What are the origins of Santa Claus?

Answer 1

There are many origins for what we now know as the traditional American Santa Claus. He is predominately a combination of the British "Father Christmas" and the Dutch "St. Nicholas." Both of these characters serve the role of gift-giver during the holiday season.

Answer 2

Before being mixed with the British "Father Christmas" figure, leading to the more official, American depiction of "Santa Claus," the European gift-giving figure used to be known in various countries by different names, especially as "St Nikolas" or "Sinterklaas." The anyonymous poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" gave rise to many little details in the myth, as did the images of a Jolly, red-clad Santa in Coca-Cola commercials.

Answer 3

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia (present day Turkey)

Answer 4

The true Santa Claus originates from Lapland, Northern Finland.

Answer 5

The story of Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra who lived in the region of Lycia in the 4th century.
Lycia is in modern day Turkey.

Answer 6

Santa was evolved throughout the years and each country has different Santa. So there isn't really a original Santa from a certain country!

Answer 7

The origin is Germany.