In the 4th century begins the story and the origin of Santa Claus and it is bound with Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas was a generous kind man and was mostely devoted to children. After his death, he was burried in Myra, but in 1087 his remains were brought in Italy to Bari.
His kindness and reputation for generosity gave rise to claims he that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased. Thousands of churches across Europe were dedicated to him and some time around the 12th century an official church holiday was created in his honor. The Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated December 6 and the day was marked by gift-giving and charity.
Dutch colonists brought this tradition with them to America in the 17th century and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged. A well-known folk legend associated with Santa Claus says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus says that he lives at his house on the North Pole, while other stories say that he lives together with his with his wife Mrs. Claus, a countless number of magical elves, and eight or nine flying reindeer in the mountains of Korvatunturi in Lapland Province, Finland
Other countries feature different gift-bearers for the Christmas or Advent season: 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.
The practice of sending Christmas greeting cards to friends was initiated by Sir Henry Cole in England. The year was 1843 and the first card was designed by J.C.Horsley. It was commercial - 1000 copies were sold in London.
A.V.
