Monday, May 23, 2011

The Legend of Father Christmas or Santa


Saxons
When the Saxons invaded Britain, they brought with them their own solstice tradition. In each village, an elderly man would dress up in furs and become 'Old Winter'. People believed that he carried the spirit of winter with him and the season would be kind to any household that had been hospitable to him. He would go from house to house, enjoying gifts of food and drink. When the Saxons converted to Christianity, they did not give up ‘Old Winter’. The custom was observed all through the “Middle Ages” and eventually, he became a character in the Christmas mummer's plays.





Norse
The Vikings brought along their beliefs when they settled in the north of Britain. They believed that Odin, in the form of his December character, a portly, elderly man with a white beard rode through the world on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir at solstice. Dressed in a long, blue, hooded cloak, he sat with his people and listened to see if they were contented. He also carried a satchel of riches, which he distributed to the worthy or the poor.


Norman
After 1066, the Normans added their veneration of St. Nicholas to the mix. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra, in the area that is now Turkey, in the 3rd century AD. He was generous to the poor and particularly kind to children. Many of the gift bringers after this time were depicted wearing clothing similar to that of a Bishop.
Medieval and Renaissance
St. Nicholas became very popular in Britain. By 1500, over 500 songs and hymns had been written in his honor and over 700 churches were dedicated to him. He also began to be blended with the character of Old Winter. Our first written reference is a line in a 15th century carol: "Welcome, my lord Christmas."
Sir Christmas or Captain Christmas often presided over holiday entertainment in large houses during Tudor and Stuart times. An illustration by Thomas Nabbes, made in 1638, shows him as an old man in a long furred coat and cap.
Commonwealth and Restoration
In 1644, the Puritans banned Christmas celebrations and Father Christmas as well. People missed the revelry, and the figure of Father Christmas was often used to express their dissatisfaction. It was about this time that he became part of the mummer's plays. Often, he strode onto the stage at the beginning of the performance, calling to the audience, "In comes I, old Father Christmas, be I welcome or be I not? I hope old Father Christmas, will never be forgot."
In 1645, a London broadsheet taunted the government with the story about the conviction and imprisonment of Father Christmas, and "the Hue and Cry after his escape there from." In 1678, a book titled The Examination and Tryal of old Father Christmas and his clearing by Jury was published in London.
When the monarchy was restored, so was Father Christmas.
Victorian
The Victorian Father Christmas included characteristics of all these figures. He was usually drawn as an old man in a long, hooded coat. The coat was usually green, but it could be a variety of colors .... blue, turquoise, purple, green, and brown .... and could be trimmed with furs or decorated with stars.
John Leech drew the illustrations in the first publication of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” the Ghost of Christmas Carol wears a long green cloak and a holly wreath.



Changing Appearance
Father Christmas's coat was usually red after about 1880. The color was probably influenced by the popular choice of red for the American Santa Claus.


Father Christmas Today
In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and many Commonwealth countries, children still write letters to Father Christmas to tell him what presents they want. Some mail or email their letters. Others follow the traditional practice of throwing their letters into the back of the fireplace, where they will be swept up the chimney for "delivery" with the sparks.


As you can see from the legends that surround the gift bringers from around the world, I have plenty of inspiration. 

I hope you've enjoyed the history behind Father Christmas or Santa or whatever persona we've chosen to represent the spirit of giving and the figures I've crafted in his image.

I've just added a stand alone page that is my Blog Shop. It lists the items that I have for sale at this time, so check it out if your are interested.

Thanks for stopping by.

12 comments:

The Bear's Blog said...

This post is wonderful. I like the older Father Christma' but certainly have the more modern in my collection too.

Thank you for the interesting history of Father Christmas/Santa. Very interesting reading.

Hugs

Kays Kids said...

I love reading about the various traditions of Father Christmas. It is so interesting, finding various country
version. I have a few books about it as well. I just love the old St.Nicolous.

Crystal said...

Very interesting post. You are so knowledgeable about the various Father Christmas legends. :-)

Heather said...

i love seeing all of these Santas together! happy monday! xo

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I collect chalk Santa's and saw some very much like what I have! Very interesting post..but I want to be perfectly honest here. :)
I kept going back to the top and watching the birdies...does that tell you something about me? LOL
Hugs,
Mona

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

You have given us such a wonderful presentation of information about Father Christmas. I used to be a Christmasaholic, particularly all of the periphera...reindeers, donkeys, wooden shoes, switches, coal....you know the side stories. You may have just renewed my interest in learning more. Thanks and how gorgeous are your gathering of SANTAS????????

Anonymous said...

Oh Maddyrose, what a beautifully informative post. This was truly brilliant and your Santas are simply timeless pieces of art. Thank you so much for the well wishes. You are a kind hearted soul.

Jan said...

Now I know more than I ever wanted to know about the jolly man. Thanks for the history lesson. It is really quite interesting.

Rona Gregory said...

I love your little guys! and I loved reading all the history too!
Oooh and thank you for the award!
xoxox

Crystal Cook said...

What a fun blog! I enjoy your passion and look forward to reading more of you posts.

Lisa said...

Wow, yes I did enjoy the history behind Father Christmas, it's good to pass down this kind of information. I will!

Maddy, thank you for your words about the tornado. My gosh, you've been through them all...I am thankful my loved ones are all safe.
thank you,
hugs to you,
Lisa

Maggie said...

Very interesting post, Maddy! I love all your cute Santas. But, you already know that! Later,
Maggie