Post by Keith at Tregenna on Dec 22, 2008 19:13:12 GMT
Saint Nicholas the patron saint of seamen
Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy or simply Santa) is a folk hero in various cultures who distributes presents to children, traditionally on Christmas Eve Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus. Father Christmas is a well-loved figure in many countries and predates the "Santa Claus character. "Father Christmas"
He is similar in many ways, though the two have quite different origins. Using 'Santa' in places that predominantly call him 'Father Christmas' is often viewed as Americanism and is quite rare, although they are generally regarded as the same character. Father Christmas is also present instead of "Santa" in Italy ("Babbo Natale"), Brazil ("Papai Noel"), Czek Republic ("Ježíšek"), Portugal ("Pai Natal"), Romania ("Moş Crăciun"), Germany ("Weihnachtsmann"), Ireland ("Daidí na Nollag"), France and French Canada ("Le Père Noël"), Spain and Mexico ("Papá Noel"), and South Africa
Ancient Christian origins of Saint Nicholas
(Saint Nicholas became revered by many as the patron saint of seamen)
The modern Santa Claus is thought to be a composite character made up from the merging of quite separate figures. The first of these is Saint Nicholas of Myra or Demyra, present time Demre, a 4th century AD Christian bishop of Myra in Lycia, a province of Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey. Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes.
He was born at Patara province of Lycia, Asia Minor. He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to Christianity. He frequently travelled to Palestine and Egypt in his youth. He was a well educated man. He was considered a major saint during Byzantine times. A basilica was built in his honor in Constantinople/Istanbul. In Europe (more precisely the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Germany) he is still portrayed as a bearded bishop in canonical robes.
The relics of St. Nicholas were transported to Bari in southern Italy by some enterprising Italian merchants; a basilica was constructed in 1087 to house them and the area became a pilgrimage site for the devout. Negotiations between the Italian government and the Turkish one took place to return the remains of the Turkish citizen to his own birthplace.
The Italian government accepted, but problems arose with the vatican who refuses to return back the stolen remains of the Saint. Saint Nicholas became revered by many as the patron saint of seamen, merchants, archers, children, prostitutes, prisoners, the city of Amsterdam and of Russia. In England there are more than 400 churches to his name.
Santa is a variant of a European folk tale based on the historical figure Saint Nicholas. This inspired the mythical figure of Sinterklaas, the subject of a major celebration in the Netherlands and Belgium, Germany (where his alleged date of death, December 6, is celebrated the evening before on December 5), which in turn inspired both the myth and the name of Santa Claus (actually a mispronunciation of the Dutchword "Sinterklaas" by the English settlers of New Amsterdam (later renamed New York)).
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your veg be delicious
And your mince pies take the prize,
And may your Christmas dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Christmas Everyone!
"May Santa look over and remember - all of the good men, women and children, Lost to this world during conflict. Dedicated to those that have crossed the bar and have no known grave but the sea. Remember them on Christmas Day, Merchant Navy Dayand every day. LEST WE FORGET.
Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy or simply Santa) is a folk hero in various cultures who distributes presents to children, traditionally on Christmas Eve Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus. Father Christmas is a well-loved figure in many countries and predates the "Santa Claus character. "Father Christmas"
He is similar in many ways, though the two have quite different origins. Using 'Santa' in places that predominantly call him 'Father Christmas' is often viewed as Americanism and is quite rare, although they are generally regarded as the same character. Father Christmas is also present instead of "Santa" in Italy ("Babbo Natale"), Brazil ("Papai Noel"), Czek Republic ("Ježíšek"), Portugal ("Pai Natal"), Romania ("Moş Crăciun"), Germany ("Weihnachtsmann"), Ireland ("Daidí na Nollag"), France and French Canada ("Le Père Noël"), Spain and Mexico ("Papá Noel"), and South Africa
Ancient Christian origins of Saint Nicholas
(Saint Nicholas became revered by many as the patron saint of seamen)
The modern Santa Claus is thought to be a composite character made up from the merging of quite separate figures. The first of these is Saint Nicholas of Myra or Demyra, present time Demre, a 4th century AD Christian bishop of Myra in Lycia, a province of Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey. Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes.
He was born at Patara province of Lycia, Asia Minor. He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to Christianity. He frequently travelled to Palestine and Egypt in his youth. He was a well educated man. He was considered a major saint during Byzantine times. A basilica was built in his honor in Constantinople/Istanbul. In Europe (more precisely the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Germany) he is still portrayed as a bearded bishop in canonical robes.
The relics of St. Nicholas were transported to Bari in southern Italy by some enterprising Italian merchants; a basilica was constructed in 1087 to house them and the area became a pilgrimage site for the devout. Negotiations between the Italian government and the Turkish one took place to return the remains of the Turkish citizen to his own birthplace.
The Italian government accepted, but problems arose with the vatican who refuses to return back the stolen remains of the Saint. Saint Nicholas became revered by many as the patron saint of seamen, merchants, archers, children, prostitutes, prisoners, the city of Amsterdam and of Russia. In England there are more than 400 churches to his name.
Santa is a variant of a European folk tale based on the historical figure Saint Nicholas. This inspired the mythical figure of Sinterklaas, the subject of a major celebration in the Netherlands and Belgium, Germany (where his alleged date of death, December 6, is celebrated the evening before on December 5), which in turn inspired both the myth and the name of Santa Claus (actually a mispronunciation of the Dutchword "Sinterklaas" by the English settlers of New Amsterdam (later renamed New York)).
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your veg be delicious
And your mince pies take the prize,
And may your Christmas dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Christmas Everyone!
"May Santa look over and remember - all of the good men, women and children, Lost to this world during conflict. Dedicated to those that have crossed the bar and have no known grave but the sea. Remember them on Christmas Day, Merchant Navy Dayand every day. LEST WE FORGET.
"Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten".