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| Everybody thinks they know about Santa Claus. But here we dig a bit deeper and find out the truth. We see how his image has changed over time and travel back in search of his origins. After you watch this video you will know a lot more about this rather elusive man. | ||||||
About The Video |
Introduction |
There are some people in this world who do not believe in Santa Claus. They are rather foolish, but the truth is that for someone so famous, we know very little about the real Santa Claus.
The Origins Of Santa Claus |
The early history of Santa Claus is lost deep in the mists of time. What we do know is that many of our Christmas traditions can be traced back to the pagan Yule-Tide festival. Part of Santa Claus may well be the pagan Green Man.
It is thought that Santa Claus has parts of Odin in him. Odin was the head of the Norse Gods.
Odin, flew through the sky just like Santa Claus. Rather than a sleigh, Odin had a horse called Sleipnir. Odin had a white beard similar to Santa Claus and children would leave food for his horse. They would often receive presents in return.
Saint Nicholas |
A lot of Santa Claus, including his name, comes from Saint Nicholas of Myra. Saint Nicholas was born about 270 A.D. in what is now modern day Turkey. He died December 6, 347 A.D.
Saint Nicholas was known for secretly giving gifts. He was also Bishop of Myra.
A famous story of his generosity is about one of his parishioners, who was a very poor man. He had three daughters, but because of his poverty the man could not provide a dowry so that they could marry. Because of this the man was thinking about selling them to become prostitutes.
Saint Nicholas heard about this. Three times in the middle of the night he secretly brought bags of gold to the man's house. This meant that the man now had money so that his daughters could get married.
The Tomb Of Saint Nicholas |
After his death in 347 A.D. Saint Nicholas was buried in Myra, which is is modern day Turkey. Here his body lay for 740 years.
In 1087, Saint Nicholas's body was stolen and moved 2,000 miles to a town called Bari, which is in Italy. At that time there was a major tourist industry centered around pilgrims visiting holy relics. So Bari sent 70 sailors on the long voyage to Myra. There they snatched the saint's bones and chased by the residents of Myra they brought them to Bari. Over 900 years later Saint Nicholas still resides in the town and remains a major tourist attraction.
The Legend Of The Three Pickled Boys |
This is another story about Saint Nicholas. An evil shopkeeper killed three young boys. He then sliced them up and put them in a pickling barrel. He was going to sell them, pretending the three boys were pickled pork. Saint Nicholas who was visiting realized what had happened. He made the sign of the cross over the barrel and a miracle happened. Out jumped the boys alive and well!!
Saint Nicholas Eve |
In some countries Saint Nicholas Eve is celebrated. This falls on the 5th December. People dress up as Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) and presents are given to children.
A Visit From Saint Nicholas |
In 1823, a poem was published anonymously, it was called "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" it is also known as "The Night Before Christmas".
The author is now believed to be Clement C. Moore, who was a Professor of Biblical Learning.
The poem established many of the ideas that we have of Santa Claus. In the poem Moore describes Santa Claus as plump and jolly with a beard. He also writes that Santa Claus uses a sleigh drawn by eight reindeer. The poem gives each of them a name.
Thomas Nast |
On January 3, 1863 in Harper's Weekly, a cartoon was printed of Santa Claus.
The illustration shows Santa Claus visiting a camp during the American Civil War. This was drawn by Thomas Nast who was a political cartoonist.
This image became very popular and over the years Nast drew other cartoons of Santa Claus. They were widely copied. These illustrations were very influential in the way we see Santa Claus today.
Haddon Sundblom And Coca-Cola |
In 1931 Coca-Cola published a Christmas advertisement. This featured Santa Claus drinking Coca-Cola.
The advertisement was drawn by Haddon Sundblom. For over 30 years, every Christmas, Sundblom drew Coca-Cola a new advertisement featuring Santa Claus.
Interestingly Sundblom used himself as a model for his images of Santa Claus.
Sundblom's images are very important for their depiction of Santa Claus's clothes. Before these pictures, Santa Claus was dressed in many different colors.
Sundblom chose red for his Santa Claus. Many people think that the advertisements invented Santa Claus's red clothes. This is not the case, but they certainly popularized them.
Santa Claus Today |
Santa Claus has never been so popular as he is today. His influence is still spreading throughout the world.
Santa Claus In Stores |
People first started dressing up as Santa Claus many years ago, this tradition still continues today.
The End |
So ends our tale. Even if we are not quite sure who Santa Claus really is, now you can see that he really does exist.
Cutting Room Floor |
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer |
The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert L. May in 1939. He created the character Rudolph and wrote the poem for his employers Montgomery Ward.
This was as part of a Christmas promotional campaign for the retailer. It tells the tale of a ninth reindeer, who has a red-colored nose that is so bright, that it is used as a light for the other reindeer to find their way.
President Kennedy Assures Santa Claus Will Be Safe |
In 1961, a little girl wrote to President John F. Kennedy, she was worried about Santa Claus's safety, Kennedy replied:
"I was glad to get your letter about trying to stop the Russians from bombing the North Pole and risking the life of Santa Claus.
I share your concern about the atmospheric testing of the Soviet Union, not only for the North Pole but for countries throughout the world not only for Santa Claus but for people throughout the world.
However, you must not worry about Santa Claus. I talked with him yesterday and he is fine. He will be making his rounds this Christmas."
Curious Facts |
More Of Our Christmas Videos |
The Mouse And The Christmas Cake
A Visit From Saint Nicholas
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus
Baboushka - A Christmas Legend
Old Santeclaus
Interesting Links |