How Nicholas became Santa

Patara (Turkey)

- the village in which Nicholas was born and grew up.

World (Turkey)

In 300, Nicholas of Patara, known in the Orthodox tradition as Nicholas the Wonderworker, after training in Xanthus, became bishop of Mira, where he preached until his death at 343 AD He was buried in this church. Shortly after the death of Nicholas the Savior, several miraculous healings took place among believers who came to worship his ashes, and Mira became a place of pilgrimage and holy faith.

Bari (port city in Italy)

- the capital of the Apulia region, the administrative center of the province of the same name. Tourists are few, except for the Orthodox (and primarily Russian) pilgrims to the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who in 1087 AD Were secretly exported from the World of Lycians and since then the crypt of the St. Nicholas basilica (laid in 1087 AD) Specially kept for their placement has been kept.

Netherlands

The cult of worship of Nicholas's relics with pagan traditions mixed up.

New York

The first colonists were the Dutch. By the way, the first name of the city was New Amsterdam. They and brought with them the celebration of St. Nicholas Day. On this holiday, Coca-Cola made a special advertisement, thus promoting the brand of Santa.

Lapland

For the Dutch, Lapland was no longer to the north. By the way, Lapland from the Sami means "the edge of the earth". They even believed that there is a north pole. In fact, most of Lapland lies beyond the Arctic Circle, but it's very far from the North Pole.
So Santa moved to Lapland.

Village of Santa Kalaus (Finland, Rovaniemi)

Especially for attracting tourists this village was built. It is necessary as that to earn on tourism. The climate is not a resort.
Very convenient, near Rovaniemi - an international airport. The village is on a polar circle, which is designated on the asphalt and it can be crossed.