Christmas is synonymous with the giving of gifts. How did this tradition begin? Some say, that it began with the birth of Christ. We have heard of the three kings who travelled through many lands and kingdoms to come and worship and rejoice in the birth of Christ. They brought with them gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. These gifts were rare and precious and symbolic of the life that the Messiah would lead. The gold represented honour, frankincense divinity and myrrh to acknowledge the human suffering He would experience.
Man in red
In the fourth century, there is the legend of St. Nickolas, a Christian Bishop who was generous and loved giving gifts to children because he felt that they needed to have good memories of their childhood.
Then there is the ever famous Santa Claus. It is believed that he brings gifts to children who have been good through the year. Santa can trace his history to the Dutch Sinterklaas. Legend has it that Santa lives in the North Pole and has a large number of elves who work in his workshop making wonderful gifts that can be given to children around the world around Chirstmas time. Supposedly he travels on a sleigh with nine (originally there were only eight) flying reindeer.
Published - December 24, 2012 07:34 pm IST
