Santa Claus
Commonly associated with Christmas, Santa Claus is a fictional character and is mostly shown as a fat and happy man wearing a red suit with white trim. According to the American version of the legend, Santa, as he is often known, lives in the North Pole with his wife, Mrs. Claus, some elves who build his toys, and reindeer who pull his sled. Father Christmas, the Nordic version of the myth, is said to reside in Lapland, Finland. He is also associated with bringing gifts to small children on Christmas by sliding down fireplace chimneys and reindeer pulling his sled.
The tradition originally comes from Finland (Nordic countries) and then spread to the world. Santa is most likely created from St. Nicholas, who was also known as St. Nick. There are many popular culture items about Santa. Santa Claus is known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Santa, Santy, Kris Kringle and many other names.[1]
Santa Claus' home
Santa Claus lives in a small hill called Korvatunturi in Lapland, Finland in the Nordic myth. There is a theme park in Rovaniemi, which is near Korvatunturi, called Santa Claus Village.
In North American tradition (in the United States and Canada), Santa lives at the North Pole.
The saint who inspired the legend of Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas, who lived in the 4th Century AD and had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.[2]
References
- ↑ "Santa's names".
- ↑ "Santa Claus". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
