Is Santa really just a legend? Like a lot of legends, this one also has its foundation on facts that really happened, based on a person who really existed: Saint Nicholas of Bari, Bishop, patron saint of archers, sailors, children, spinsters and… pawnbrokers!
Saint Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, and this must be the reason why he ended up becoming Santa Claus.
After all, think of the similarity of the names, from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus is a short step.
Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6 and therefore we’re talking about him today.
In many European countries in fact, Santa brings his gifts to the children during the night between the 5th and the 6th of December, and puts them in socks that the kids hang before the fireplace.
Where does this tradition come from? It comes from “the miracle of the dowry of the three maidens”.
The story tells us about this man who was once rich, but he lost his fortune.
He had three beautiful daughters, but now impoverished, could not provide them with a conspicuous dowry which could have gotten them a good husband.
Their virtue was at risk and they could have ended up being sold into slavery or worse, prostitution could have been the only way for them to make a living.
When Saint Nicholas heard about this, he decided to help. He came from a rich family, so he had the money that was necessary to this man and his daughters.