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Santa Claus is ye olde
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History holds many myths. Such names as Big Foot and the Easter Bunny are common enough to the average American. In fact, some myths are mentioned so often in our culture, it is easy to feel particular characters have always been around. The Christmas season, of course, brings into focus the mythical character of Santa Claus. The many traditions families enjoy, due to his presence, put him among the more fascinating. However, the journey from Santa’s roots to the character our culture knows today has been long and somewhat controversial.
According to Wikipedia, the story was set in motion in 280 when St. Nicholas was born in present day Turkey. He became a Christian bishop of the city Myra and inherited a great deal of wealth; a fortune he felt he should share with others. The cloaked figure of Nicholas would leave children of the city toys and candy as they slept. Nicholas’ greatest gift was the gold he left in the stockings of three young girls who couldn’t previously marry because they lacked sufficient dowries.
Another figure that was influential in shaping the modern Santa was the Germanic, pagan god, Odin. It was said that Odin led a hunting party in the sky on the holiday of Yule, in which he rode an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir. This strange creature was said to travel with such incredible leaps it actually appeared he was flying. This, of course, gave rise to the later idea that Santa had eight reindeer. According to thehistoryofchristmas.com, when Germany became an almost exclusively Christian nation around the 1100s, there was no longer a place for a pagan god. The traditions Odin inspired continued, but St. Nicholas began receiving the credit. When the Dutch came to America and settled New Amsterdam, their pronunciation of St. Nicholas sounded like Sinter Klaas, which eventually turned into Santa Claus. According to history.com, Episcopal minister Clement Clark Moore’s poem “The Night Before Christmas” in 1822, and political cartoonist Thomas Nast’s depiction of Santa Claus published in Harper’s Weekly in 1881, were big steps in furthering Santa’s power over the American public. In the 1890s, The Salvation Army originated the idea of using a live Santa to promote their cause. Shortly after, Santas were seen in department stores. Today, Santa Claus is a national icon. His story is one that has been well-crafted and in some ways is very endearing. However, there is a great deal of religious opposition, as well as moral debate regarding the properness of such an elaborate lie. Santa also brings another financial variable into people’s lives.
Senior Diana Johnson can see pros and cons to our country’s Santa fixation. She argues that some families are unable to deliver on the promise and hope Santa is meant to be for good children. Conversely, she admitted, when a family can deliver, the Santa concept can be a source of great joy.
“He can represent hope or disappointment,” Johnson concluded. Again, the figure of Santa Claus has been long in developing. Though he hasn’t been met with open arms in all circles, his character has exhibited staying power. What began as a humble saint attempting to help people in need has turned into a phenomenal entity of commercialization.
RYAN HOLMAN
Arbiter Journalist
