Vital Information: The Truth About Santa Claus
by Everyone needs to know the truth about Santa Claus. There are so many rumours going round that it’s about time the truth came out.
The original Santa Claus lived nowhere near the North Pole. It is thought that he originated somewhere in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Santa Claus is a corruption of the Dutch name Sinte Klaus, Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was in fact, a bishop from Myra in Turkey.
Image by Zanastardust via Flickr
Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of children and unmarried girls and tradition says that he gave bags of gold to three daughters who came from noble, but poor families, so that they would have dowries and so be able to get married.
Image via Wikipedia
As the legend developed in the Netherlands, it was said that the three bags of gold were replaced with a bulging bag of gifts which Santa Claus distributed to children on December 6th which is Saint Nicholas’ feast day. Dutch settlers took the legend to North America where is became entangled with the north European legends about a winter spirit who gave gifts to children who were well behaved and punished the bad.
Image via Wikipedia
However, before 1931 when Santa Claus was used in advertising by the Coca Cola Company, the jolly old man did not look as he does today. The red and white outfit and the white beard and whiskers, were created as part of the advertising campaign for Coca Cola.
Image via Wikipedia
In England, this jovial gent is known as Father Christmas and we all know the true story. He’s a happy, smiling, fat old man with very long whiskers and a fleet of reindeer to pull his sleigh. His elves who live with him at the North Pole, make all the toys and he brings them to the children on Christmas Eve.
Image via Wikipedia
Father Christmas should not be confused with the army of helpers he sends out to work in department stores at Christmas time. These Father Christmas look-a-likes are there to do a job and they ask children what they would like as a gift for Christmas, and relay the information back to the boss via their iPods. After all, they don’t want to run low on stocks.
Image via Wikipedia
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Post CommentCA Johnson
On December 7, 2009 at 8:27 pm
This is very interesting. I never knew the story on Santa Claus. All I knew when I was little was that he came in your house and gave you presents.
Ruby Hawk
On December 7, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Santa claus is a very popular person this time of year. I hope he gets around to all the good boys and girl.
Borneon
On December 7, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Cool..I always knew he was someone about someone St.Nick. Thanks for sharing and Merry X’mas to you
Val Mills
On December 8, 2009 at 12:20 am
Lovely read. I’m still his fan
Faith Hodge
On December 8, 2009 at 4:25 am
Well presented, good post here. Thanks for sharing
Tim P Stavert
On December 8, 2009 at 5:47 am
I enjoyed playing Santa once, seeing all the smiles on the little children’s faces. Then my cover was blown away in three swift words, when my four year old son appeared and said “That’s my Daddy!”
Very intereting article Jan, I think it is time I hung up my red and white suit and put Rudolf out to graze.
Kind Regards
Tim
Glynis Smy
On December 8, 2009 at 7:41 am
Interesting facts about Santa.
Louie Jerome
On December 8, 2009 at 8:04 am
Please be aware that I am in direct communication with Santa Claus and I’ll whisper a good word into his ear for everyone who leaves a comment here.
magicdarts
On December 8, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Its all those “Elf and Safety” restrictions that worry me these days – however will he get the presents out in time to all the girls and boys!
Lex92
On December 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm
That was cute! I learned a lot about Santa today! Great article and perfect for the season
Authoress Terry E. Lyle
On December 8, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Very good article and very informative…..and all this time I thought daddy was Santa Claus. Ha ha ha.
Jay Bre
On December 9, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Interesting
PR Mace
On December 21, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Quite a good article and please tell Santa I have been very good this year.