History of Santa Claus
While St. Nicholas remains an important religious icon celebrated in both Eastern and Western cultures, some experts conclude that he was never an actual human being. Some feel that St. Nicholas was a fictitious character created by the Christian Church from a mish-mash of Pagan gods and myths. They point to the similarities between the legends of St. Nicholas and the Greek myth “Poseidon”. Additional linkages are made between St. Nicholas, the Roman God Neptune, and the Teutonic God Hold Nickar. In fact, some claim “Hold Nickar” was the inspiration for the name “Nicholas”, just as Poseidon’s title “the Sailor” possibly inspired the connection of St. Nicholas’ persona with sea-goers. The tradition of placing stocking and shoes by the fireplace to be filled with treats also could be said to have roots in Pagan god folklore. The German god Odin was said to have filled the shoes of children with gifts each year during Yule. Children would leave their shoes by the chimney at night and fill them with straw for Odin’s flying horse to eat. As thanks, Odin was said to have replaced the straw for his horse with treats and gifts.
Others point to facts which could indicate St. Nicholas did exist in the flesh at one time. The nomination of St. Nicholas to the position of Bishop in Myra can be corroborated with records and his name appears on some lists of participants in the Council of Nicaea. Some of the legends surrounding St. Nicholas are unique to him or can be partially supported by historical documents. Other tales are supported by separate accounts with congruent information or by the depth of detail to the story, which presumably could not have been known if created during a different time period.
Despite any questions that may have arisen about his existence in human form, St. Nicholas is today known as a religious figure and is celebrated by many worldwide. December 6th is recognized as a feast day in honor of St. Nicholas. Widely celebrated in Catholic sections of Europe, the day marks the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death and is the main day of winter holiday gift giving for many in that region. Like Santa Claus in the west, St. Nicholas visits on the eve of December 6th to leave gifts.
When the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century banned feasts dedicated to Catholic saints, the day for St. Nicholas became merged with Christmas festivities in some countries. St. Nicholas took on a different meaning (as a non-religious gift bearer) but the spirit of the festivities was the same. In Germany he became Weihnachtsmann, in England Father Christmas, and in France Pere Noel. In the Netherlands and Belgium where December 6th (or the eve of that day) is still the chief day of celebration, the gift giving St. Nicholas figure is called Sinterklaas. It was the Dutch settlers to New York in the 17th century who brought their tradition of Sinterklaas to American that made for the beginnings of the Western Santa Claus. The name “Sinterklaas” evolved in to “Santa Claus” due to the way the English speaking settlers pronounced the word.
