The Legend Behind Santa Claus

By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,

25^th December: The figure of Santa Claus, known for delivering secret gifts to children during Christmas, originates from the story of Saint Nicholas, a 4^th-century bishop from Myra, present-day Turkey. Inheriting substantial wealth after his parents’ early demise, Saint Nicholas was renowned for his generosity, particularly towards the impoverished.

One notable tale describes how he aided a destitute man unable to afford his daughter’s dowry by dropping a bag of gold down the chimney, which landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry. This act is believed to have inspired the tradition of hanging stockings for gifts.

Saint Nicholas was known for wearing robes of various colors, with red being his favorite. Over time, his story faded but regained popularity in 1823 with the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” In 1881, illustrator Thomas Nast’s depiction in Harper’s Weekly further shaped the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly man with a red suit, large belly, and a sack of toys.

Different cultures have their own versions of this gift-giver, such as the UK’s Father Christmas, the Dutch Sinterklaas, Finland’s Joulupukki, and Germany’s God Wodan. These figures have merged over time into the contemporary Santa Claus, who embodies the spirit of giving during the Christmas season, as stated in Astro Ulagam.