Humax

We all are well acquainted with the name of Santa Claus. We know him as the benevolent old man who makes all our wishes come true and gives us gifts on Christmas Eve. But how many of us know the actual history behind this legendary figure? We shall tell you how it all began.

The term Santa Claus originated from Saint Nicholas. He is also known by the names of Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, etc. He has always been portrayed as the mythical figure that brings gifts for children on Christmas Eve in western culture. He is also said to bring gifts on Feast Day i.e. the 6th of December. The 6th of December is also known as Saint Nicholas day. Santa Claus is depicted as a plump, bearded jolly man clad in red and white robes. His attire is described as a red coat with white collar cuffs, white cuffed red trousers and black leather belt and boots. This image was popularized by political cartoonist Thomas Nast. This loving image of Santa remains the same till date and we see several people enacting Santa during the Christmas season. Santa is believed to live in the North Pole in a land where it snows perpetually.

Santa Claus lives with his wife Mrs. Claus. Other members living with Santa include a countless number of magical elves and eight to nine flying reindeers. Of them, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer is a pretty famous character. Legend also says that Santa makes a list of children across the world according to their behavior. Subsequently he delivers apt presents to these children. He gives gifts like toys to the good boys and girls and coal to naughty children. Santa sneaks into the house of these children on Christmas Eve. He delivers these gifts usually when the children are sleeping. This is why he is never seen by anybody. He travels in his sleigh which is pulled by his reindeers.

There is an age old tradition that says that Santa Claus enters homes of children through chimneys. This legend originates from the story of Saint Nicholas where the saint tosses a coin down the chimney when he finds a window locked. This is also illustrated in a painting by Jan Steen named the feast of Saint Nicholas. Here you see adults and kids staring up a chimney in anticipation of Santa to arrive. Another reason behind this legend is that in olden times, the hearth was considered a symbol of sanctity. This is why godly powers were said to enter homes through this holy portal. These are one of the innumerable tales surrounding the mythical figure of Santa Claus. To us he shall always remain the benevolent old man who brings us joy in the form of gifts.