The jolly old Santa is one of the prime attractions of Christmas festival. As soon the festive mood sets in, everyday gets all ready for gifts and decorations and the dear Santa who comes down the chimney. Popularly depicted as a fat jolly man with a long white beard dressed in the festive red color suit with white borders carrying a sack full of gifts for kids. This
Santa Claus is a North American version of a legend that has its roots in the ancient Europe.
Legend of Santa Claus
As the tale goes,
Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas was known to save sailors who got lost or stuck in storms. He used to protect young children and give generous
gifts to the poor as well. There is another story saying that he gave a big bag of gold to a poor family throwing it down through the chimney. But behind these different stories, lies the tradition of giving gifts on the occasion of Christmas. In different countries
Santa Claus is depicted differently. Like in Germany Santa Claus is known to come in a horse instead of a sleigh. Also he is depicted as wearing a bishop’s robe. Even the gifts that were given on the day were observed on December 6. After the Reformation the German Protestants promoted the veneration of the Christ Child and hence started the tradition of gift giving on December 25.
American Origin of Santa Claus
The American story of
Santa Claus got its origin from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas. The first actual description of Santa Claus was in the form of a poem in 1823 ‘A Visit From Saint Nicholasmore’ or popularly known as ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Clement Clarke Moore.
In his poem Clement Moore included details like the names of the reindeer etc. he also elaborately describes
Santa Claus and how he comes down the chimney and his loud laugh.
Adding to this image of
Santa Claus was Thomas Nast who described Santa Claus as a round hefty man. Nast described the North Pole and how Santa decided on the list of good and bad children. And in 1931 a full human sized Santa Claus was depicted by the Coca-cola ad. Today Santa Claus is known as a complete grown up man and only his workers are elves.
Santa Claus of Today
Today Santa Claus is a very important part of the Christmas celebrations world around. Through advertisements, greeting cards, festive decorations and the appearance of
Santa Claus in different departmental stores, the spirit of Santa Claus is kept alive. Even in songs and
movies the image of Santa Claus is kept alive like the ‘Miracle on 34th Street 1947 and songs like
‘Santa Claus is coming to Town’.
Although most adults don’t believe in the existence of Santa Claus, it surely adds to the gaiety in the air. Today Santa Claus stands as a symbol of love and compassion offering presents and joys on its way.
So welcome the Christmas spirit and dance along with the jolly old Santa…
