Evolution of Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a face and a name we know today, but where did he come from? The fact is the modern Santa came from a long line of other Santas. So, let’s take a look at the legend of Santa Claus.
The legend of Santa Claus started with a monk named St. Nicholas, who was believed to have been born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey.
This monk is said to have inherited a great deal of wealth. However, rather than keep it for himself he gave it away and traveled the countryside helping the poor, the sick, and the needy. He provided dowries for poor girls so they would not have to be sold into prostitution; he gave toys to small children, etc. Through his many good deeds he became well known. Many celebrated him on his St. day, which was December 6th.
By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas’s image was even bigger, and still very positive despite the fact that after the Protestant Reformation saints were being discouraged. The idea of a St. Nicholas, and his good deeds was well known in Europe, and his story was told to children.
At the end of the 18th century, the story of St. Nicholas entered America. It is said that in December 1773, and again in 1774, a New York newspaper reported that groups of Dutch families had gathered to honor the anniversary of his death.
Of course at this time he was still far from the Santa Claus we know today. However, it was about this time that the name change began to take place. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). Santa Claus was easier to say for the Americans.