St. Nicholas
The Saint behind Santa
Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,
…I think we ALL know what time of year it is!
We’re surrounded by lights, carols, and of course, the inescapable figure of Santa.
But just who is this bearded man, really?
You might not realize it, but the history of Santa stretches all the way back to the Classical world, in particular, the Roman Empire.
The inspiration for Santa, the Christian Saint Nicholas, was a cleric during Late Antiquity.
Today’s article delves into the life of the ‘real Santa’, and showcases how he was an influential figure in the early days of Christianity, and how he was gradually transformed into the red-clad figure we all know today.
I hope you all get a visit from St. Nick soon…
All the best,
Sean Kelly
Managing Editor
Classical Wisdom
P.S. In case you missed it yesterday, (and an on altogether more summery note) there are still seats available for our 2025 tour of Greece, In Search of Homer. Featuring award-winning translator Emily Wilson, it’s an experience not to be missed!
St. Nicholas - the Real Santa?
by Ed Whelan
We all know Santa Claus.
But do we know the history behind this jolly figure?
The inspiration for the modern Santa was the Christian St. Nicholas (285-342/343AD). St. Nicholas was a famed miracle worker, known for his charity, and the patron saint of sailors, pawn brokers, children and others. The story of Saint Nicholas is essential to understand the evolution of Santa, and also offers us a unique insight into Christianity in Late Antiquity.
The Life of Saint Nicholas
St. Nicholas was a real historical figure, and by the 6th century AD churches were dedicated in his name. We know very little about the real St. Nicholas, and our sources concerning his life come from centuries after his death. Many of these are based on oral traditions and Christian works. It is possible that many of the stories of him are based on the pagan philosopher Apollonius of Tyana.
According to the sources, Saint Nicholas was born in Patara, Lycia (modern Turkey) into a wealthy Christian family sometime in 285 AD. He was a pious young man, and was orphaned very young. Some stories claim that much of his inheritance was stolen. Despite this, he was noted for his charity and almsgiving. In one story, he secretly gave away his money to the father of three poor girls so that they could marry. He travelled to the Holy Island, and during his voyage there he was able to miraculously calm a storm and save his ship. Because of this and other miracles, he is the patron saint of sailors.
His uncle was the Bishop of Myra (Demre in Turkey). The young saint went to visit his uncle, only to discover that he had died. The local Christian community then elected him their bishop, which was the custom in Late Antiquity. During Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians (303-313 AD), it is claimed that Nicholas was arrested and imprisoned. He miraculously survived, and went on to become a leader in the Christian Church during the reign of Constantine the Great. There is some evidence that Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea, and that he was a champion of Orthodoxy. In one account, he is alleged to have slapped the face of the heretical Arius.
St. Nicholas was clearly a man of some standing. He is reputed to have stopped soldiers looting civilians in his province. A well-known legend has him saving the lives of three generals whose execution was ordered by the Emperor Constantine. These tales are indicative of the real influence and political power that Christian bishops had in the Roman Empire by the 4th Century AD. It is claimed by several authors that St. Nicholas died on December 6th 342/343 AD. His bones were eventually brought to the Italian city of Bari, and this is why in some accounts he is referred to as St. Nicholas of Bari. His relics are buried in the Basilica San Nicola. Forensic scientists have tested a bone fragment and established that it dates from the 4th century AD. Today, Saint Nicholas is still worshipped as a saint by many Christians, especially members of the Orthodox Churches. There is even an island named after the Christian bishop off the southern coast of Turkey!
From Saint to Santa Claus
After his death, many stories were told about the miracles of St Nicholas. Indeed, he is often referred to as ‘Nicholas the Wonderworker’. Because of his charity and his kindness to the young, he became the patron saint of children. In one story, he brought three children back from the dead who had been murdered by a butcher, who intended to sell their flesh as meat during food shortages. His cult grew, and Theodosius III ordered a Basilica to be built over his grave.
During the Middle Ages, the cult of Saint Nicholas spread all over Europe and the Near East. During the Reformation, his cult was suppressed in many lands, but continued to flourish in Catholic and Orthodox societies. In the Dutch Republic, by the 17th century Saint Nicholas was celebrated on the 6th of December. During these celebrations, children would receive gifts. The Dutch version of Saint Nicholas, affectionately known as Sinterklass was brought to America before the Revolution.
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The American poet Clement Clarke Moore wrote a poem about St. Nicholas, portraying him as a portly and cheerful man, not at all like the pious and ascetic Christian bishop. Moore also described Nicholas as riding in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeers. This came straight out of the imagination of the poet. In the 1880s, the famous cartoonist Thomas Nast began to draw St. Nicholas in a red suit with white fur. By the early 20th century, Saint Nicholas had finally morphed into Santa Claus (or Father Christmas).
Of course, it was St. Nicholas’ legendary charity and kindness to children which inspired the stories of Santa Claus. We should remember that the real man was a Christian saint who likely played a not insignificant role in Late Roman religion and society. The dramatic transformation from Saint to Santa demonstrates how legacies can shift across history.
Will YOU get a visit from St. Nicholas this year?
That was all absolutely fascinating. Thank you 🙏
I visited his Basilica in Bari, Italy in 2018. It was a wonderful experience.