It’s hard to believe, but Santa Claus is on his way.
Yes, he’s making his list, and likely checking it twice, but only you can determine if you’ve been naughty or nice. While our favourite jolly man is known for his red attire, you might be surprised to learn he used to dress in green.
The vibrant portrayal of him in scarlet has evolved over time. Many believe Coca-Cola turned him red as a Christmas marketing strategy, but the truth isn’t that straightforward.
As highlighted by @kringle_kris on TikTok, Santa’s image has undergone significant changes throughout history, even though most still envision him in a particular way.
In a recent video, he explained: “Have you ever wondered why Santa wears red? Well, a few hundred years ago, Santa actually wore green to symbolise evergreen trees and hollies, which withstand the harsh winter – a season that can be tough for people.”
He continued: “But, in 1823, the renowned story ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was published, and it depicted Santa as ‘dressed in all fur, with red rosy cheeks, and a beard white as snow’. It didn’t mention him wearing red, but it began to establish his image as plump and cheerful.
“It wasn’t until the 1930s that Coca-Cola wanted to show that their soda was more than just a summer drink, so they started using Santa – only showing him in clothes that match their red logo. Since Coca-Cola is the most popular soda in the world, it eventually just became accepted that Santa wears red.”
The clip has racked up hundreds of views, sparking a flurry of questions about how Santa’s image came to be. However, some argue the origins aren’t as straightforward.
Saint Nicholas, the historic figure Santa Claus draws inspiration from, was a fourth-century bishop who famously donned red robes while gifting to the needy. Moreover, the colours red and green hold special significance in Christianity, with red representing the blood of Jesus, and green symbolising everlasting life.
In essence, the blending of red and white in Santa’s clothes is significant, with white denoting purity and virtue. There’s a lot more to his costume than at first meets the eye.