Santa Claus – The Childhood Icon That Became A Legend
In almost every culture, there is beloved icon of childhood that stands out above all others – Santa Claus. It is quite interesting to consider the fact that Santa, like so many other things in life, started out as a humble legend, and is now regarded as a worldwide symbol of joy and happiness. So, it begs the question – how did Santa get his job?
An Ancient Tradition
Though Santa as we know him today only became popular in the 19th century, the ancient traditions associated with him are much older. It is believed that many of the Christmas traditions actually originated with the ancient Norse myths of Yule, which celebrated the seasonal change from winter to summer. During this time, it was customary for people to dress up in special costumes and exchange gifts. Santa is thought to have emerged from the combination of this western European tradition and the Christian tenets of giving.
Santa’s Development
Santa Claus was first popularized in the United States in the 1820s, following the publication of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. From there, his legend grew, becoming an iconic figure in Western culture.
The Modern Santa
It is hard to imagine what Santa might look like to us today if his legend had not been popularized. He has certainly come a long way from the Norse Yule figure of ancient times, now a beloved symbol of cheer, kindness, and giving that brings joy to children around the world.
How Did Santa Get His Job?
So, while it is impossible to pinpoint exactly how Santa became the symbol of holiday cheer that he is today, it is clear that his job is never-ending – he continues to bring happiness and joy to children of all ages in every corner of the world.
- Ancient Tradition – Santa evolved from ancient European traditions of Yule and Christian tenets of giving.
- Popularization – Santa became an iconic figure in the Western world following the publication of Clement Clarke Moore’s poem A Visit from St. Nicholas.
- Modern Santa – Santa has evolved from his ancient roots to become a beloved symbol of cheer, kindness and giving.
- How Did He Get His Job? – It is impossible to pinpoint exactly how Santa got his job, but his work bringing joy to children around the world is never-ending.