Who the Santa Is?

During Christmas time children around the world awaits a visit of mythological bringers of gifts and good luck. He is kind man and world know him as Santa Claus but in many other countries he is known by different names. The true story of Santa Claus begins with Saint Nicholas, who was born during third century in the village named Patara. At that time it was in Greek now it is in Turkey. He was the son of wealthy parents and follower of Jesus Christ beliefs and thinking. Nicholas used his whole parental inheritance for helping sick, needy and sufferer. He dedicated his life in servings God and poor people. Due to this generosity he became Bishop of Myra in his young age. Bishop Nicholas became the iconic representation of generosity throughout the land of Greek and known for help for those who are in need, love for children and his concern for sailor and his ships.

He died December 6, 343 AD in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic of Saint Nicholas can be seen. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration and known as St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries hagiography depicts many stories and legends that have been told about St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us to understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer dowry for marrying his daughter. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. The poor man's daughters, without dowries, are therefore forced to sell their daughter into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the chance for poor old man to get better husband for his daughter. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed into stockings or shoes that was left before the fire to dry.

This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas.

The modern depictions of American version of Santa Claus derive its name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klass, brought by the Dutch settlers in 17 century.
Modern Santa Claus is fat, jolly man, humorous, wearing a red coat and trousers with white cuffs and collar, black leather belt and boots.
Thomas Nast a famous caricaturist and political cartoonist reinforce the legendary image of Santa Claus in American culture through various medium of communication. Gradually this iconic figure accepted by American and become the part of their cultural celebration of Christmas festival.

Another legend associated with Santa life says that he lives in the far north, in a land of snow and ice. The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole. Other detail says that he is married and lives with his wife Mrs. Claus. According to belief it is said that she have the responsibility to make list of children residing throughout the world. This list categorise children in accordance of their behaviors and gifts are delivered as per their categorisation. Toys and candy are gift for good boys and girls and sometimes coal and sticks for the naughty children.

Names by which Santa Claus is known throughout the world

Jingle bell, Jingle bell, Jingle all the way
Santa Claus is coming around,
Riding on the sledge

Here is the different name of legendary gift bringer on the Christmas Eve. He is known by so many names but across the world this it’s a revered figure that brings joy, happiness and good luck.

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