Yes, there really was a Santa Claus. A controversy erupted last year around Christmas when the Santa Claus Foundation demanded that Italy turn over the bones of St. Nicholas. According to the foundation, they were stolen in the 11th century by pirates, and were taken to Italy where they still remain.
St. Nicholas was born in Demre, Turkey, and later became the bishop of that city in the 4th century. The Greek and Russian Orthodox churches observe the date of his death on December 6th. Experts have identified him as the original Father Christmas or Santa Claus.
The legends of his good deeds continued after his death until he was made patron saint of the poor and children. He's one of the most popular saints. In one story, he is credited with saving three girls from prostitution by secretly providing bags of gold for their dowry by entering a window in their home. The girls were in dire straits after their merchant father lost his fortune.
Santa Claus assumes different guises. In Hawaii he comes in an outrigger canoe. Those in Australia see him arriving by water skis wearing a red bathing suit. In Germany, he is known as Kris Kringle.
Many plants have been associated with the holidays. Mistletoe is one of them. Our custom of kissing under the mistletoe dates from Victorian times. In Wales, a piece was put under a pillow to bring dreams about the future. According to folklore, this plant was particularly sacred when it was growing on an oak tree.
In his natural history writings, Pliny told a story about this, which may or may not be true, and we can't prove it one way or another. According to Pliny, the druids cut the plant from the oak with a gold knife, and allowed it to fall on a white cloth held by virgins. This was taken away in a cart pulled by white bulls, which had to be sacrificed. The confusing thing about this story is that some sources say the druids used a silver knife, while others say it was gold. English ivy has long been a holiday favorite. Traditionally, it is used to make Advent wreaths. It represented faithfulness and the renewal of life, and offered a promise of the spring yet to come.
Go To Page: 1 2
