Siefker, Phyllis
Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men: The Origins and Evolution of Saint Nicholas, Spanning 50,000 Years
- ISBN 13:
- 9780786429585
- author:
- Siefker, Phyllis
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- McFarland
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2007
- Pages:
- 227
- Genre:
- Customs
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 15 working days
Description
Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men: The Origins and Evolution of Saint Nicholas, Spanning 50,000 Years The modern image of Santa Claus is deeply ingrained in popular culture, thanks in part to Clement Moore's poem "The Night Before Christmas". However, this jolly old elf is not the direct descendant of a single figure, but rather the last of a long line of "Wild Men" worshipped in ancient European fertility rites. These pagan creatures have evolved over time, influencing the development of Christmas scenes and traditions. Phyllis Siefker's book explores the origins of Santa Claus, tracing his evolution from prehistoric times to the present day. With a focus on the scholarly research, Siefker reveals the surprising connections between Saint Nicholas and other figures from mythology, such as Robin Hood and the Fool. This in-depth study sheds new light on the foundation of Christian myths surrounding the jolly old elf. By examining the history of Santa Claus, Siefker provides a unique perspective on the evolution of Christmas traditions and the cultural influences that have shaped them over time.