Saint Nicholas of Myra who lived in 4th century in Lycia (modern Turkey), became the prototype for Santa Claus. The name “Santa Claus” is the modification of Dutch Sinterklaas and Sint Nikolaas.

He became known for his piety and acts of charity. Today Saint Nicholas is revered by many as the patron saint of seamen, merchants, archers, children, prostitutes, pharmacists, lawyers, pawnbrokers, and prisoners.

Saint Nicholas also had a reputation for secret gift-giving. The most famous legend about Saint Nicholas tells how he helped three unfortunate young sisters who lacked dowries for their marriages. As each girl reached a marriageable age he dropped the bags of coins into the house at night through the chimney. Hence the tradition to hang Christmas stockings by the fireplace. After he died, people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts were still often attributed to St. Nicholas.

St. Nicholas’s remains were seized by the Italian sailors in 1087 and moved to a crypt in Bari, Italy. That is where they are kept now, though Turkey continues to demand the return of the relics.

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated early in the Advent season, on December 6, presumably the date of his death.

Santa Claus Site

St. Nicholas’s Life Timeline