Was Santa Claus Invented by Coca Cola? the True History
The true story of Santa Claus remains one of the biggest mysteries of all time. Stories and legends of this jolly, red-clad symbol of kindness and Christmas cheer have been passed around for centuries in countries all over the world. Some believe Santa Clause has his roots in Christianity while some believe that he was really based on the mythological god, Odin. Others think that he was invented by the Coca Cola companies in the early 1900s to sell more pop.
Below are a few different explanations for the history of Santa Clause.
Early Christianity One story of Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas as he is often referred to, says that he was a Christian bishop named Saint Nicholas of Maya. As this account has it, Saint Nicholas was a bishop who gave wedding dowries to poor women, allowing them to catch husbands and avoid lives of prostitution. This Saint Nicholas can still be seen on German holy cards.
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands In Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, Santa Claus is thought to be based on the Norse god Odin (or Woden), god of wisdom, war and death. Legend was that Odin would throw a party around Christmastime for other gods and dead warriors, and that he would ride to the party on his horse, Slepnir. Children in these countries leave straw, carrots or sugar in their shoes for Odins flying horse, which are replaced with treats or gifts during the night.
Austria and Italy Early folk tales in southern Austria and northwest Italy tell of a holy man who reforms a hideous child-eating monster. As the story goes, there was a large demon, covered in furs (known as Belsnickle, or Furry Nicholas ) that snuck into homes at night to kill village children violently and stuff them up the chimney, or drag them away to be eaten later. A saint traps the demon with magic shackles, forcing him to bring the children toys and candy instead, to make up for how many of them he ate. In some stories, the demon persuades imps and other creatures to help him, similar to Santas elves, and in others, he chooses to go back to Hell instead.
Britain The Brits rendition of Santa Claus, dating back to the 17th Century, is most similar to ours. Santa, or Father Christmas, was a bearded man in a green, fur-lined robe, that starred in the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol, as the Ghost of Christmas Present no pun intended.
Early America America, called the melting pot of modern civilization, is also the melting pot of Santa Claus mythology. British, Dutch and early American influences came together to give us the Santa Claus that most of us are familiar with today: the jolly old man, distributing gifts yearly with the help of his entourage of elves and reindeer. The Coca Cola/Santa Claus myth stems from when companies in the early 1900s, like White Rock Beverages and Coca Cola began using Santas image to promote their productsand of course, his distinctive red and white colors didnt help dispel the rumor.
The only thing were really sure of is that Santa Claus was not invented by Coca Cola, as the urban legend states. But no matter where the real Santa hails from, what he stands for remains the same throughout every country: kindness, goodness and the generous, giving spirit associated with Christmas.
Source: www.wikipedia.com
Questions and Answers
Christmas costumes are here and it is that time of year again to get excited and be ready for trips to the malls, the office parties, and being the host of one at your house. Here are some ideas on wonderful costumes you can wear for all these occasions?
In the past Santa Claus has held a monopoly on Christmas costumes. The only problem is that at any given time, there should only be one Santa present. This makes it awkward to dress children in Santa suits for a Christmas party. Luckily there is one Christmas character which has enjoyed a surge in popularity, and it is the Christmas elf. You can use an elf costume to create the perfect children's party.
We woof you a merry Christmas! A holiday greetings from the "master's pet" I'm Reyna the golden retriever.
If Santa Clause is coming to town, Mrs. Santa Clause isn't far behind. Following all the time of year is upon us. Soon we'll hear the logs crackling, style the eggnog, hear to the caroling, enjoying guessing games with the presents, and decorating the Yuletide tree. Tis the year or so to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la...okay that's just a single wonderful Holiday tune. There's Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, Silent Night, and so numerous other fantastic Xmas carols. Won't it b...
Yuletide is all-around the corner and Yuletide parties are likely to start any time now. Far more and more Xmas parties are turning into costume outfit get-togethers, which is a perfect idea for all ages. In addition to what could be a lot more entertaining than bringing the characters we adore so a lot to lifestyle. The problem is everybody looks to determine to be Santa or Mrs. Clause and still there are so a lot of other wonderful fancy dress outfits. Let's search at a handful of...
When to achieve the items looking for the move, there exists a lot more to switching than merely loading all people individual on a pickup truck and homes it some other place. You've got rooted by yourself into this put and it'll get regarding green flick of the hand to undo every little thing. Truly, most of the stress of relocating derives from closing decrease your inhabitance and cracking open it back again in a very new position
Chicago hardwood floor is highly appreciated given the fact that they are durable and very attractive and even with age they can glamorize any house.
Animal Shelters in Colorado plays a critical role in giving the animals a second chance to a loving, protected and healthy life. They are generating a difference within the lives of an animal one at a time. To make sure that is achieved, each and just about every one of us are required to work as a team by letting the compassion in all of us take action.
Balanced diet and sports are the two sides of a coin called ‘Life' An imbalance between them tilts the scale in favour of health concerns ranging from injuries to lifestyle disorders to chronic, life threatening illnesses.
Trying to train a dog takes a lot of patience and a stable disposition. Oh and did I mention patience? Many people fail at this and feel the need to turn to a certified trainer or even give the dog up for adoption as trying to train themselves is just too frustrating and bewildering.
Don't make the same mistakes which bouyers make every year when purchasing your Above Ground Swimming Pool
The Best DVD for the Family this Christmas-Make Christmas a time your kids will never Forget!
Who is Mrs. Santa Claus, Really? Time to get to know this Woman who keeps it all together for Santa
This Years Hottest Christmas Countdown DVD-Make this Year a Special Event for the Kids!
A Parents Guide : Be the Ultimate Santa Clause
Discuss this Article
Comments on this article