Addison Bacon
Santa Claus is the icon of Christmas; when people think of Christmas many think of a jolly man in a red suit. Children all over the world wait all year for the night Santa stops by their house to bring them presents and goodies. The legend of Santa started hundreds of years ago with a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born around A.D. 280 in Patra, near modern-day Turkey. He was admired for his kindness and became the subject of many legends. Some say he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled around helping the poor and sick.
Over many years, his popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. St. Nicholas first became popular in American culture around the end of the 18th century. The name Santa Claus came from Nick’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas. In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, gave out woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society's traditional meeting. These woodcuts contained engravings that are similar to Santa images which include stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace. Santa Claus is a legend that brings joy and holiday cheer to millions around the world.
Commenti