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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.

The name Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch form of "Saint Nicholas". The Dutch in particular are credited with reviving St. Nicholas as the 'gift bringer'. The Dutch form of St Nicholas is Sinterklaas.

St. Nicholas and Santa Claus

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. After his death, a legend began which said that manna, the nutritious substance God miraculously provided to keep the Israelites alive during their 40 years in the desert, formed on his grave. It was said that this manna could heal ailments and illness.

During the years that followed, many people followed the teachings of St Nicholas, and stories of his incredible generosity and love for children gradually developed into the Santa Claus legend of today. 6 December is celebrated as the festival of St Nicholas.

When the Dutch settled New York, the tradition of Sinterklaas came with them. By 1773, the name had appeared in the American newspapers as "St A. Claus". Once the New York Historical Society was founded in 1804, with Nicholas as its patron saint, the legend was embellished with additions such as flying reindeer and a sleigh laden with gifts.

Later, more details were added, particularly with the work of illustrator Thomas Nast whose work on the Christmas editions of Harper's Magazine, between the 1860s and 1880s, really help developed the current image of Santa Claus. Drawn by Nast as round and jolly, Santa Claus was also depicted in his workshop at the North Pole, with a list of all the good and bad children. At this stage, Santa was dressed in a dark green coat.

The modern, red-suited Santa Claus developed out of a 1931 advertising campaign put on by the Coca Cola company, in which the jolly old gentleman was dressed in red and white, the colours of Coca Cola. This image has continued to the present day.

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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.

The Dutch used Odin and his horse to base St. Nicholas and his horse on. They then brought the tradition to America when they colonized it.

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14y ago
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13y ago

from SAINT NICOLAUS

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11y ago

El inventor de papa noel es la coca cola

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