[Spotlight] Santa Claus
This is pretty much a blog I wrote for work that will run on Christmas Eve. We don’t have a cross-audience, so I’m tweaking it and using it here. This week’s spotlight is on…Santa Claus.
Did you know that the legend of Santa has roots all the way back to the 4th Century? Saint Nicolas, the basis for Santa Claus, was known for leaving coins in shoes and quietly giving gifts to his parishioners. He was also known as “Nikolaos the Wonderworker†for miracles credited to his intercession on behalf of those in need. The name “Santa Claus†derives from the Dutch “Sinterklaas†which is a language evolution of “Saint Nicholasâ€.
Our modern depictions of Santa Claus – much like the modern celebration of Christmas – is a melding of Christian and Pagan beliefs and traditions. The gift-giving habits of St. Nicholas were blended with depictions of Odin – the lord of Norse and Germanic gods – to give us the first older portrayals of Santa. The idea of Santa having white hair and beard grew out of Northern Europe cultures, including “Father Christmas†in England. “Santa Claus†ended up the American version of “Sinterklaasâ€. And he was always known for bringing gifts to children.
The idea of Santa coming down a chimney began in Europe where the hearth was the center of the home and security. Santa joins Odin and Befana – the Italian gift-giving witch – in traveling down chimneys in order to leave gifts. St. Nicholas began using the chimney himself when, in a traditional story, St. Nicholas finds a home’s windows locked.
Our current versions of Santa with a sleigh and reindeer began with a poem Old Santeclaus in 1821, which has evolved and changed over time to give the reindeer names. Thomas Nast, in 1866, created a series of art engravings for Harper’s which gave us the first indication of Santa living at the North Pole. Santa’s elven descriptions allowed for him to magically come down chimneys and be magical.
Santa’s popularity grew during the 1900s when Santa Claus became part of a stock part of American with L. Frank Baum’s children’s Book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. The classic vision of Santa Claus in a red and white suit has been around since the late 1800s – early 1900s, but became set in popular culture through Haddon Sundblom’s rendition of Santa for the 1930’s Coca-Cola campaign.
Santa Claus is steeped in lore, tradition, and stories. He’s part of every culture and an essential part of Christmas Eve. His legend and magic touches us all, even into adulthood, which allows NORAD and other systems to post an annual “Santa Tracker†to let children know when Santa’s on his way.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.