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Book Saint Nicholas and Krampus  The History of the Popular Companions Who Reward and Punish Children During the Christmas Season

Download or read book Saint Nicholas and Krampus The History of the Popular Companions Who Reward and Punish Children During the Christmas Season written by Charles River Editors and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-01-06 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes contemporary accounts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break. Especially since the 20th century on, the days adjacent to the holiday have become an occasion to do big business. The winter season is the most solid stimulus for the economy - more than any fiscal package - since the incomes of families, spending, credit, and consumption in all productive sectors are significantly increased. In the United States alone, Christmas sales are estimated to generate $3 trillion. One of the most important figures constantly brought up during the Christmas season is Saint Nicholas, despite the fact most people know little about him. In the 21st century, Saint Nicholas (or as people often refer to him, "Jolly Old Saint Nick") has been reduced to a pretend, adorably portly grandfather-type, a visual often accompanied by a fleet of magical reindeer and a bustling workshop staffed by endlessly cheerful elves. Most assume, quite understandably, that Saint Nicholas was the fount of inspiration that Santa Claus' myth weavers steadily drank from over the centuries. While this is accurate to some extent, it is important to remember that the parallels between Saint Nicholas and the present-day Santa Claus marketed by mass media are actually quite limited. Santa Claus is a man with many monikers - Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Papai Noel, among others - and is perhaps the most iconic and internationally recognized personality in recent history. Pop culture enthusiasts know to trace Santa's roots to Saint Nicholas, and it's widely accepted that Coke manufactured the contemporary image of Santa embraced by the world today. On both counts, they are only partially correct, because in reality, Santa is a colorful amalgamation of different figures who appear in various countries' folk stories across a wide range of centuries. After Nicholas of Myra's death, December 6 became his feast day, and over the centuries, children anticipated his appearance with gifts. However, other children, particularly those of the mischievous sort, trembled under their covers on December 6, because they could not look forward to tinkling sleigh bells or belly-shaking laughs. Instead, they feared the disconcerting sounds of heavy breathing, guttural growls, and rattling chains, all of which came from the terrifying Krampus. Despite the best efforts of the Catholic Church and other conservative groups, Krampus is in the midst of a major Renaissance, penetrating not only modern literature, but even becoming a fixture of pop culture. This is evidenced by the creature's recent starring roles in the films Krampus, Night of the Krampus, and Mother Krampus, and its cameos in such TV shows and animations as Grimm, Supernatural, American Dad, and Venture Brothers. Saint Nicholas and Krampus: The History of the Popular Companions Who Reward and Punish Children during the Christmas Season looks at what the real St. Nicholas's life was like, how he served as the historical inspiration for Santa, and how Krampus developed as a sidekick of sorts. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Saint Nicholas and Krampus like never before.

Book Krampus

    Book Details:
  • Author : Charles River Editors
  • Publisher : Independently Published
  • Release : 2019-01-04
  • ISBN : 9781793145055
  • Pages : 94 pages

Download or read book Krampus written by Charles River Editors and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-01-04 with total page 94 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes contemporary accounts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading "'Tis late night in Bavaria, and all through the villageThe grownups are drunk, full of beer and such swillage;While children a-tremble, hide deep in their beds, Fearful the Krampus will rip off their heads." - Ann Hart, "Krampusnacht" (2016) " Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break. One of the aspects of Christmas that is most famous is Santa Claus, a mythological figure with many monikers, such as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Papai Noel, among others. Pop culture enthusiasts know to trace Santa's roots to Saint Nicholas, and it's widely accepted that Coke manufactured the contemporary image of Santa embraced by the world today. On both counts, they are only partially correct, because in reality, Santa is a colorful amalgamation of different figures who appear in various countries' folk stories across a wide range of centuries. Though Santa had many influences, his most famous is St. Nicholas, a fiercely religious philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping the disadvantaged. He was not just a beloved bishop, but a fierce defender of the faith who remained undaunted in the face of persecution. To brand him a pious and God-fearing individual would be a massive understatement - indeed, he was, to those around him, the definition of a walking divinity, and an unrivaled miracle-worker sent straight from Heaven.After Nicholas of Myra's death, December 6 became his feast day, and over the centuries, children anticipated his appearance with gifts. However, other children, particularly those of the mischievous sort, trembled under their covers on December 6, because they could no tlook forward to tinkling sleigh bells or belly-shaking laughs. Instead, they feared the disconcerting sounds of heavy breathing, guttural growls, and rattling chains, all of which came from the terrifying Krampus. Despite the best efforts of the Catholic Church and other conservative groups, Krampus is in the midst of a major Renaissance, penetrating not only modern literature, but even becoming a fixture of pop culture. This is evidenced by the creature's recent starring roles in the films Krampus, Night of the Krampus, and Mother Krampus, and its cameos in such TV shows and animations as Grimm, Supernatural, American Dad, and Venture Brothers. Krampus: The History and Legacy of the Mythological Figure Who Punishes Children during the Christmas Season examines the pagan and Christian influences of the Yuletide villain, and dives into the riveting and frightening history behind the creature. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Krampus like never before.

Book Krampus  the History and Legacy of the Mythological Figure Who Punishes Children During the Christmas Season

Download or read book Krampus the History and Legacy of the Mythological Figure Who Punishes Children During the Christmas Season written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by . This book was released on 2019-01-04 with total page 51 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes contemporary accounts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading "'Tis late night in Bavaria, and all through the villageThe grownups are drunk, full of beer and such swillage;While children a-tremble, hide deep in their beds, Fearful the Krampus will rip off their heads." - Ann Hart, "Krampusnacht" (2016) " Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break. One of the aspects of Christmas that is most famous is Santa Claus, a mythological figure with many monikers, such as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Papai Noel, among others. Pop culture enthusiasts know to trace Santa's roots to Saint Nicholas, and it's widely accepted that Coke manufactured the contemporary image of Santa embraced by the world today. On both counts, they are only partially correct, because in reality, Santa is a colorful amalgamation of different figures who appear in various countries' folk stories across a wide range of centuries. Though Santa had many influences, his most famous is St. Nicholas, a fiercely religious philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping the disadvantaged. He was not just a beloved bishop, but a fierce defender of the faith who remained undaunted in the face of persecution. To brand him a pious and God-fearing individual would be a massive understatement - indeed, he was, to those around him, the definition of a walking divinity, and an unrivaled miracle-worker sent straight from Heaven.After Nicholas of Myra's death, December 6 became his feast day, and over the centuries, children anticipated his appearance with gifts. However, other children, particularly those of the mischievous sort, trembled under their covers on December 6, because they could no tlook forward to tinkling sleigh bells or belly-shaking laughs. Instead, they feared the disconcerting sounds of heavy breathing, guttural growls, and rattling chains, all of which came from the terrifying Krampus. Despite the best efforts of the Catholic Church and other conservative groups, Krampus is in the midst of a major Renaissance, penetrating not only modern literature, but even becoming a fixture of pop culture. This is evidenced by the creature's recent starring roles in the films Krampus, Night of the Krampus, and Mother Krampus, and its cameos in such TV shows and animations as Grimm, Supernatural, American Dad, and Venture Brothers. Krampus: The History and Legacy of the Mythological Figure Who Punishes Children during the Christmas Season examines the pagan and Christian influences of the Yuletide villain, and dives into the riveting and frightening history behind the creature. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Krampus like never before.

Book The Krampus and the Old  Dark Christmas

Download or read book The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas written by Al Ridenour and published by Feral House. This book was released on 2016-09-12 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Krampus, a folkloric devil associated with St. Nicholas in Alpine Austria and Germany, has been embraced by the American counterculture and is lately skewing mainstream. The new Christmas he seems to embody is ironically closer to an ancient understanding of the holiday as a perilous, haunted season. In the Krampus' world, witches rule Christmas, and saints can sometimes kill.

Book The History Of Krampus

    Book Details:
  • Author : Rae Cenci
  • Publisher : Independently Published
  • Release : 2021-10-29
  • ISBN :
  • Pages : 56 pages

Download or read book The History Of Krampus written by Rae Cenci and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2021-10-29 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book will tell you the basics of Krampus and the background from Germany and other countries where the myths originated. Krampus, in central European popular legend, is a half-goat, a half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means "claw."This book examines the pagan and Christian influences of the Yuletide villain and dives into the riveting and frightening history behind the creature. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Krampus like never before.

Book The Story of Santa Klaus

Download or read book The Story of Santa Klaus written by William S. Walsh and published by . This book was released on 1909 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traces the history of Santa Klaus, alias St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Also relates the origins, legends, and customs of Christmas.

Book    Twas the Night Before Christmas

Download or read book Twas the Night Before Christmas written by Juleanne Crighton and published by RW Classics. This book was released on 2019-11-26 with total page 39 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A clear, concise early history of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus, in color, complete with footnotes and bibliography! PLUS the extremely rare 1821 Old Santeclaus with Much Delight poem that first introduced a Santa Claus and a flying reindeer—considered to be the first colored lithographed Christmas book in America (only two known copies of this classic!). Discover the inspiration behind the all-time favorite Christmas poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Inside this remarkable keepsake, you will find: √ History of Saint Nicholas and how his legend came to America √ Transformation of St. Nicholas into our beloved Santa Claus √ Historical images of Santa and his reindeer √ First colored lithograph Christmas book in America √ First illustration of Santa and reindeer √ First Santa illustration in Harper’s magazine √ Thomas Nast Santa illustration many say made Santa who he is today √ Clement Clarke Moore’s handwritten change to reindeer name √ Two additional rare poems: A Paraphrase of the Dutch Hymn to Saint Nicholas and St. Nicholas, Good Holy Man √ Key players who invented today’s Santa including Washington Irving, John Pintard, James K. Paulding, and Clement Clarke Moore, and famous Illustrators Table of Contents: Part I: Early History of Santa and His Reindeer Early History of Santa Claus and Reindeer Introduction Saint Nicholas to America First Mention of Santa Claus Santaclaus, Presents, Stockings (Washington Irving) Santa in Art Form (John Pintard) Sancte Claus Poem Santa in Flying Wagon (Washington Irving) Earliest Visual of Santa in Sleigh with One Flying Reindeer NEW Santa and Eight Reindeer First Time Santa and Eight Reindeer in Newsprint Expanded Version of Santa (James K. Paulding) Dunder and Blixem Reindeer Names Changed First Time Santa and Reindeer Featured in Harper's Part II: Rare, 1821 Children's Friend Introduction to Part II 1821 Old Santeclaus with Much Delight The Steady Friend of Virtuous Youth Through Many Houses He Has Been Where E'er I Found Good Girls or Boys To Some I Gave a Pretty Doll No Drums to Stun Their Mother's Ear But Where I Found the Children Naughty I Left a Long, Black, Birchen Rod ’Twas the Night Series Bibliography List of Illustrations Santa and Reindeer Flying Over Treetops, circa 1872 by Thomas Nast A Visit From St. Nicholas, 1879 by Frederick B. Schell Washington Irving, 1848 by James D. Smillie from F. O. C. Darley St. Nicholas Broadside Engraving, 1810 by Alexander Anderson Santa and Reindeer, circa 1830 by Bryon King Clement Clarke Moore’s Handwritten Changes to Poem, 1844 A Visit from Saint Nicholas, 1857 by Felix Octavius Carr Darley Various Santa Poses, 1857 (artist unknown) Santa Claus, Merry Christmas, 1884 by Thomas Nast Merry Old Santa Claus, 1881 by Thomas Nast Cover of The Children’s Friend, 1823 Santa and One Reindeer, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Santeclaus, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Santa and Stockings, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Excited Children, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Mischievous Children, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Family, Reading Book, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Children Being Naughty, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Stockings With Switches, 1823 by Arthur J. Stansbury Add this classic keepsake to your library now!

Book There Really is a Santa Claus   History of Saint Nicholas   Christmas Holiday Traditions

Download or read book There Really is a Santa Claus History of Saint Nicholas Christmas Holiday Traditions written by William J. Federer and published by Amerisearch, Inc.. This book was released on 2002 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Includes U.S. president's Christmas addresses."

Book Krampus

    Book Details:
  • Author : Brian Joines
  • Publisher : Image Comics
  • Release : 2014-12-17
  • ISBN : 1632152916
  • Pages : 140 pages

Download or read book Krampus written by Brian Joines and published by Image Comics. This book was released on 2014-12-17 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Meet the Krampus, yuletide terror and punisher of wicked children. Long imprisoned for his outdated methods, the holiday horror suddenly finds himself freed and tasked with a mission: recover the stolen power of the Secret Society of Santa Clauses! With his flying wolf Stutgaard, the Krampus crosses the globe, encountering various figures of winter lore and uncovering a sinister scheme to topple the Santas and change Christmas as we know it forever. Collects KRAMPUS! #1-5 and extras, including all-new material.

Book Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus

    Book Details:
  • Author : Charles River Editors
  • Publisher : Independently Published
  • Release : 2019-01-06
  • ISBN : 9781793304551
  • Pages : 76 pages

Download or read book Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus written by Charles River Editors and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-01-06 with total page 76 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes contemporary accounts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break. Especially since the 20th century on, the days adjacent to the holiday have become an occasion to do big business. The winter season is the most solid stimulus for the economy - more than any fiscal package - since the incomes of families, spending, credit, and consumption in all productive sectors are significantly increased. In the United States alone, Christmas sales are estimated to generate $3 trillion. One of the most important figures constantly brought up during the Christmas season is Saint Nicholas, despite the fact most people know little about him. In the 21st century, Saint Nicholas (or as people often refer to him, "Jolly Old Saint Nick") has been reduced to a pretend, adorably portly grandfather-type, a visual often accompanied by a fleet of magical reindeer and a bustling workshop staffed by endlessly cheerful elves. Most assume, quite understandably, that Saint Nicholas was the fount of inspiration that Santa Claus' myth weavers steadily drank from over the centuries. While this is accurate to some extent, it is important to remember that the parallels between Saint Nicholas and the present-day Santa Claus marketed by mass media are actually quite limited. As a result, this internationally celebrated figure has become more fiction than fact. However, when historians peel back the superficial layers of whimsy and caricatural perkiness swathed around his name, an image arises of a far more complex and fascinating character who did more than kick off the timeless tradition of gift-giving. Nicholas was not just a seasonal gift-giver, but a philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping the disadvantaged. He was not just a beloved bishop, but a fierce defender of the faith who remained undaunted in the face of persecution. To brand him a pious and God-fearing individual would be a massive understatement - indeed, he was, to those around him, the definition of a walking divinity, and an unrivaled miracle-worker sent straight from Heaven. Meanwhile, the turning point for old St. Nicholas, now Santa Claus, came with the December 24, 1881 edition of Harper ́s Weekly. Artist Thomas Nast gave him his definitive look for the Christmas issue as an old man with a huge round belly and a belt, a thick white beard, a red nose, a cap, mistletoe on his head, a miniature horse toy in one hand, a pipe between his fingers, and a child hanging from his neck. Ever since, Santa has been known the world over for being delightfully paunchy and endlessly jolly. To most, these two descriptors alone are enough to conjure up his name, and lead them to envision a round-bellied, grandfather-type, clad in a fur-trimmed, cherry-red ensemble, armed with candy canes and a bottomless sack of presents, and blessed with a bushy, silvery-white beard. Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus: The History of the Man and the Character Behind the Most Popular Christmas Traditions looks at what the real bishop's life was like, and how he served as the historical inspiration for Santa. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus like never before.

Book Santa Claus Worldwide

Download or read book Santa Claus Worldwide written by Tom A. Jerman and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2020-05-01 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a comprehensive history of the world's midwinter gift-givers, showcasing the extreme diversity in their depictions as well as the many traits and functions these characters share. It tracks the evolution of these figures from the tribal priests who presided over winter solstice celebrations thousands of years before the birth of Christ, to Christian notables like St. Martin and St. Nicholas, to a variety of secular figures who emerged throughout Europe following the Protestant Reformation. Finally, it explains how the popularity of a poem about a "miniature sleigh" and "eight tiny reindeer" helped consolidate the diverse European gift-givers into an enduring tradition in which American children awake early on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. Although the names, appearance, attire and gift-giving practices of the world's winter solstice gift-givers differ greatly, they are all recognizable as Santa, the personification of the Christmas and Midwinter festivals. Despite efforts to eliminate him by groups as diverse as the Puritans of seventeenth century New England, the Communist Party of the twentieth century Soviet Union and the government of Nazi Germany, Santa has survived and prospered, becoming one of the best known and most beloved figures in the world.

Book St  Nicholas

    Book Details:
  • Author : George Harley McKnight
  • Publisher :
  • Release : 1917
  • ISBN :
  • Pages : 222 pages

Download or read book St Nicholas written by George Harley McKnight and published by . This book was released on 1917 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book A Scary Little Christmas

Download or read book A Scary Little Christmas written by Matthew C. DuPée and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2022-06-07 with total page 371 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Controversial yet beloved among audiences, Christmas-themed horror movies emerged in the early 1970s and gained a notorious reputation with Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984), depicting Santa as an ax-wielding maniac. Some parents and conservative groups condemned the film, while others embraced the portrayal of Yuletide as a backdrop for fear and dread. Drawing on interviews with directors, producers, special effects artists, photographers and actors, this book celebrates the sordid, colorful history of the Christmas horror subgenre. Psycho Santa films such as Christmas Evil (1980) and 3615 code Pere Noel (1989) are examined, along with "Yule-Die" slashers like The Dorm that Dripped Blood (1982), Black Christmas (1974) and Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972). Commercial successes like Gremlins (1984) and Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) are covered, as well as more recent releases such as Better Watch Out (2016), Red Christmas (2016) and Deathcember (2019). Rare photographs, promotional materials and an annotated filmography are provided.

Book St  Nicholas

    Book Details:
  • Author : George Harley McKnight
  • Publisher : DigiCat
  • Release : 2022-05-28
  • ISBN :
  • Pages : 122 pages

Download or read book St Nicholas written by George Harley McKnight and published by DigiCat. This book was released on 2022-05-28 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: St. Nicholas is a book by George Harley McKnight. It delves into the Legend of St. Nicholas and his role in the Christmas celebration and other popular customs.

Book Who Is Santa Claus

    Book Details:
  • Author : William Shepard Walsh
  • Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Release : 2013-09-19
  • ISBN : 9781492765301
  • Pages : 0 pages

Download or read book Who Is Santa Claus written by William Shepard Walsh and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2013-09-19 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Who Is Santa Klaus? Just as the Christmas tree was brought over to this country by early German immigrants so Saint Nicholas, or Santa Klaus, came here in the train of the Dutch settlers of New York. He established himself first in the little island of Manhattan and then gradually spread all over the country. His Dutch origin is shown by the very name Santa Klaus, which is common alike to Holland and America, though it is elsewhere unknown. At first he was honored on his own day with the same observances that marked the festival in the Fatherland. Before the beginning of the nineteenth century St. Nicholas's day had been all but forgotten in New Amsterdam, and New Year's Eve was the occasion when he made his rounds as a gift bearer to the children. Later he transferred his activities to Christmas. To go further back, we know that even in the eighteenth century, when New York was still to a great extent Dutch in blood and in feeling, the little children of the Knickerbockers would gather expectant around the great hearth in the parlor on the eve of New Year and not on the eve of Saint Nicholas's feast. It was to Saint Nicholas they addressed the childish hymns and songs their forefathers had brought from Holland. It was about the middle of the nineteenth century that the funny men of America took the Saint under their special patronage. In Holland he had been austere and dignified, as became a bishop and a saint. In America he developed into the fat, jolly, pot-bellied old roisterer whom we all know and love and who reminds us at so many points of the fun loving Silenus of Pagan times. Undoubtedly it was the American, Clement C. Moore, who immortalized the figure and decided the model which all succeeding poets and artists have ever followed.

Book Twas the Night before Christmas   A Visit From Saint Nicholas  Illustrated

Download or read book Twas the Night before Christmas A Visit From Saint Nicholas Illustrated written by Clement Moore and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2015-12-01 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This carefully crafted ebook: "Twas the Night before Christmas - A Visit From Saint Nicholas (Illustrated)" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents Extract: "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…" A Visit From Saint Nicholas, which has been called "arguably the best-known verses ever written by an American", is largely responsible for some of the conceptions of Santa Claus from the mid-nineteenth century to today, and has had a massive impact on the history of Christmas gift giving. Prior to the poem, American ideas about St. Nicholas and other Christmastide visitors varied considerably. It became a popular poem which was set to music and was recorded by many artists. On Christmas Eve night, while his wife and children sleep, a father awakens to noises outside his house. Looking out the window, he sees St. Nicholas in an air-borne sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. After landing his sleigh on the roof, the saint enters the house through the chimney, carrying a sack of toys with him. The father watches Nicholas filling the children's Christmas stockings hanging by the fire, and laughs to himself.… Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) was a writer and professor and is credited with writing A Visit from St. Nicholas for his children.

Book Santa Claus  Last of the Wild Men

Download or read book Santa Claus Last of the Wild Men written by Phyllis Siefker and published by McFarland. This book was released on 1997-01-01 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much of the modern-day vision of Santa Claus is owed to the Clement Moore poem The Night Before Christmas. His description of Saint Nicholas personified the jolly old elf known to millions of children throughout the world. However, far from being the offshoot of Saint Nicholas of Turkey, Santa Claus is the last of a long line of what scholars call Wild Men who were worshipped in ancient European fertility rites and came to America through Pennsylvania's Germans. This pagan creature is described from prehistoric times through his various forms--Robin Hood, The Fool, Harlequin, Satan and Robin Goodfellow--into today's carnival and Christmas scenes. In this thoroughly researched work, the origins of Santa Claus are found to stretch back over 50,000 years, jolting the foundation of Christian myths about the jolly old elf.