STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 13
Christ’ s birth on Dec. 25. The date was not immediately accepted by all, but by the late 4th Century, the idea of Dec. 25 as Christmas was spreading eastward through Christian networks.
After St. Nicholas’ s death, stories about him multiplied, and by the medieval period, he was credited with miracles and acts of generosity far beyond what can be historically verified. His reputation as a protector of children became particularly important to the season with European children receiving gifts from him eventually becoming a tradition.
8th – 12th CENTURIES
Medieval German-speaking communities staged religious plays with demons who punished and dragged away
sinners. The Library of Congress notes medieval St. Nicholas plays, costumed devils, outdoor processions and later Alpine traditions gradually contributed to the figure that became Krampus.
12th – 15th CENTURIES
St. Nicholas became wildly popular across Europe, with different regions developing their own versions of the gift-giving saint and his companions. This is the period when the idea of good children receiving gifts and bad children receiving punishment began to enter popular lore. The Library of Congress describes Krampus as traditionally accompanying St. Nicholas, but traditions varied considerably by region, so there was not a standardized Santa and Krampus tradition throughout medieval Europe.
1
16th CENTURY
The Protestant Reformation dramatically changed Christmas customs in parts of Europe, with many Protestant communities rejecting the revering of saints but keeping the gift-giving tradition. Some communities adopted the Christ Child, or Christkind, as an alternative to St. Nicholas as the Christmas gift-giver. This tradition later contributed to the American name Kris Kringle.
17th CENTURY
Dutch settlers brought the tradition of Sinterklaas to New Amsterdam, which later became New York. American writers and artists progressively changed the character over the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the development of Santa Claus.
2
PHOTO CUTLINES ON PAGE 14 >>>
Dutch settlers brought the tradition of Sinterklaas to New Amsterdam, which later became New York. American writers and artists progressively changed the character over the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the development of Santa Claus.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 13