The whole persona of Santa Claus is well etched out and is a very attractive icon of children. Christmas is a festivity most awaited by children and this has immensely helped in the survival of the legends of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New York brought this fun and lively tradition to America.
The PersonaThis version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and some very curious traditions. A merry old man with red and white clothes, along with eight flying reindeer, which is later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The home of Santa Clause is located on or near the North Pole and he is in habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th. Santa Claus is also said to possess the habit of entering houses through the chimney.
The TransformationThe basis for the Santa Claus is Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir), in what is now Turkey. Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D. He was very rich, generous, and loving toward children. Often he gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows. The modern day image of Santa Clause has been very much evolved and has attained a commercial status. But nonetheless this image has still preserved the essence of the old cult. Actually the old "cult" of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.
The Real Saint Nicholas