Santa Claus, the jolly man in the red and white suit, is a globally recognized icon. But did you ever wonder why Santa Claus wears those specific colors? The origin of Santa Claus and his signature look is a fascinating tale woven through history, folklore, and a bit of commercial influence. Here is probably what you did not know.
Tracing Santa’s Roots
The story begins long before red and white became the standard for Santa Claus. His roots can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th Century Greek bishop renowned for his generosity, especially towards children. Saint Nicholas wore red robes while performing his charitable acts, a detail that would later become a significant part of Santa Claus' visual identity.
Over centuries, the legend of Saint Nicholas morphed and blended with other cultural figures. The Dutch figure Sinterklaas, also based on Saint Nicholas, played a crucial role. When Dutch settlers arrived in New York, they brought the Sinterklaas tradition with them, which eventually transformed into the American Santa Claus we know today.
The Shaping of a Modern Icon
The origin of Santa Claus as a distinct figure began solidifying in the 19th century. The 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”), by Clement Clarke Moore, cemented key features like the reindeer-drawn sleigh and Santa Claus' jolly demeanor. However, Santa Claus' attire was still open to interpretation, with early depictions showing him in various colors, including yellow and green.
Illustrations played a crucial role in shaping Santa Claus' image. Political cartoonist Thomas Nast, famous for creating the visual representations of the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant, also contributed significantly to Santa Claus' look. His 1881 drawing of Santa Claus in a buckled red suit is strikingly similar to the modern depiction.
The Coca-Cola Connection (and Misconception)
Many believe Santa Claus's red and white attire is due to Coca-Cola's advertising in the 1930s. While Coca-Cola's iconic holiday campaigns featuring a plump, cheerful Santa Claus certainly reinforced his image, it's a misconception that they originated his look.
Santa Claus was already sporting red and white decades before these campaigns. Even before Coca-Cola, White Rock Beverages featured a red and white Santa Claus in their advertisements in 1923.
A Touch of Nostalgia and a Dash of Practicality
The choice of red and white for Santa Claus wasn't arbitrary. Historians suggest that early proponents of the Santa Claus tradition, like Moore and others, wanted to create a figure who evoked nostalgia and a sense of a bygone era.
Furthermore, the colors themselves had practical reasons. Red is a vibrant color that stands out against white snow and Santa Claus' white beard. Fur trim makes sense for a figure associated with the Arctic.
Closing Note
From a 4th-century bishop to a modern-day icon, the origin of Santa Claus is proof of the enduring power of folklore and the evolution of cultural traditions. The red and white attire, though not initially fixed, has become inseparable from Santa Claus, solidifying his image as a symbol of joy, generosity, and the magic of the holiday season.