h a l f b a k e r yLeft for Bread
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The red suit with white trimmings and the floppy hat was created by Thomas Nast in 1863, modelled on the traditional garb of an Eastern Orthodox bishop, which is what St. Nicholas was. Nothing to do with Coca Cola. |
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And St. Nicholas got to be a saint for redistributing his own wealth, not other people's. Robin Hood never made it to canonization, let alone beatification, but I think that would be a much more suitable eponym. |
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Thor, the god of presents? Interesting. |
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Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children too, which accounts for him filling their stockings. In germany, well south germany, the presents are brought by the Christkindl or christ child although he/she/it looks like a fairy or cherub. Saint Nicholaus brings round sweeties and things ( or leaves them in shoes left outside the door) on his saints day, (6th December) but is seen walking around for a while afterwards doing the same. He wears a red bishop's robe. Rather worryingly, he is often accompanied by an anti-santa figure called Knecht Ruprecht (also the german name for Santa's Little Helper in The Simpsons) who wears a grey robe and carries a sack and a stick for beating and carrying off naughty children. |
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A bit more of an incentive for being good than adults telling you half-heartedly "you'll only get soot and coal if you're bad". |
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...so maybe we should invent a Knecht Ruprecht virus that finds out who instigated the Santa Claus virus, finds out where they live and then sends a mercenary round to hit them with a stick. |
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I don't know if i'll be able to trust what comes out of your mouth anymore UnaBubba |
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Although the mexican kids raised in rich families get presents from Santa Claus, our unique tradition is to celebrate the "Reyes Magos" day (see link). |
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The tradition is taken from the three wise men who traveled to Betlehem to give newborn jesus Christ three symbolic presents. So, each mexican kid is supposed to find three presents under the christmas tree on january 6. Obviously, it's understood that most kids' parents can't afford the presents (let alone ONE present) so poor children usually get symbolic and meaningful things made by their parents or older relatives, such as wooden toys, corn pastries or dolls made of fabric. |
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um, i think the idea is fun. but it
could definately go too far. |
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