Date:   6/13/2005 8:03:32 PM ( 19 y ago)
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There are various origins connected with Santa Claus both pagan and Christian. The one important fact in these legions is that Santa Claus as we know him today does not really resemble any of these figures. Some of the customs associated with this legendary figure can be traced back to pagan times therefor we can understand how some of them came to be associated with Santa as we know him today.

Pagan – At one time and even today in some pagan religions we can see similarities between Santa Claus and the hearth god of the pagans. India and China especially still pay tribute to this hearth god who is dressed in red as a part of their religion. The hearth god who is dressed in red enters the house through the chimney. Supposedly he blesses those who have pleased him and curses those who didn’t. Food and drink were left on the hearth or mantel as an offering in the hopes it would appease and please the pagan god. It is said he leaves gifts for those who have please him while bundles of switches or twigs for those with whom he has found displeasure.

From this legend we can see where the red suit and climbing down the chimney comes from. The giving of presents, leaving cookies, milk and sometimes Sugar for the reindeer can also be attributed to these former customs.

Christian - The name Santa Claus is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name "Sinter Klaas." The Dutch spelling for Saint Nicholas is Sint Nikolass which later due to spelling errors came to be known as Sinterklass and finally when translated to Anglican it became Santa Claus. The name Sinter Klass comes from a Christian bishop called Nicholas who was later to become known as Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a Roman Catholic bishop from Asia Minor who lived during the first half of the fourth century. By all accounts he was a very generous person who had a deep love for children and often gave gifts to the less fortunate all done undercover of night so that his identity would remain a secret. It is said he would question children to ensure they had studied their catechism and behaved appropriately prior to giving them treats. It is the Dutch who continued to keep the legend of Saint Nicholas alive. During the 16 century Dutch children would place their wooden shoes near the hearth in hope that Saint Nicholas would visit and fill their shoes with treats. Saint Nicholas is also known as the patron Saint of children. The attire of bishops at that time was the wearing of long robes which were red in colour.

From this account we can also see how the customs of early Christians are contributed to Santa Claus as we know him today. The red flowing robes of the bishops and the giving of gift under cover of night so as not to be see. This then explains the red suit which Santa Claus wears and the gifts being delivered at night by someone unseen.

In looking at both accounts of how Santa Claus came to be, it is left to the individual whether or not they wish to allow their children to believe in him even if only for a short period of time.

In my own opinion Santa Claus as we know him today is a legend passed down from one generation to the next. The problem as with all legends is each time they are related a little more is added. Eventually after having been passed down for centuries, retold and retold there is little that actually resembles the original version. There has been so much detail added to the original version in order to make the legend more enjoyable that one must wonder where the truth ends and fiction begins.

I think children should be told the true meaning of Christmas and of our Lords birth as the reason for this celebration. Personally, I see no real harm in allowing a child to believe in Santa Claus for the short time that they do believe in him. All children believe in fairy tales and that is exactly what Santa Claus is. The difference is that we have people dressed up as Santa Claus in parades, in shopping centers and almost every where you look during the Christmas season. Due to all this commercialism it makes it difficult for children to grasp the realities of who and what Santa Claus really is. The major draw back in allowing children to believe that he brings presents to only those who have good during the year. This can make it very difficult for those families who are less fortunate and can not afford to give their children presents they ask for. Those who believe in Santa Claus wake up very disappointed and disillusioned on Christmas morning when they discover the presents were not left for them. This then may cause them to believe they were not always good during the year which can be devastating for a young child. So allowing this myth of Santa Claus does not always have happy memories, which is why it must be left up to individuals whether or not to tell their children the truth about Santa Claus from an early age. It is an individual decision and one should not be frowned upon for choosing either way.

 

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