Who Was the Original Saint Nicholas: A Brief History

Everything you ever wanted to know about the original St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas is the jolly old fellow from which our modern-day Santa Claus evolved. Most people know that stories of Santa originated with St. Nicholas, but few really know anything about the true St. Nicholas, the man behind the legend.

The classic Santa is a jolly, old, white headed, heavy set, bearded man dressed in red and white with black boots.

Santa lives in the North Pole with Mrs. Claus, has a workshop full of elves that make toys, keeps a naughty and nice list, and flies around the world on Christmas Eve with his team of reindeer pulling his sleigh to deliver presents to the good boys and girls.

The concept of Santa was derived from stories of St. Nicholas, but this modern day vision became prevalent due to the description provided by Clement Clarke Moore in his classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” which has come to be known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”.

The real St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas; however, was not a jolly ole’ guy that flew around the world in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. There are so many legends and folktales about St. Nicholas that it is really hard to separate fact from fiction.

A commonly held truth is that St. Nicholas was a bishop in Myra (modern-day Turkey). It is said that he inherited quite a fortune from his family but did not keep any of it for himself. Rather, St. Nicholas gave his fortune away by giving gifts to the less fortunate.

The Legends…

There are legends about St. Nicholas giving bags of gold to families whose daughters could not marry because they had no dowry. The gold given to them by St. Nicholas is believed to have kept them from being forced into prostitution.

Other legends about St. Nicholas say he was a miracle worker who brought much hope to the people, and that he was also a preacher. St. Nicholas is believed to have been imprisoned during Christian persecutions and later released after which he continued to preach and share God’s word.

Here are a Few Fun Facts about St. Nicholas

The Patron Saint of Many Causes: St. Nicholas is the patron saint of a diverse range of groups, including children, sailors, merchants, and even thieves seeking redemption. His broad patronage reflects his reputation for kindness and protection.
The Miracle of the Dowries: One of the most famous stories about St. Nicholas is how he secretly provided dowries for three poor sisters to save them from being sold into slavery or prostitution. He tossed bags of gold coins through their window (some versions say down a chimney), which landed in their stockings or shoes.
His Bones Are Believed to Have Healing Powers: After St. Nicholas’s death, his relics were believed to produce a miraculous substance called “manna,” which was said to have healing properties. His remains are enshrined in Bari, Italy, attracting pilgrims worldwide.
His Feast Day is December 6th: St. Nicholas’s feast day, December 6th, is celebrated in many countries, especially in Europe. Children often receive small gifts or sweets on this day, continuing the tradition of generosity associated with the saint.
He’s Not Just a Christmas Figure: While St. Nicholas is most famously associated with Christmas traditions, he also plays a significant role in maritime lore. Sailors in the Mediterranean and the North Sea would pray to him for safe passage during storms.
The Evolution of Santa Claus: The name “Santa Claus” comes from the Dutch “Sinterklaas,” a shortened form of “Saint Nicholas.” Dutch settlers brought the tradition to America, where it eventually evolved into the modern image of Santa Claus.
A Symbol of Generosity and Justice: Apart from gift-giving, St. Nicholas was known for defending the innocent. One story recounts how he saved three wrongly accused men from execution by confronting the judge and proving their innocence.
His Legacy Lives On in Charity: Many modern charitable organizations draw inspiration from St. Nicholas’s life. For example, the Salvation Army and other groups often adopt his image or name to encourage giving during the holiday season.