Do you know where Santa Claus was born?

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on Christmas Eve and the early morning hours of Christmas Day. According to his legendary figure everybody but mostly children love Saint Nicholas. We know a alot about him however have you ever thought where he was from? North Pole? Germany? Italy? UK? Or Turkey? Germans will say that he is German. Italians will say that he belongs to Italy. Americans will say that he is American. Most comments will go for North Pole however he was born in Turkey.

It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. His parents were wealthy and he was well educated. Nicholas seems to have had a remarkable childhood. While still a young boy he was made Bishop of Myra, and because of this he has been known ever since as the Boy Bishop. He was renowned for his extreme kindness and generosity – often going out at night and taking presents to the needy. Santa's rise to fame can be traced to two legends – the three daughters and the children at the Inn. Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married.

When he died, Nicholas’ bones remained in Myra (now Demre). An intact tomb has been found underneath Saint Nicholas Church, in the Demre district of Turkey's south-west province of Antalya--- the coastal city where he had served as bishop. Pilgrims flocked to Myra by the thousands to visit his remains, which became the town’s main attraction. At a time when the relics of saints could bring major power and prestige, the bones became so popular that they inspired jealousy. In the 11th century, thieves stole Nicholas’ bones from Myra, taking them to the Italian port city of Bari. Throughout the Middle Ages, Bari drew thousands of pilgrims, and the city became a must-visit destination for those wanting to pay homage. However, Venice also claims parts of Nicholas, swearing that they stole some of the bones from Myra way back during the First Crusade. Today, both towns attract the Saint’s devotees.

Gift-giving, mainly centered around children, has been an important part of the Christmas celebration. Stores and newspapers began to advertise Christmas shopping with the images of the newly-popular Santa Claus. Poems and songs were written for Santa Claus to celebrate the Christmas. At the end, Santa Claus became the part of our life during the Christmas celebration.