The Origins and Cultural Variations of Santa Claus
“Ho! Ho! HO! Merry Christmas!” is the famous phrase of good ole, Saint Nick, Santa Claus! The beloved man in his iconic red suit with his infectious laughter and joyful spirit has brought mirth, delight, and cheer to countless children for centuries during the holiday season! While the classic story of Santa — a jolly man who lives at the North Pole alongside his hard-working elves, and who embarks on a yearly global journey to deliver gifts to well-behaved children — is widely recognized, different countries have their own unique interpretations and stories of Santa!
The well-known depiction of Santa Claus is based on Saint Nick. Saint Nicolas was born in Lycia, Asia Minor, now near Demare Turkey, and is an honored saint in Eastern and Western churches. Saint Nicolas lived a life of selflessness and philanthropy. According to the article, “The Legend of Saint Nicolas,” while his parents had been rich and had left him a fortune when they passed away he chose to give it all away. The article said, “Nicholas resolved to give away all his money to help those who were needy, and especially other children in trouble.” Saint Nick wanted to help the poor, especially children in poverty. Like the legend of Santa, Saint Nick preferred to deliver his gifts and money in secrecy. “He was determined to be sneaky, so they would not know where the money came from.” The article gives an example of his quiet generosity towards a seller. It said, “A man was selling rugs to pay his debts. His wife and children had no food. Nicholas bought some Turkish rugs from the man, paying him much much more than they were worth, then making an excuse, gave the rugs back to the man’s wife.” The article also tells the story of how Nicholas’s generosity saved a group of three girls from a life of danger. The article said, “There were three girls, who could not get married because their father had been careless and spent their dowries and was still in debt. The only option for these girls was slavery or worse!
Nicholas heard of this and came up with a plan.” According to the article he brought a stock filled with gold for all three girls so they could afford to get married. He even got creative when he reached the third girl’s house. The article said, “He found all the windows were shut. He climbed up on their roof, and dropped it down the chimney, landing in the girl’s shoes, which were beside the hearth.” Like the modern Santa Claus who saves children from heartache on Christmas Day, Saint Nick saved these girls from a lifetime of money troubles! Throughout his life, Saint Nick traveled the world urging others to care for the needy, especially children, and to spread the spirit of generosity.
While giving gifts to the well-behaved is common in all versions, Santa looks a little different in other countries. In Germany, one of their versions of Santa Claus is a lot darker than what many are used to. Germany has what they call a “Christmas Devil.” This Christmas devil is Krampus and his origins date back to the 12th century. Legend says that while the good children are awarded with presents in their boots the evening before December 6th the bad children are taken the night before. “Rampus would enter the towns, lashing his chains and bells, to capture the bad children in a basket and bring them to the underworld.” Instead of finding just coal in their stocks as a consequence, German children believe they would be completely taken away by a devil-like Santa.
Italy’s Santa takes a spooky but charming form. In Italy, a popular Christmas figure is known as, “La Befana.” La Befana is, “The Good Witch of Christmas.” Legend says that she rides her broom on the evening of January 5th and climbs down the chimneys to deliver presents to the children. The good children will find candies in their stockings while the naughty children will find coal!
Japan’s version of Santa Claus is very similar to the mainstream Santa Claus. Their version of Santa is known as, “Hotei.” Hotei is a full-figured jolly man who carries a bag full of gifts. Similar to Santa Claus, Hotei is believed to be based on a real person. He is believed to have been based on, “A Chinese monk named Budai who died in 916 AD and was later revered in Buddhism.” Like Santa Claus, he is also very happy and popular among children!
In many parts of Latin America, children are taught that baby Jesus himself delivers gifts! According to the article, “Baby Jesus is Holding His Own in the Battle Over Who Delivers Christmas Presents,” by Ana Campoy, while Latino America has lots of gift-giving prospects during Christmas baby Jesus is the most popular. The article said, “In many Latin American homes the pile of presents, including Colombia, Costa Rica, and Bolivia the pile of presents that magically appears on Christmas Eve come from the infant boy, known as Nino Jesus.” While Baby Jesus has a spiritual feel to him many are confused about how he can bring presents. The article interviewed various children and some said they believed that he had a magic helicopter while others believed he owned a store and bought the toys there. Regardless, children wait for the gifts all year round!
All around the children look forward to their version of Santa Claus coming to town! All versions of Santa bring magic and delight to homes and provide parents with the ideal reason to encourage good behavior in their children!
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