Here is a well considered description of Saint Nicholas of Myra otherwise celebrated as Santa Clause. It significantly points out that he saved daughters from prostitution by giving them dowries. This is an often overlooked part of his story. However, this article only refers to the Eastern church as the Eastern church and not the Orthodox church. (more about East-West Schism) SAINT NICHOLAS OF MYRA - HOLY HIERARCH AND WONDERWORKER ________
We still celebrate him over here in Belgium (as well as the Netherlands). Santa is an immigrant over here (not racist, but trying to preserve some folklore). On another note, anyone think they should make an ISO for Santa so all appearances off him are consistent? Than again, maybe be the only wacko to think of this kind of things.
He's not an immigrant, he's a foreign visitor. We always got (and get, I guess) told he was from Spain or Turkey. If it's the latter, and he didn't apply for a visa... I remember almost shitting myself when my parents told me and my brothers Saint Nicholas was coming to visit, with "Black Pete" (which, btw, is up for debate... it's "racist", apparently ) and his bag. I was more nervous that day than years (lots of years) later when I had sex for the first time It's a nice piece of (christian) history, which is all too often overlooked - but then again, there is something odd about an old man, sporting a dress (well, robe), giving out candy to kids, no? Especially a foreigner... I'm sure De Winter and Van Hecke have something to say about that... (in my own apolitical defence, I used to vote for their party when I still lived in that sad excuse for a country). What's up with Dutch people "celebrating" Saint Nicholas on 5 December; and us lovely Belgians (well, Flemings, I'm sure those filthy French-speaking scroungers don't care about it) on the 6th? When I still cared (i.e. when I was five) I was told it was because Nicholas had to go to Holland first, then make his way down to Flanders to go back to Spain (through France, I'd guess). Dutch people just have to do it differently...! (Nexxo, analyse my inane hatred of your people, please? )
Myra is located in what is now called Turkey. Before being called Turkey, it was part of the eastern Roman Empire, with it's own emperor. That part of the empire became known as the Byzantine Empire or Byzantium about the time when Saint Nicholas lived. During the reign of Theodosius I (379–395), Christianity officially replaced the pagan Roman religion Zwarte Piet (or Black Pete) with Saint Nicholas
Hehe. I love Christmas and all the traditions, even though I'm an Atheist. I just think it's a nice time of year, and for the kids Santa is a great story. Mind you, it is becoming way to commercialised.
According to Snopes: Claim: The modern image of Santa Clause - a jolly figure in a red and white suit - was created by Coca-Cola Status: False The Clause that refreshes... (not refreshing as in refresh rates )
They may not be entirely responsible, but unfortunately they did play a big part in the current perception of Santa.
True. Snopes goes on to say that although the appearance was somewhat standardized by the 1920s, it was Coca-Cola's campaigns in the early 1930's that "helped fuel the legend" that they invented the appearance. Actually, it was their choice among many and it became the accepted image of Santa Clause.
No it's like a lame PC person buying an expensive and crap AMD CPU, when they know Intel CPU's are better and cheaper. (OK Swap that around...) Intel + Santa without Religious Connections 4tw.
