Saint Nick & Santa

“The modern American Santa was born in the Mediterranean, evolved across northern Europe, and finally assumed his now-familiar form on the shores of the New World.” ~ National Geographic, 2013

This reference to Saint Nicholas of Myra (more popularly known as Santa Claus), other characters such as the Dutch SinterKlass (directly inspired by Nicholas), and the English Father Christmas as well as some Germanic and Scandinavian folklore. 

the many renditions of a holiday icon

Finally, all of these entities were blended together in the New World in what we now know (at least in North America) as Santa Claus.  Early 19th century American poems like “The Children’s Friend” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas” were integral in constructing today’s secular Santa. 

Saying the name "St. Nicholas" in America will almost undoubtedly conjure up images of Santa Claus, the jolly Christmastime gift-bringer known for flying around the world on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to the good children of the world.

Santa Clause kneeling at the manger

But long before he gave his name to this beloved holiday icon, St. Nicholas was a real historical person who became so beloved that an enormous body of legend came to surround him. Originally, however, he had nothing to do with Christmas.

The story behind the saint and model for Santa Claus, has a much darker history peppered with tales of murder, mutilation, cannibalism and infanticide.

St. Nicholas, demon tamer

In Europe, especially in Germany and Poland, boys dress up as bishops to beg alms for the poor, while in Ukraine, children expect St Nicholas to place a present under their pillows if they have been good throughout the year. 

However, there are dark tales and threats of menace that surround this popular figure. Children who behave badly are punished - the tradition differs across countries. 

Krampus takes children to his lair and drowns them, eats them, or takes them to hell.

Devil worship and the cult of St Nicholas is horribly defined in Germanic folklore. In Austria, Bavaria and Tyrol, the saint is accompanied by Krampus, a demonic-like figure. Krampus punishes children by carrying them off to his lair. 

St. Nicholas’ Day is actually December 6th (and many children in Europe still receive gifts that day) but through the Reformation the date of Christmas gift giving was eventually changed to the 25th of December.

Chinese "nice old father"

This varied collection of old folktales gives us several 'what if' scenarios – what if the most terrible thing that I can imagine happens? Filled with sex and violence - they are mostly inappropriate and irreverent - definitely no fun for the misbehaved.

Giving us pause when it comes to the traditional end of the year choice - have we been naughty or nice? Happy holidays, folks!

Vintage "Father Christmas"