Every time the end of the year approaches, the atmosphere is full of joy and happiness, especially when Christmas Day arrives.
One figure that is never forgotten in Christmas celebrations is Santa Claus. A figure wearing a red robe, a thick white beard, and carrying a bag full of gifts.
However, do you know how this legendary figure came to be? Let's explore the real history of Santa Claus
The history of the emergence of Santa Claus
To understand the origins of Santa Claus, we need to go back to the 4th century AD. At that time, there was a bishop in the city of Myra (now Demre, Turkey) known as Saint Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas is a highly revered figure for his kindness and his habit of giving gifts to the poor, especially children.
Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity, often giving gold coins or other valuables to help those in need. Stories of Saint Nicholas' kindness spread throughout Europe.
Every December 6, many countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, and in some places, people will dress up in clothes similar to bishops' garb to honor him. In the 18th century, the Dutch brought the tradition of Saint Nicholas to America when they migrated to New York (then known as New Amsterdam).
In Dutch, Saint Nicholas is called "Sinterklaas," which is phonetically similar to the name we know today, Santa Claus.
Dutch immigrants began the tradition of Sinterklaas by bringing gifts to children on the night of December 5.
What is interesting, however, is how Dutch culture combined the story of Saint Nicholas with local customs, such as giving gifts in a more festive way and holding small parties to celebrate the birth of Jesus
In Dutch, Saint Nicholas is called "Sinterklaas," which is phonetically similar to the name we know today, Santa Claus.
Dutch immigrants began the tradition of Sinterklaas by bringing gifts to children on the night of December 5.
What is interesting, however, is how Dutch culture combined the story of Saint Nicholas with local customs, such as giving gifts in a more festive way and holding small parties to celebrate the birth of Jesus
Christ. Images of Santa Claus in America
In the early 19th century, the figure of Santa Claus began to take on a more defined form as we know it today thanks to the work of artists and writers.
One of the key moments was in 1823, when a famous poem entitled "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (better known as *"The Night Before Christmas"*) was published.
Written by Clement Clarke Moore, the poem depicts Santa Claus riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer, entering through a chimney, and bringing gifts to good children. In the 1930s, the image of Santa Claus began to appear more frequently in commercials, most notably in advertisements for Coca-Cola.
The Coca-Cola Company introduced the image of Santa Claus with a very iconic style: red clothes, a long white beard, and a friendly face.
The advertisement was very successful and became one of the most recognized images of Santa Claus worldwide to this day.
Written by Clement Clarke Moore, the poem depicts Santa Claus riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer, entering through a chimney, and bringing gifts to good children. In the 1930s, the image of Santa Claus began to appear more frequently in commercials, most notably in advertisements for Coca-Cola.
The Coca-Cola Company introduced the image of Santa Claus with a very iconic style: red clothes, a long white beard, and a friendly face.
The advertisement was very successful and became one of the most recognized images of Santa Claus worldwide to this day.
The Santa Claus figure created by Coca-Cola has more consistent characteristics, such as red clothes with white accents, a white furry hat, and a large bag full of gifts.
Although Coca-Cola did not create Santa Claus, their advertising successfully introduced this figure in a more standardized form, which later became a global icon of Christmas celebrations.
The figure of Santa Claus as we know it today is not only an icon of a gift-bearing person, but also has a deep symbolic meaning. Many people consider Santa Claus to be a representation of the spirit of giving, happiness, and kindness.
The existence of Santa Claus reminds us to share with others, especially those in need. By sharing gifts, most followers of Christ are considered to have followed the teachings of love as taught by Jesus Christ.
Although many know that Santa Claus is just a legend, this figure remains an inseparable part of Christmas traditions and customs around the world.
Interestingly, although the figure of Santa Claus is very identical to Western culture, he has also been adopted and adapted to various traditions around the world.
In England, for example, Santa Claus is known as Father Christmas, while in Italy, there is a figure called La Befana, a witch who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
The existence of Santa Claus reminds us to share with others, especially those in need. By sharing gifts, most followers of Christ are considered to have followed the teachings of love as taught by Jesus Christ.
Although many know that Santa Claus is just a legend, this figure remains an inseparable part of Christmas traditions and customs around the world.
Interestingly, although the figure of Santa Claus is very identical to Western culture, he has also been adopted and adapted to various traditions around the world.
In England, for example, Santa Claus is known as Father Christmas, while in Italy, there is a figure called La Befana, a witch who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
In some countries, such as Russia, there is a figure similar to Santa Claus known as Ded Moroz (Snow Father), who comes with his granddaughter, Snegurochka, to give gifts in the winter.
Although the names and appearances are different, all these figures have in common the joy and giving of gifts during the Christmas celebration. In the modern world, Santa Claus has developed into a part of the culture in most countries with the most Christian followers.
Even this figure has been raised in various events on the screen, such as films, cartoons, and advertisements.
Although the names and appearances are different, all these figures have in common the joy and giving of gifts during the Christmas celebration. In the modern world, Santa Claus has developed into a part of the culture in most countries with the most Christian followers.
Even this figure has been raised in various events on the screen, such as films, cartoons, and advertisements.
Conclusion
The figure of Santa Claus has a long history, from a kind bishop, to a festive figure in Dutch tradition, to an iconic figure known throughout the world.
Although his origins are rooted in the legend of Saint Nicholas, the development of the character of Santa Claus is heavily influenced by culture and traditions that have developed in society, including works of art and commercial advertising that have helped shape the image of Santa Claus as we know him today.
As a symbol of happiness and goodness, Santa Claus continues to inspire us to share and celebrate Christmas with a spirit of love. This legend lives on in the hearts of many people, and is part of the Christmas celebration.
Also read: the place of jesus born in a stock : myth of fact ?
Although his origins are rooted in the legend of Saint Nicholas, the development of the character of Santa Claus is heavily influenced by culture and traditions that have developed in society, including works of art and commercial advertising that have helped shape the image of Santa Claus as we know him today.
As a symbol of happiness and goodness, Santa Claus continues to inspire us to share and celebrate Christmas with a spirit of love. This legend lives on in the hearts of many people, and is part of the Christmas celebration.
Also read: the place of jesus born in a stock : myth of fact ?
No comments:
Post a Comment