20
The tradition of leaving carrots outside
Source: NBC, Image: personal creations via Flickr
As both the patron saint of children and the famous gift-bringer, St. Nicholas was known to leave coins and gifts in children’s shoes. Children began leaving carrots or hay out for his busy horses as an exchange for the gifts.
19
Taking St. Nick out of Christmas
Source: National Geographic, Image: Wikipedia
As the Protestant Reformation swept across much of central and northern Europe, the popularity of saints rapidly declined. Thus, parents were left without a gift-bringer. Many families and countries changed their bringer of presents to baby Jesus, often helped by a large, sometimes scary, helper. (For one of the scariest, look into the Krampus in Germany.)
18
Gift-giving changes days
Source: National Geographic, Image: wdwparksgal via DeviantArt
When the focus went from St. Nick to the baby Jesus, the day children received gifts also changed, moving from December 6th – The Feast of St. Nicholas – to December 25th.
17
The origin of Kris Kringle
Source: National Geographic, Image: chiropractic via Flickr
The German word Christkindl means “Christ child” and, over time, was turned into a name we’re more familiar with: Kris Kringle.
16
The first department store Santa
Source: Marling, Karal Ann (2000). Merry Christmas!: celebrating America's greatest holiday., Image: Wikipedia
Macy’s department store Santa is so popular Macy’s even sponsors the Thanksgiving Day Parade to welcome the big man to their stores. But Macy’s didn’t create the idea of a department store Santa. That honor goes to James Edgar, owner of Edgar Department Store, who first dressed as Santa Claus in 1890 as a publicity stunt (and to entertain customers’ children). The stunt worked and families from across the state and New England came to visit Santa in store.
0 comments for "Curious Facts About Santa Claus You Might Not Be Aware Of 1"
Post a Comment