Eric L. Strobel (fyzycyst_at_comcast.net) wrote:
> > Santa Claus is obviously not a
> > biblical character, but has pagan roots, as is the case with many or most
> > customs connected with Christmas.
>
> Actually, St. Nicholas was a (IIRC) 4th Century Christian in what is modern
> day Turkey. So, no, he's not Biblical, but no "pagan roots" either.
Yes, the name "Santa Claus" was derived (via "Sante Klaas" in Dutch) from
St. Nicholas, but this Nicholas was a bishop of Myra -- he didn't live at
the North pole, ride in a sleigh drawn by reindeer etc., nor was he ever
believed to do so. The custom of giving presents to children around this
time (the winter solstice) is of pagan origin, and St. Nicholas only
later became identified with this custom, at least in some parts of the
world. In Germany, children are given presents both on December 6 (by the
"Nikolaus" (St. Nicholas)) and on December 24/25 (by either the
"Weihnachtsmann" (Santa Claus) or the "Christkind" (Jesus Christ)) -- in
other words, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas are perceived as two distinct
characters here in Germany.
- Michael
Michael J. Hussmann
E-mail: michael_at_michael-hussmann.de
WWW: http://michael-hussmann.de
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