December 6 - the birthday of Santa Claus: the history of the character, traditions of celebration

In the United States and Western Europe, December 6 is the birthday of Santa Claus, the main symbol of Catholic Christmas, who brings gifts to children and performs real miracles. In 2024, the celebration falls on Friday. About how this fairy-tale character appeared and what traditions of celebration for the birth of Santa exist in the world, tell "Izvestia".

Why the birthday of Santa Claus is considered December 6

By date, the holiday coincides with the birthday of the all-Christian saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, or St. Nicholas, who became the prototype of Santa.

The saint lived in the III century in the Greek colony of Lycia in Asia Minor. He was famous for many miracles and good deeds. One day Nicholas learned that in the city of Myra, where he served, lived a widower with three daughters. The man was so poor that he could not count on their successful marriage. According to the customs of those times, an unenviable fate awaited the girls.

The saint walked past the widower's house three nights in a row and secretly threw a bag of gold. Later on, this legend became the basis of the main Christmas legend about the good wizard Santa Claus, who distributes presents before Christmas.

It is believed that the tradition of honoring Santa Claus originated in northern countries, particularly in Holland, where the holiday came to the New World thanks to immigrants. In the middle of the XVII century, the Dutch founded in the United States settlement of New Amsterdam, now known as New York. And every winter they honored a certain wizard Sinterklaas - the very Santa Claus.

Over time, this character won the hearts not only of Americans, but also of all Europeans.

How Santa Claus' birthday is celebrated

On Santa's birthday, various festive events and charitable actions are held in different countries. The church and volunteers of religious and public organizations organize collections for children from poor families. On the holiday they are given clothes, sweets and toys.

Schools, kindergartens and orphanages organize themed meetings with Santa Claus, during which participants can give the wizard letters with wishes for Christmas or simply share their joy.

The holiday is especially celebrated in the Netherlands, as St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Amsterdam. In all cities of the country, festive events are held, which are completed with fireworks. Children traditionally leave carrots and hay for the companions of the wizard, expecting gifts in return.

Similar celebrations take place in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and other European countries.

Interesting facts about Santa Claus

Traditionally, Santa Claus is depicted as a smiling grandfather with a small potbelly, a white beard and a red coat. This image has been a symbol of Christmas since the 1930s, thanks to the work of illustrator Haddon Sandblom, who created a new type for Coca-Cola advertisements. And today, when it comes to Santa, many people imagine this character from the commercial.

The story of the magician's faithful companions - reindeer - is also interesting. Santa began traveling in a reindeer carriage with the light hand of a teacher at Columbia University, Clement Clarke Moore. In 1822, he wrote a poetic Christmas tale where Santa managed to distribute thousands of presents in one night thanks to the endurance and speed of these animals.

Originally, there were eight reindeer. Later they were joined by a ninth reindeer with a red nose named Rudolph. He is often seen on Christmas cards and in comic books.

However, in various traditions, Santa can appear not only accompanied by good-natured animals, but also other characters. For example, the horny and horny Krampus, a Christmas devil who scares naughty children.

Earlier "Izvestia" told how they celebrate the birthday of Santa Claus.