Many stories are being told in regards of the
legends of Santa Claus. He is perhaps the most remarkable of all the
characters associated with Christmas. One of the legends tells about
a young pastor named Nicholas. He acquired a fortune when his
parents died when he was still in his teens. He loved the Lord and
also cared deeply for the poor. He brought various gifts, money and
other useful items to the houses of the poor. He did this at night,
and in secrecy, so that no one knew, as he wanted no glory, he just
wanted to help people. The image of Santa Claus, or likewise
characters became popular in North America in the 19th century and
later on was adopted in other countries around the world. A
political cartoonist and illustrator created the original Santa
Claus image by the name of Thomas Nast.
Later on other countries changed the image somewhat to suit their
own culture and tastes. In different places he is known by different
names like in German speaking countries in Europe, he is known as
Saint Nikolaus, in France, Père Noël. His looks are that
of a kind old gentleman with white beard and red baggy suit with
trimmed fur. His look is his identity. He travels throughout the
countryside on Christmas Eve to give gifts to children and grown
ups. Each country features different gift-bearers for the Christmas
or Advent season like La Befana in Italy, The Three Kings in Spain,
Puerto Rico, and Mexico, Christkindl or the Christ Child in
Switzerland and Austria, Father Christmas in England and Pere Noël,
Father Christmas or the Christ Child in France. But still, we
associate Santa Claus as a jolly, benevolent, plump man in a red
baggy suit.
