The character of Santa Claus is one of the most representative of this time and one of our children’s favorites.
The character of Santa Claus is one of the most representative of this time and one of our children’s favorites. However, very few know how it arose and where it came from. In Parents and Children, we tell you their story. Keep reading!
Santa’s real name
Nicholas of Bari was a good man who lived in Lycia in present-day Turkey in the 4th century. He was recognized for his invaluable generosity to the poor, to whom he gave gifts without their realizing it; one of the most common ways was entering through the chimneys of the houses while its inhabitants slept.
After giving away all his money to those most in need, Nicolás traveled to Mira to become a priest and later a bishop. Back then, people who followed the Christian faith were still incarcerated, and Nicolas, along with many others, was persecuted, accused, and imprisoned for a long time. Regardless of his condition, he continued to profess faith in Christ from prison.
Nicolás and his relationship with Christmas
Nicolás is said to have been released 40 years later, on December 25, Christmas day. The first place he visited was a Church, where he was received while the Adeste Fideles was intoned, a Gregorian chant that talks about the birth of Christ. Nicolás returned to the priesthood until the day of his death, in the year 345.
How did you become Santa Claus?
Saint Nicholas became a very popular saint in Europe and part of Asia. Every December 6, the date of his death, it was customary to give cookies and other goodies to children. Later, when the Dutch arrived in American lands, they brought this tradition along with their patron saint Sinterklaas. This name began to be pronounced more simply until it became Santa Claus.
Two centuries later, the poet Clemente Clarke Moore wrote a version where he turns Santa Claus into a dwarf that travels on a sleigh pulled by a group of reindeer led by Rodolfo. Later, the German cartoonist Thomas Nast designed a new image for his Christmas comic strips with the image that we currently know.
As you can see, Santa Claus has come a long way to become the nice character he is now, which continues to carry a message of peace, love and generosity for these dates. Do not stop writing your letter, he will surely receive it.