Santa Claus Worldwide - A History of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift-Bringers (Paperback)

This is a comprehensive history of the world's midwinter gift-givers, showcasing the extreme diversity in their depictions as well as the many traits and functions these characters share. It tracks the evolution of these figures from the tribal priests who presided over winter solstice celebrations thousands of years before the birth of Christ, to Christian notables like St. Martin and St. Nicholas, to a variety of secular figures who emerged throughout Europe following the Protestant Reformation. Finally, it explains how the popularity of a poem about a "miniature sleigh" and "eight tiny reindeer" helped consolidate the diverse European gift-givers into an enduring tradition in which American children awake early on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. Although the names, appearance, attire and gift-giving practices of the world's winter solstice gift-givers differ greatly, they are all recognizable as Santa, the personification of the Christmas and Midwinter festivals. Despite efforts to eliminate him by groups as diverse as the Puritans of seventeenth century New England, the Communist Party of the twentieth century Soviet Union and the government of Nazi Germany, Santa has survived and prospered, becoming one of the best known and most beloved figures in the world.

General

Imprint:	McFarland & Company
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	May 2020
Authors:	Tom A. Jerman
Dimensions:	254 x 178 x 11mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	216
ISBN-13:	978-1-4766-8093-4
Categories:	Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Myths & mythology Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > Social & cultural history Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Christianity > Christian life & practice > General Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social institutions > Customs & folklore > Folklore Books > History > History of specific subjects > Social & cultural history Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian life & practice > General Books > Religion & Spirituality > Myths & mythology Books > Christianity > Christian life & practice Promotions
LSN:	1-4766-8093-0
Barcode:	9781476680934

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