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The Conversation
The Conversation
Brian Thornton, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, University of Winchester

Santa Claus was inspired by a real figure who fought against miscarriages of justice

St. Nicholas Santa Claus Saint Nicholas United States Diocletian Turkey Europe
A statue of St Nicholas, who became one of the world's most popular saints. Tatanya Blinova/Shutterstock

Santa Claus is based on the real historical figure of St Nicholas, a Byzantine bishop born in present-day Turkey. Because of the extraordinary legends and miracles attributed to him he became one of the most popular saints in Europe.

Dutch migrants probably spread his fame to the US and there the patron saint of children was transformed through books, magazines and films into the familiar Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, figure we know today.

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