The Man Behind Santa Claus, Part 1

The story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born to a wealthy devout Christian parents during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.

He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas’ life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered for his generousity to those in need, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships. [Read the stories ...] He is most popularly venerated as patron of children, orphans, laborers, and travelers.

In 1100, French Nuns began giving gifts and candies to needy children in honor of St.Nicholas on his feast day.

In the 17th century, the Dutch emigrated to America, establishing the colony of New Amsterdam which, in 1664, became New York. It is the Dutch’s custom to commemorate the feast of Saint Nicholas. Dutch children awaited the visit of Sinter Klaas (St. Nicholas) and his gifts on the night of December 5. This custom spread throughout America, “Sinter Klaas” became “Santa Claus” in the United States. As early as 1773 the name appeared in the American press as “St. A Claus,”.

In 1809, Washington Irving, a popular author, gave Americans a detailed information about the Dutch version of St. Nicholas through his History of New York, which describes St. Nicholas as an elfin Dutch burgher, not a saint.

In 1823, This Dutch-American Saint Nick achieved his fully Americanized form in the poem A Visit From Saint Nicholas more commonly known as The Night Before Christmas by writer Clement Clarke Moore.

The American image of Santa Claus was further elaborated by illustrator Thomas Nast, who depicted a rotund Santa for Christmas issues of Harper’s magazine from the 1860s to the 1880s.

The feast day of St. Nicholas, when presents were received, was traditionally observed on December 6. After the Reformation, German Protestants encouraged veneration of the Christ Child as a gift giver on his own feast day, December 25. When the Nicholas tradition prevailed, it became attached to Christmas itself.

Sources: St. Nicholas Center, Lone Star Christmas Connection

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