children who fall in various Christian sects as well as the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children would not be on Santa's list. 
• Santa Claus is known by many names around the world: Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Julenissen, Ded Moroz, Papai Noel, Babbo Natale, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann and Kris Kringle.

The origins of Santa Claus

The 4th century Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (present day Turkey) was a generous man particularly devoted to children. His kindness and reputation for generosity gave rise to claims he that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased.

St. Nicholas became the Belgium Patron Saint of children and travelers, he also became the Patron Saint of Russia, where he was known by his red cape and flowing white beard. St. Nicholas is prominent in Russian Orthodox liturgy and Thursday prayers are dedicated to him as a Miracle Worker.

Thousands of churches across Europe were dedicated to him and in the 12th century an official church holiday was created in his honor. The Feast of St. Nicholas (Nikolaustag) was (and still is in Poland) celebrated on December 6. The day was marked by gift giving and charity.

After the Protestant Reformation (circa 1517), European followers of St. Nicholas declined, except in the Scandinavian Countries. In Holland where the Dutch spelling of his name Sint Nikolaas was eventually transformed into Sinterklaas. The Dutch children left their wooden shoes by the fireplace, and Sinterklaas would reward the well behaved children by placing treats in their shoes.

The  Dutch colonists brought the traditions of the Feast of St. Nicholas with them to America in the 17th century, where the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged.

The figure of Santa Claus as a jolly, plump man in a red suit described in Clement C. Moore's 1822 poem 'A Visit From Saint Nicholas' (published as The Night Before Christmas) remains recognized today by children and adults alike around the world:
"He had a broad face and a little round belly" and  "He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf".





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