©2016 Lori L. Simpson
Many people have heard of the
fictional Christmas holiday figure of
Mrs. Claus, or Mrs. Santa Claus.
But few know her origins.
The modern Mrs. Santa Claus first appeared in an an 1850 story called "A Christmas Legend" authored by James Reese.
Pre-Christan religions had winter-associated Gods who had wives as well.
In addition there are and have been legendary female gift givers such as Italy's Christmas persona La Befana. Also, several Northern countries pre-Christan Frau Holle.
La Befana traditionally leaves
Gifts in children's shoes.
Frau Holle granted good crops and left practical presents such as coal and flax pods. When she shook out her feather bed, snow blanketed the land.
Artistic depictions of Mrs. Claus today
are varied. She has perhaps become
as much a part of secular Christmas culture in some areas of the world as
her husband. How might you
Picture her?
