The Probert Encyclopaedia of Other Mythology

SANTA CLAUS

In Christian mythology, Santa Claus (corrupted from the Dutch Sante Klaas meaning Saint Nicholas) is the personification of the spirit of Christmas. The name Santa Claus originated in the USA during the late 18th century, in Europe the name Saint Nicholas - the patron saint of Children in the Roman Catholic church - was used, and around the start of the 20th century the term Father Christmas was adopted in Britain, presumably deriving from the term 'Father' being a highly respected teacher or priest of the Christian church. The tradition of hanging up a Christmas stocking on Christmas eve for Santa Claus or Father Christmas to fill with presents, is an old Dutch tradition which soon caught on in Britain.
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