I'm an expert in folklore and cultural studies, and I'm here to share with you the fascinating history behind the figure we know as Santa Claus.

The real name of Santa Claus is a subject of historical debate, but the most widely accepted origin comes from the story of a man named St. Nicholas. Born in Patara, which is now part of present-day Turkey, around the year 280 AD, St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop known for his generosity and kindness towards the less fortunate. He is said to have performed many acts of charity, including the famous tale of providing dowries for three young girls by throwing bags of gold through their window at night, thus saving them from a life of poverty.

St. Nicholas's reputation for secret gift-giving spread throughout the region and beyond, and he became a popular figure in Christian Europe. After his death, he was canonized and his feast day, December 6th, became a day of celebration and giving. Over time, the stories of St. Nicholas's life and deeds evolved and merged with other folktales and traditions.

The transformation of St. Nicholas into the figure we now call Santa Claus is a complex process that involved several centuries of cultural exchange and adaptation. The Dutch settlers in America brought their tradition of Sinterklaas, which is the Dutch name for St. Nicholas, to the New World. This figure was a stern, scholarly man who rode a white horse and brought gifts to good children.

In the 19th century, the image of Santa Claus as we know him today began to take shape. The American author Washington Irving contributed to this by portraying St. Nicholas as a jolly, pipe-smoking character in his satirical work "A History of New York" from 1809. Later, the 1822 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas," by Clement Clarke Moore, further popularized the image of a plump, cheerful, and magical Santa Claus who travels with reindeer and brings gifts to children around the world.

The modern Santa Claus is also heavily influenced by the illustrations of Thomas Nast, who created a series of images for Harper's Weekly in the 1860s and 1870s. Nast's illustrations depicted Santa as a rotund, bearded man in a red suit with white fur trim, a look that has become iconic.

In conclusion, while the figure of Santa Claus has evolved over time and has been influenced by various cultures and traditions, the real name of the original figure he is based on is St. Nicholas. His story is one of kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving, which continues to inspire the festive traditions we celebrate today.

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Born in Patara, a land that is part of present-day Turkey, circa 280, St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his gift-giving grew. St. Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children around the world.Dec 7, 2017read more >>