The concept of the American Santa Claus originated with St. Nicholas, who was born in Asia Minor in 280 A.D. he was known as a kind, benevolent man; indeed made a saint because of his generosity.

美国人关于圣诞老人的概念源于圣-尼古拉斯，他生于公元280年的小亚细亚。众所周知，他是个和蔼、慈善的人；确实，由于他的慷慨宽大而成为一位圣徒。

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The truth is that like the Christmas story itself, the story of Saint Nicholas is a composite of history, myth, and legend.

事实上，跟圣诞节本身的故事一样，圣人尼古拉的故事，也是集历史、神话和传说于一身。

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St. Nicholas became the patron saint of Russia, where he was famous for his red cape, flowing white beard, and bishop's mitre.

尼古拉斯成了俄罗斯人的守护神，在那里，他以身披红斗篷，留着飘逸的白胡须，戴着主教法冠而闻名。

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Two of his names -- Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas -- both come from the Dutch who settled in New York long ago.

VOA: special.2009.12.20

Santa Claus also has some other names: Saint Nicholas,St.Nick, Kris Kringle,Pelznickel.

VOA: special.2009.12.20

And so,to the Germans of Pennsylvania, Saint Nicholas or Pelznickel was a man dressed in fur who came once a year with gifts for good children.Soon, people began to feel that the love and kindness Pelznickel brought should be part of a celebration honoring the Christkindl, as the Germans called the Christ child.

VOA: special.2009.12.20

Then, about 200 men walk the route wearing half- to full-metre-tall paper bishop hats, lit from within by candles and cut with intricate, stained glass window-like designs featuring Saint Nicholas.

BBC: Strange Santa sightings in Switzerland