The Four Faces of Santa Claus

Santa Claus has been different things to different peoples throughout history. The pagan Norse God Odin associated with wisdom, war, death and hunting. A 4^th century bishop Saint Nicholas who became a patron saint of the Christian church celebrated as a protector of the poor. The early 17^th century Father Christmas who represented the feast of Christmas in opposition to the Puritans. The modern-day Santa Claus, ia red-suited jovial old man, associated with a popular soft drink, advertising and consumerism. All of these views still exist in the world today reflecting the differing cultures that created them.

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Odin is the ancient ancestor of Santa Claus

The Norse god Odin is considered to be the chief god in Norse paganism. Also known as Wotan in Old High German and Woden in Anglo-Saxon. In Pagan Germany, the god Odin led a great hunting party astride an eight-legged horse during the Yule holiday. Santa’s reindeer may be derived from the horse Sleipnir. It is believed that children would place their boots near the chimney filled with straw, carrots or sugar for Odin’s horse. Odin would then repay the children’s kindness by replacing the horse food with gifts or sweets.

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Saint Nicholas

St. Nicholas day is a religious feast day celebrated around the world in December. Why? St. Nicholas was the 4^th century bishop of Myra revered as a man of the people and a man of action. He was born in Greco-Roman Lycia, now a small town called Demre, part of the modern-day Antalya region of Turkey. He reportedly rescued three men from execution by Roman guards by brandishing a sword. On another occasion, he persuaded sailors on route to Egypt to feed the starving people of Myra with their cargo of grain which was mysteriously replenished until all the people were fed.  Because of his many miracles St. Nicholas was also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Today St. Nicholas is still celebrated by Catholic and Orthodox Christians in many countries around the world. He is also honored by many Anglican and Lutheran churches.