Santa claus history legend
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The Legend of St. Nicholas: The Real Santa Claus
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best-known St. Nicholas stories is the time he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.
Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especially in Holland.
Did you know? The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the
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Origins of picture historical ‘Santa Claus’
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How old is Santa? History on the saint, how he became associated with Christmas
Frosty the Snowman. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The Grinch.
These characters are among many that are associated with Christmas time. But none are quite as synonymous with the season as the jolly gentleman in red.
No matter if you call him Kris Kringle, Father Christmas or Santa Claus, the legendary figure is known for delivering toys to good children on Christmas Eve, traveling in his sleigh with the help of his reindeer.
But how did Santa become the holiday's figurehead? Here's a history lesson on ol' Saint Nick.
How old is Santa?
Santa Claus' origins date back to about A.D. when St. Nicholas was born, the History Channel reports. This would make Santa approximately 1, years old today.
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The monk was known for his piety and kindness. He would eventually become known as "the protector of children and sailors." His feast day is celebrated on Dec. 6, falling on his death date. Historically, the day was considered to be "lucky" for making large purchases and getting married, according to the History Channel.
Some legends suggest that St. Nicholas would return on his feast day, dressed in a red bishop's robe. He'd deliver sweets and