Santa Claus – a popular trade-mark
Santa Claus has always been a symbol of Christmas and one of the elements of the fairy-tail in which children from all over the world believe.
But nowadays it is much commercialised. So when did people begin to commercialise Santa?
A historical organization was found in America in 1804 and its director was Saint Nicholas. From this moment starts the history of trade-mark – Santa Claus.
Washington Irving published a satirical story in 1809, in which he told the story of Santa Claus. He wanted to ridicule the Holland origins of New York (many traditions came to New York from Holland. And the tradition of Saint Nicholas came from Holland too). Every year a stature of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus in Holland) was put outdoors and people sand a song to honour him.
In 1822 stories about Santa Claus was published according to which Santa travelled in sledge with the help of deer and got into the house through the chimney.
Later American businessman Parkinson hired a man and dressed him in the clothes of Santa. This man was attracting the clients. Santa was sitting in the roof near the chimney where the shop was situated.
Later post-cards appeared that pictures Santa and they became very popular. People bought them and sent to their relatives.
Even world known "Coca-cola" used the image of Santa with a famous slogan "Coke Time". It didn't add anything new to the image of Santa but brought him popularity in the whole world.
Nowadays there is even Santa Claus Village situated in Rovaniemi in Lapland in Finland. His office and post-office are situated there. He may be met there any time of the year. A photo costs money as well as excursion to his house.
So, Santa Claus is a nice trade-mark that may be used to earn money. Unfortunately modern world turns a fairy-tail into commerce.