NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
December 7, 2000
Ronald C. Smith, Horticulturist
NDSU Extension Service
With the Christmas trees up, evergreen garlands gracing the mantel, and mistletoe hung in appropriate places, North Dakotans are ready to celebrate the holiday season in a fashion based largely on traditions.
The holiday celebrations many of us observe actually began primarily in Europe, on Dec. 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas. The saint was a bishop who lived in Asia Minor during the fourth century and has been a patron saint of children since the Middle Ages. In some countries the children fill their shoes with straw and carrots for St. Nicholas’ horse on the night of Dec. 5, St. Nicholas’ Eve, when he visits their homes. In the morning, if they have been good, they find the straws and carrots replaced with cookies and toys. If they have been less than good, a whipping rod may be there instead.
The Dutch brought this festival to America in the 1600s, with some calling him Sinter Klaas. In the 1800s the figure of St. Nicholas was changed into Santa Claus, inspired by the poem by Clement C. Moore, A Visit From St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). Written for his children in 1823, the poem was later published for the public and included the now famous picture of Santa Claus by cartoonist Thomas Nast. From here, two more customs became popular–decorating trees and sending cards to friends and relatives.
Since the Christmas tree is the main attraction in most homes, a great deal of time, money and effort is usually expended in selecting and decorating this important symbol. Presents are placed under the tree and in stockings hung by children. Santa is believed to visit most households on Christmas Eve, when the children are peacefully sleeping.
In North America, various ethnic groups observe this holiday following the customs of their ancestors. Spanish customs abound in the American Southwest, French customs are observed in Quebec, and some black Americans combine Christmas with Kwanzaa, an Afro-American celebration that lasts for seven days, Dec. 16 through Jan. 1.
In addition to Sinter Klaas, Santa is also known by other names. In Italy he is called Belfana or Babbo Natal; in Sweden, Jultomten visits the evening before Christmas pulling a big bag of julklapper (Christmas gifts) in the deep snow. Pa Norsk (in Norwegian) Julenissen arrives on the evening of Dec. 24. In the Netherlands he is called Kertsman, and in Finland he is called Joulupukki. Being of Dutch ancestry, I grew up being told that Sinter Klaas would deliver gifts in wooden shoes if I was good, or a lump of coal if I wasn’t so good.
Santa, no matter what he is called, is known and loved by children all over the world.
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Source: Ron Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Gary Moran, (701) 231-7865, gmoran@ndsuext.noda.edu