The origins of Mrs. Claus, the wife of Santa Claus, are shrouded in mystery and folklore. While Santa Claus has a long and storied history dating back to the early Christian tradition of St. Nicholas, the figure of Mrs. Claus is a more recent addition to the holiday mythology.
One theory about the origins of Mrs. Claus is that she is based on the figure of Mrs. Nicholas, the wife of St. Nicholas, who was a bishop in the early Christian church. According to legend, St. Nicholas was known for his generosity and his kindness to children, and it is believed that his wife played a significant role in his charitable work.
Another theory is that Mrs. Claus evolved from the figure of “Kerstvrouw,” or “Christmas Woman,” who was a popular character in Dutch folklore. In this tradition, Kerstvrouw was a kindly old woman who helped to prepare for the Christmas holiday by baking cookies and making gifts for children. It is possible that the figure of Mrs. Claus was influenced by this character and incorporated into the mythology of Santa Claus.
The modern image of Mrs. Claus as a plump, jolly, and maternal figure can be traced back to the 19th century, when the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “The Night Before Christmas,” was published. In this poem, which was first published in 1823, Santa is described as being “chubby and plump,” and it is implied that he has a wife who helps him with his preparations for the holiday.
In the 20th century, the image of Mrs. Claus as a kind and maternal figure became even more widespread with the publication of children’s books and holiday-themed movies and television shows. These works often depicted Mrs. Claus as a supportive and loving partner to Santa, and she became a beloved figure in holiday mythology.
Today, Mrs. Claus is an integral part of the holiday season and is often depicted in decorations, movies, and other holiday-themed media. She is seen as a symbol of love, joy, and the magic of the holiday season, and she continues to hold a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike.
