Yes. The story of Santa Claus is believed to have originated from the real St Nicholas, who was born in Lycia, Greece (now part of southern Turkey) during the third century.
St Nicholas/Nicolas was brought up in a devout Christian family. His parents taught him to be generous and to serve others. He had a reputation for secretly giving to the poor, and he was also known for his love for children, and his concern for sailors who often worked under some difficult conditions.
Nicholas was persecuted for his faith under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and died on 6 December 343.
Answer:
Like the superpositioning of Christmas on the winter solstice to allow converts to maintain a winter celebration, Santa Claus was regifted from Norse and Germanic traditions.
In Norse Mythology, Odin's magical eight-legged steed Sleipnir was capable of bearing him through the air and to and from the land of the dead. Odin, each winter at Yule, would launch a great hunt with fellow gods and slain warriors
Little children would stuff their boots full of carrots, straw and sugar for Odin's flying horse to eat and set them near the chimney at night. Odin, who like Santa is described as an old, bearded, mysterious man, would reward them for this kindness by leaving gifts or candy in place of Sleipnir's food.
In some European traditions (Dutch folklore) both Saint Nicolas and Odin ride white horses that can fly through the air. St. Nocolas leaves letters made of candy for the children to remind them of rune letters bestowed by Odin in Norse legend. The Durch brought this type of celebration with the Odin association to America.
Even Santa's "eight reindeer" remind us of the eight legs of Odin's wondrous steed. This particular tradition may be as easily associated with the Norse god Thor, who rode the sky in a chariot drawn by two goats, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr.
The original father Christmas or Santa Claus was known as Saint Nicholas ('saint' meaning holy from the latin word Sanctus and 'Nicholas' meaning Victory of the People [Nicolaos] ) who was a 4th century saint and greek Bishop (therefore a christian) and was known for secretly giving gifts to people such as small coins in the shoes of people who left them out for him, eventually beginning the legend of father christmas and the dads to come :)
Yes. He celebrates the birth of Jesus and spreads the word by giving gifts and encouraging generosity. He inspires people to be kind and remember what makes Christmas so special.
"father christmas" is now the common term for St.Nicolas who was a christian he gave out gifts to celebrate the birthday of jesus and good will to all men
No he was pagan.
No he was pagan and based on Norse legend. Another View: Yes, the original Father Christmas is Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a Christian. Additional Comments: I guess it depends on your definition of "first"...
yes
Saint Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas.
Santa Claus
No he is Norse and comes from a pagan legend.
No he was pagan and based on a Norse legend.
Although he is best-known for functioning in relation to the Christian festival of Christmas, Father Christmas transcends religions and is outside of them. Many non-Christian lands and people know of him - even if they give him different names.
No he was pagan and based on a Norse legend.
The name "Father Christmas" originated in the mid-17th century when traditional Christmas celebrations of feasting and drinking were frowned upon by Puritans. People that supported the traditional celebrations personified Christmas itself in order to spread the idea of a cheerful occasion. The term "Father" was used to suggest that Christmas was a Christian persona.
the swagman is like a homeless but gives present there.