Christmas is one of, if not the most popular holiday, but few people know how or where the holiday actually came from. Many myths are tied to the traditions celebrated at Christmas every year.
The history of the pine tree often goes unknown. Pagans originally used pine trees to celebrate the winter solstice, before they represented Christmas. Now, as pine trees stay green all year, people associate them with a symbol of life and hope. Similar to pine trees, elves are often overlooked. Where did the idea that Santa uses tiny magic men to make toys come from? It came from ancient Germanic and Scandinavian folklore, where they were depicted as powerful spirits associated with giving. Later on in the 1850s, they were first written about in America.
The season of giving has so much attached to it, and one of the prime examples of that is the big man himself, Santa Claus. Freshman Dexter Estrada explained he only knows about Santa from movies. “I watched Christmas Chronicles, so [I know] Santa delivers toys,” Estrada said. “The elves build the toys, and he rides on a sleigh with reindeer.”
Pop culture has also taught children that Santa “sees you when you are sleeping.” This saying comes from one of the characters he is based on, the Dutch Sinterklaas, who judges children. The character was later used by parents to get their kids to calm down.
The character of Santa Claus emerged from US folklore in the 17th century, with characteristics from English and European Christmas traditions. Santa is primarily based on Saint Nick, a 4th-century bishop who was revered for his secret gift-giving and kindness. He is also the patron saint of repentant thieves and unmarried people. Other myths that Santa is based on include the English Father Christmas and the Dutch Sinterklaas. The idea of Santa Claus was blended in America from Dutch and English myths, though the actual character did not exist until the 1800s.
Giving itself is an act that is viewed as kind, holy, and a generator of good fortune and karma. It is something that has been praised across many cultures as one of the best things a person can do and is talked about in several religious texts. Santa Claus is now a modern representation of giving.
