"The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships."
More here...
Or here.
Yesterday (or is it today?) was "Sinterklaas", the Dutch equivalent Christmas. There is much more connection between Sinterklaas and St. Nicholas than there is between Santa Claus and St. Nick. Sinterklaas arrives by boat from Spain (not quite Turkey, I guess) and wears clothing reminiscent of a saint or bishop (along with a Pope-ish hat). Name aside, there seems to be very little resemblance to St. Nick in Santa Claus.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my two cents. Sinterklaas is one Dutch tradition I miss...
He even looks a little like Santa, that jolly old elf.
ReplyDelete