The jolly red figure of Santa Claus has become synonymous with our modern interpretation of Christmas. The bearded figure bringing presents to the nice and coal to the naughty is something that is celebrated in movies, adverts and music surrounding the celebrations. But do you know where our modern-day Father Christmas comes from?
The accepted oldest influence for our modern Santa Claus is a medieval bishop known as St Nicholas. St Nicholas lived during the fourth century in Myra, which was a location in what is today Turkey. St Nicholas, a wealthy man through his parents’ exploits, was known for giving gifts to the poor. The most famous tale surrounding St Nicholas was when he gave a gift of dowries to the three daughters of an impoverished man. The dowries allowed the three girls to be married rather than the alternative of being sold into slavery or prostitution. The feast of St Nicholas was traditionally celebrated on December 6, coinciding with the day of his death.
The second character that influenced modern Santa is a European figure known as Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas was an adaptation of the St Nicholas stories who would go around giving gifts to children accompanied by a colourful band of characters. Sinterklaas is depicted in traditional bishop’s garb, but is draped in a long red cloak, perhaps the origin of the red colour associated with Santa. Sinterklaas carries a big book with him, in which the names of all the children are written, and whether they have been bad or good.
Our modern depiction of Santa stems from the work of Thomas Nast. Thomas Nast, a political cartoonist, drew the first depiction of Santa Claus for the Harper’s Weekly magazine in 1863. He continued to draw Santa for 20 years complete with the big tummy and beard we all know and love. Coca-Cola further contributed to the popularity of Santa Claus with him featuring in all of their Christmas adverts since the 1930s.
So whether you like Santa for his origins or just for the joy he brings to Christmas, be sure to leave a glass of milk and cookies for our jolly, round Christmas Father.
