Around 1870, the Americans Turned the Name Into Santa Claus
Match the symbols of Saint Nicholas with their
meanings. Write the number next to the picture.
A MITER / 1. In some European countries this is the recordbook of children's behaviour. This is also the Book of the Gospels or Holy Scriptures.
A CROZIER / 2. Symbolizes the close association St. Nicholas has with sailors, ships and the sea.
3 GOLD BALLS / 3. Represents Nicholas's relationship with ships and sailors.
MONEY BAGS / 4. A special pointed hat, the symbol for bishops and unique to St. Nicholas among holiday gift-givers.
KIDS IN A TUB / 5. Usually are three, sometimes is one. They represent the gold thrown into the house to provide the dowry for the wedding.
A SHIP / 6. St. Nicholas is the protector of children. Usually three children are in the tub, but sometimes only two are present.
AN ANCHOR / 7. A hooked stuff carried by bishop. Represents a shepherd's stuff as the bishop is to be the shepherd of the people.
A BOOK / 8. Children put carrots, turnips, or hay in their shoes for St. Nicholas's horse or donkey. Nicholas replaces them with presents.
SHOES / 9. Represent the gold for poor maidens. Sometimes oranges or apples are used to represent the gold.
Match the symbols of Saint Nicholas with their meanings. Write the number next to the picture.
A MITER / 1. In some European countries this is the recordbook of children's behaviour. This is also the Book of the Gospels or Holy Scriptures.
A CROZIER / 2. Symbolizes the close association St. Nicholas has with sailors, ships and the sea.
3 GOLD BALLS / 3. Represents Nicholas's relationship with ships and sailors.
MONEY BAGS / 4. A special pointed hat, the symbol for bishops and unique to St. Nicholas among holiday gift-givers.
KIDS IN A TUB / 5. Usually are three, sometimes is one. They represent the gold thrown into the house to provide the dowry for the wedding.
A SHIP / 6. St. Nicholas is the protector of children. Usually three children are in the tub, but sometimes only two are present.
AN ANCHOR / 7. A hooked stuff carried by bishop. Represents a shepherd's stuff as the bishop is to be the shepherd of the people.
A BOOK / 8. Children put carrots, turnips, or hay in their shoes for St. Nicholas's horse or donkey. Nicholas replaces them with presents.
SHOES / 9. Represent the gold for poor maidens. Sometimes oranges or apples are used to represent the gold.
Tonight when it is dark
Saint Nicholas may come.
He loves to bring a big surprise.
He gives the children toys.
Cookies, apples,
Balls and games,
Bells and whistles,
Dolls and trains.
Surprises for the boys.
Surprises for the girls.
Saint Nicholas is our friend in heaven.
He is the children's saint.
We thank you, good Saint Nicholas!
We thank you for the toys!
We thank you, good Saint Nicholas!
You bring us many joys. /
Tonight when it is dark
Saint Nicholas may come.
He loves to bring a big surprise.
He gives the children toys.
Cookies, apples,
Balls and games,
Bells and whistles,
Dolls and trains.
Surprises for the boys.
Surprises for the girls.
Saint Nicholas is our friend in heaven.
He is the children's saint.
We thank you, good Saint Nicholas!
We thank you for the toys!
We thank you, good Saint Nicholas!
You bring us many joys.
The real Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop in Turkey (former Greece). Known for his kindness, especially towards children, he eventually became popular in Holland, where he was known as 'Sinter Klaas'.
Around 1870, the Americans turned the name into Santa Claus.
Until 1890, he was described as tall and thin, wearing green or brown as often as red.
Santa's present appearance was created by Swedish artist Jenny Nystrom in a series of Christmas cards.
Fellow Swede Haddon Sundblom helped universalise the new image when he adopted Nystrom's ideas for Coca-Cola's advertising campaign - Santa matched Coke's red-and-white logo. Sundblom also refined the character, making his body a little fatter and giving him his herd of flying reindeer.
The idea of Santa Claus entering people's homes by dropping down the chimney comes from American Scholar Clement Moore's famous 1822 poem A Visit from St Nicholas.
May the blessings of Saint Nicholas...
Illuminate your world... with peace, love & joy!
The real Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop in Turkey (former Greece). Known for his kindness, especially towards children, he eventually became popular in Holland, where he was known as 'Sinter Klaas'.
Around 1870, the Americans turned the name into Santa Claus.
Until 1890, he was described as tall and thin, wearing green or brown as often as red.
Santa's present appearance was created by Swedish artist Jenny Nystrom in a series of Christmas cards.
Fellow Swede Haddon Sundblom helped universalise the new image when he adopted Nystrom's ideas for Coca-Cola's advertising campaign - Santa matched Coke's red-and-white logo. Sundblom also refined the character, making his body a little fatter and giving him his herd of flying reindeer.
The idea of Santa Claus entering people's homes by dropping down the chimney comes from American Scholar Clement Moore's famous 1822 poem A Visit from St Nicholas.
May the blessings of Saint Nicholas...
Illuminate your world... with peace, love & joy!
TEACHER'S ANSWERS for match the symbols with their meanings:
a miter - 4
a crozier - 7
3 gold balls - 9
money bags - 5
kids in a tub - 6
a ship - 2
an anchor - 3
a book - 1
shoes– 8
