Saint Nicholas

A medieval fresco depicting St Nicholas from the Boyana Church, near Sofia, Bulgaria

Santa Claus has a variety of different names in different languages,

but they all refer to the person of St. Nicholas.

Few documents exist which mention him, however legends of his generosity

exist throughout most churches. Thousands of churches in the

Middle Ages were dedicated to him. St. Nicholas performed a number of miracles, all associated

with gift giving. His feast days are

December 6th and December 25th.

Saint Nicholas of Myra is the primary inspiration for the Christian

figure of Santa Claus. He was a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop

of Myra in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey.

Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor,

in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters

of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not

have to become prostitutes. He was very religious from an early age

and devoted his life entirely to Christianity.

1881 illustration by Thomas Nast

In 1823, Clement C. Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas',

which showed Santa Claus driving a sleigh drawn by "eight tiny reindeer"

and in doing so he created an image we all have today.

Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus based on

Moore's description cementing in this image.

The probable origins of various traditions

which then spread around the world include:

~~~~ Gifts ~ from the generosity of St. Nicholas

~~~ Reindeer ~from the north and Santa needed transportation

~~~~ Chimney~ Santa comes secretly and so the entrance

must be secret and easy to use. In Germany and Scandinavia

often Santa comes through the door.

~~~~ North Pole~ America's Father Christmas dwells there, Santa Claus

needed somewhere to live that couldn't really be visited or proven wrong.

~~~~ Beard~ St. Nicholas, the Magi are bearded, white because of age.

~~~~ Costume~ Cloak from St. Nicholas, and perhaps the Magi.

The fur probably added to fit the Northern legend.

~~~~ Sock~ Hung by the chimney to dry and

they make a good repository for presents. ~~~~

I love to learn how traditions started! I had forgotten that Santa Claus

was originally a patron saint remembered for his generosity

and gift giving!

So, how many names can you think of for Saint Nicholas?

Santa, Father Christmas........

**info and pics from wiki