European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 20, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Claus an effect from the cover Region was the rescuer to All. St. Nicholas revived the butchered children. In the second Case he tossed Gold into the merchants Garden giving the daughters a shot at marriage. The martyrs name was later corrupted in traditional English style to Santa Claus. Although not much is documented about his life St. Nicholas supposedly suffered in the dire jails of the roman emperor Diocletian during the persecution of christians. Thanks to a change in political winds emperor Constantine the great released him. It turns out that the historic Claus took a lot of twists through local traditions Over the centuries before he became the merry old Elf american style at the ice slicked North pole. In the beginning the academics Tell us old St. Nick performed his Good works on the Dusty trails and sunny climes of the Southern turkish coast where these stories originated. By the sixth Century Myra became a Well known pilgrimage site. The ruins of a Basilica dedicated to his memory can still be visited there. In 1087, italian merchants stole his remains and reportedly brought them to a Church in the italian seaport City of Bari. As time went on the legends of Nicholas revered by Eastern and Western churches spread throughout Europe and Russia. Dutch colonists settling in new Amsterdam brought their tales of the benevolent gift bearer and Patron Saint of children to the new world. They called him sinter Claes or sinter Klaas. Today St. Nicholas is still a Patron Saint of the settlement that became new York City. In Greece where he is said to have helped ancient mariners he is also the Patron Saint of sailors. A May St. Nicholas hold the Tiller became a customary greeting in Mediterranean countries As a wish for a Safe voyage. Small icons with his likeness Are seen on greek boats. St. Nick took on the name of father Christmas or father january in Europe. The benevolent Bishop donned velvet Robes and passed out sweets to children on dec 6, the Day commemorating his death. By 1823, when Clement Clarke Moore published his poem a visit from St. Nicholas a which starts Quot a twas the night before Christmas a his image in America had changed from a thin Man to the one we have today of the Jolly Man with the big belly. St. Nicholas metamorphosis does no to Stop there. In most Christian countries Saint Santa is increasingly becoming super Santa thanks to an american to and movie mystique that has undermined even centuries old traditions. In Spain for example children know More about Santa Claus than they do about the three Kings of the Epiphany a Holiday that has been celebrated heartily on Jan. 6. That Day Marks the Royal visit to the Newborn Jesus Christ described in the Bible. Although the Celebration predates Christmas by a Century As a Day of gift giving it is fading in popularity w Ith children. Today spaniards see More billboards and store advertisements with sleds drawn by flying Reindeer than the Royal crowned Trio. In Iceland three or four generations ago Frisky trolls came Down from the mountains with treats and tricks. Today in the land of 20-hour nights just South of the Arctic Circle children wait for what they Call the yuletide lads. Icelanders like to say they have 13 Santa clauses in their country. Each has a different personality and a name like sausage snatcher Candle Begger door Slammer and food bowl Licker. More and More those legendary icelandic lads Are abandoning their medieval ogre ways a including eating unruly children a for More Elf like behaviour. They leave treats in children a shoes for the 12 Days of Christmas a tradition that came via the scandinavian countries. For those who have been naughty they leave rocks or potatoes. In Italy the St. Nicholas tradition becomes More feminine. In addition to father Christmas or Babbo Natale comes the Good Witch Befana. On Epiphany she flies through the sky on a Broom and slides Down the Chimney with goodies for Well behaved children. It is said that three Kings met her on their quest to find the Christ child. In London this season the landmark department store harrods has remixed its Christmas tradition. The store is putting father Christmas in a simulated new England Village As it celebrates a a new England  in harrods mid november Parade a hallmark of England s Holiday season Paul Revere led the show on horseback shouting a the British Are  preceding father Christmas were cowboys military units War painted members of the Boston Tea party and two people dressed As lobsters. Still throughout most Christian countries generosity and goodness to children remain unchanged despite whatever else happens to the historic Claus. St Nicholas stands near the byzantine Basilica in Deere Turkey. Page 4 a sunday december 20, 1992