Origin
Origin | DOWNLOAD | Today's Santa Claus is a
fusion of several characters from various cultural backgrounds, concerned for the
well-being of children. Christkindel, later known as Kris Kringle, delivered gifts to
children in Switzerland and Germany. Père Nöel filled the shoes of French children with
presents.
St. Nicholas, whose name in Dutch is Sinterklass, became the patron saint for the New York Historical Society in 1804, reviving the Dutch tradition of St. Nicholas as a bearer of gifts. The pronunciation later evolved to Santa Claus. |
