jjares reviewed Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus: The History of the Man and the Character Behind the Most Popular Christmas Traditions on + 3302 more book reviews
The first rattle out of the box, this book says that St. Nicholas wasn't white and he wasn't overweight. He was also between 5' and 5'6", balding, with a beard (turning silvery). Researchers say St. Nicholas was also probably crotchety and miserable because he had chronic arthritis (that affected his pelvis and spine). He also had awful headaches and migraines.
In other words, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus have little in common. St. Nicholas was a beloved bishop and philanthropist who spent his life helping the disadvantaged. The book describes him as a 'walking divinity' and an 'unrivaled miracle-worker.' This book takes the evolution of St. Nicholas to the secular Santa Claus -- and makes stops around the world to see other culture's ideas on Santa.
Each part of Santa's story (from his whiskers to his gift-giving) is lovingly detailed in this story. The Norse gods, Germanic lore, Scandinavians, the Dutch and British all added elements of their culture to the idea of St. Nicholas, and then Santa Claus. "The mingling of St. Nicholas and Christmas customs over time only resulted in more charming traditions." (p.998)
The idea of Santa and Christmas came to America in a rather American kind of way. I found that history to be particularly intriguing. Other Americans, such as author Washington Irving (of Ichabod Crane fame) and Episcopalian minister Clement Clark Moore (writer of "Twas the Night Before Christmas") had a profound effect on the legend of Santa and St. Nick.
The author tosses in other parts of the Santa story by telling about the Salvation Army's iron kettles and how they became part of the Christmas tradition. The story of 'Rudolph' comes next. During the World Wars, women were enlisted to be Mrs. Claus while the men were away fighting. I learned a great deal about the Christmas tradition in this book. The first part dragged a bit, thus 4.5 stars.
In other words, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus have little in common. St. Nicholas was a beloved bishop and philanthropist who spent his life helping the disadvantaged. The book describes him as a 'walking divinity' and an 'unrivaled miracle-worker.' This book takes the evolution of St. Nicholas to the secular Santa Claus -- and makes stops around the world to see other culture's ideas on Santa.
Each part of Santa's story (from his whiskers to his gift-giving) is lovingly detailed in this story. The Norse gods, Germanic lore, Scandinavians, the Dutch and British all added elements of their culture to the idea of St. Nicholas, and then Santa Claus. "The mingling of St. Nicholas and Christmas customs over time only resulted in more charming traditions." (p.998)
The idea of Santa and Christmas came to America in a rather American kind of way. I found that history to be particularly intriguing. Other Americans, such as author Washington Irving (of Ichabod Crane fame) and Episcopalian minister Clement Clark Moore (writer of "Twas the Night Before Christmas") had a profound effect on the legend of Santa and St. Nick.
The author tosses in other parts of the Santa story by telling about the Salvation Army's iron kettles and how they became part of the Christmas tradition. The story of 'Rudolph' comes next. During the World Wars, women were enlisted to be Mrs. Claus while the men were away fighting. I learned a great deal about the Christmas tradition in this book. The first part dragged a bit, thus 4.5 stars.
