Images and Illustrations of Saint Nicholas: How Santa Claus is Portrayed in Different Cultures and Media

Saint Nicholas is a recognisable figure worldwide. Everyone associates him with a jolly, older man with a white beard, dressed in a red suit and a hat with a pom-pom. This elderly man hurries each year with gifts, ensuring that every well-behaved child receives a special present. However, the image of Santa Claus varies depending on the region and culture. What do we know about this?

Traditional Saint Nicholas - the Bishop

The prototype of Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop from what is now Türkiye. His charitable activities led to his canonisation in the 15th century, which made him famous throughout the Christian world. Saint Nicholas was originally depicted in bishop's robes, wearing a mitre and holding a golden crosier. He was more associated with patronage, particularly over children, bakers, brewers, maidens, sailors, and captives, than with gift-giving.

Santa Claus in Pop Culture: The Evolution of the Image

The figure of Santa Claus began to evolve in the 19th century. Thus, from a caring patron saint, Santa transformed into a kind-hearted older man distributing gifts during Christmas. A key role in this evolution was played by the poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' (also known as 'The Night Before Christmas') from 1823. This poem first described Santa as a joyful, bearded old man travelling in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

The contemporary image of Santa Claus, featuring the red outfit and white beard, was crafted in the early 20th century. Marketers from the company producing the most popular soft drink contributed to this; Santa appeared in an advertisement for the product in 1931.

Images of Santa Claus in Different Cultures

Ded Moroz

In Russia and post-Soviet countries, children await Ded Moroz, who delivers presents on New Year’s Eve. He is depicted as an older man with a beard, dressed in a long white or blue fur coat. Ded Moroz is assisted in distributing gifts by his granddaughter, Snegurochka.

Sinterklaas 

In the Benelux countries, children are visited by Sinterklaas, who arrives on 5 December, dressed in bishop's robes and a red cloak. Sinterklaas travels from house to house on horseback, accompanied by his helper, Zwarte Piet.

Joulupukki 

In Finland, Santa Claus is called Joulupukki, which literally means 'Christmas Goat'. Joulupukki lives in Lapland and delivers presents to well-behaved children in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. He is usually depicted in traditional Finnish clothing, but in recent decades, he has increasingly taken on red attire.

Santa Claus in Media

Santa Claus has been a prominent figure in pop culture for decades, appearing in films, books, advertisements, and illustrations. The most popular films that popularised the familiar image of the jolly old man in a red suit include 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947), 'The Santa Clause' (1994), and 'The Polar Express' (2004). These films reinforced the belief that Santa lives at the North Pole and travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, which has been reflected in countless advertisements and songs widely played during the holiday season.

Summary

Although Santa Claus has roots in Christian tradition, he has become a global symbol of Christmas, present in various cultures and media. The image of Santa, which has evolved from a bishop to a magical old man in a red suit, is full of meanings and symbolism that vary from country to country. Regardless of whether Santa is portrayed as a serious bishop or a cheerful old man, he remains a figure who brings joy and hope, spreading the magic of Christmas around the world.