0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- Christmas. Everyone looks forward - to this time of year.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- Traditionally, - a time for family get-togethers.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- Everyone looking - for the perfect gift...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- ..as the shops offer - all sorts of choices.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- Choosing is almost impossible.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- There's so much for everyone - - and for children in particular.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- "Dear Santa Claus...
0:00:41 > 0:00:47- .."please may I have - a bow and arrows set...
0:00:47 > 0:00:53- .."and a - remote-controlled aeroplane.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- "Ela would like a pram and a dolly.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- "Thank you very much."
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- Like Jac and Ela, - children around the world...
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- ..are busy and full of hope.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Who exactly is the focus - of all this excitement?
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- Why does he live - in such a remote location?
0:01:21 > 0:01:27- Are the world's children sending - their letters to this bearded man?
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- Has he always looked like this?
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- Santa Claus has a white beard.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- He wears a black belt - and black boots.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Santa Claus is a happy and kind man.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52- He brings gifts to everyone - who has behaved.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- Our search for Santa Claus - doesn't start at the North Pole.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- It starts in Turkey - during the third century.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- Here, according to legend, - we find the roots of St Nicholas.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- There is little evidence to prove...
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- ..that he was a man - of flesh and blood....
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..but millions of Christians - have tales about him.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- According to one story, baby - Nicholas refused to be breast-fed...
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- ..until the sun had set - on Wednesdays and Fridays.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- These were fasting days - for early Christians.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- This church in Demre, - or Myra in St Nicholas's day...
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- ..has been named after the saint.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- Today, it's a Mecca for pilgrims.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- The tomb, which is now empty...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..was said to have been - full of manna.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Manna, according to legend, - was beneficial to health.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- Once a year, pilgrims gather - to drink the miraculous manna.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28- The way Nicholas was elected as - Bishop of Myra was rather unusual.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- A member of the conclave - that elected the bishop...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- ..heard the voice of an angel - in a dream...
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- ..telling him that the first person - to walk through the door...
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- ..should be ordained as the bishop.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42- That person was Nicholas.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- He became the patron saint - of children...
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- ..after resurrecting three boys - killed by a butcher during a famine.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Nicholas is also - the patron saint of sailors.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- His most famous act - involves three unmarried sisters.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09- In those days, a girl needed - a dowry before she could marry.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- In those days, and until today...
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- ..it was customary - in Eastern Antalya in Turkey...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- ..for a father to provide a dowry - for his daughters.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- The eldest daughter asked her father - to sell her as a prostitute.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- She could earn enough money to - allow the other daughters to marry.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- On hearing the request - of his eldest daughter...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..the father was rather upset.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- He prayed to God - to help his daughters marry.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- Nicholas heard about his plight.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- To help the father, he threw - a sack full of gold coins...
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- ..through the window.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- This tale grew over the centuries...
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- ..into stories about St Nicholas...
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- ..throwing sacks of gold - down chimneys...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- ..which dropped into stockings - drying by the fireplace.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- This generous act, along with - his powerful healing abilities...
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- ..has given Nicholas - the legendary status he has today.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- Today, Demre's Muslim population - are proud of their connection...
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- ..to a man so revered by Christians.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- The Festival of St Nicholas - is held here every year.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- I wonder what the Saint - would have thought of this?
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Shops and restaurants - grab every opportunity...
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- ..to make money from the legend.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- Santa is important to us - and the rest of the world.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- He's sacred.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- We're fortunate and proud that - he is associated with our country.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- He is a holy man - throughout the world.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Today, a modern image - devised by the Western world...
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- ..has replaced the traditional - stone statue of St Nicholas.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- How did a saint from the Catholic - Church become a plastic Santa?
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- It's a story that grows - over the centuries...
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- ..linking different - cultures and continents.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- The Romans ruled - during St Nicholas's time.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- The Christian faith gathered support - as it embraced other religions.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- Some Christian festivals merged - with various pagan ceremonies.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- Pope Gregory I believed that people - should adapt their ceremonies...
0:06:40 > 0:06:46- ..to embrace Christianity and turn - their backs on idolatry worship.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- Build an altar and absorb - the ceremonies for your own purpose.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- The most famous celebration - of the time was Saturnalia...
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- ..which was held on December 17.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- This was a feast - to extol the Roma god Saturn...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- ..the god of agriculture - and harvest.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- Saturnalia would turn the world - upside-down.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- The slaves became masters - and the masters would wait on them.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- They were allowed - to wear lavish clothes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- It was the only time of year - when slaves had any freedom.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- They tended to go overboard.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- The idea of feasting - and over-feasting...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..during a period - at the end of the year...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- ..is an idea which has continued - to the present day.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- As we proclaim Saturn...
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- ..father of great Jupiter...
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- ..with a gentle shout - of "Io, Saturnalia".
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- When you hear this, you must - bellow like oxen upon the fields.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- Io, Saturnalia.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- I'm pretty sure even you Britons - can manage that.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01- Io, Saturnalia.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Io, Saturnalia.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- The festival was held - around the year's shortest day.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Light was an important part - of the pageant.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- Exchanging gifts would ensure - a good harvest in the new year.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Some people have seen aspects - of Saturnalia...
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- ..in the celebration of Christmas - in the Middle Ages...
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- ..in castles and mansions.
0:08:35 > 0:08:41- The Lord of Misrule and the jesters - would play around.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- The idea of the Christmas feast - has possibly less to do...
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- ..with praising baby Jesus...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..and more to do - with the ceremony of Saturnalia.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Saturnalia.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- The early Christian leaders - needed a change of direction...
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- ..if they wanted to tame - these ancient rituals.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- Despite this, the legendary tales - of St Nicholas were spreading...
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- ..especially in Holland.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- Every year, on a Sunday morning - in the middle of November...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..over 300,000 people - visit Amsterdam.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- They're all here to welcome - an important guest...
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- ..who arrives on a steamboat.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- This is Sinterklaas and his helpers - - Zwarte Pieten or Black Petes.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- They arrive in a boat called Spain.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- St Nicholas is the patron saint - of sailors and merchants.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- There were a large number of sailors - and merchants in Amsterdam.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- It became a tradition - to celebrate his life.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- During the Reformation, - this was prohibited...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- ..as Catholicism took over.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Celebrating saints was prohibited.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Some people still celebrated...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..but hefty fines were handed out.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- The youth of Amsterdam took - to the streets to cause a riot...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- ..until they were permitted - to celebrate once more.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- This was a difficult situation - for the authorities.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- The Church opposed - the celebration...
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- ..and the youngsters supported it.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39- A compromise was required.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Street celebrations were outlawed - but people could celebrate at home.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- Dutch people fought hard for - the right to celebrate the festival.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- On the Eve of St Nicholas...
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- ..the children's letters are - placed in shoes near the fireplace.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Some treats are also left out.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- Mam, can I have two apples and two - carrots for St Nicholas's horses?
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- If Sinterklaas brings us gifts...
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- ..he will arrive after midnight.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- He must make sure - that everyone is asleep.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- This is when he leaves us gifts.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- The apples, carrots and water - are left out for the horses.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- THEY SING A SAINT NICHOLAS SONG
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- We sing because - if the Zwarte Pieten hear us...
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- ..they know - that we are good children.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- The children believe that - Sinterklaas rides on the roof...
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- ..and listens to their songs.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Sinterklaas originally - appeared alone.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- He would bring gifts - and would punish naughty children.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- Gradually, - the role of the punisher...
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- ..was handed over to Zwarte Piet.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- He had a cane - to frighten the children.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- He would threaten - to take them away in his sack.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- Being in the sack meant being - taken to Spain on the steamboat.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- They returned the following year - as good children.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- Please can I have a PlayStation, - Lego train...
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- ..with all sorts of wheels...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..a train and some tracks.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- That would be very nice.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- On the night of the gifts, the - 5th of December, we have to wait.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Sometimes, - we eat first with the family.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Then, Piet will knock the door.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- Last year, Piet came inside.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- After knocking the door, - he will leave a sack full of gifts.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Papa will share out the gifts. - We aren't allowed to do that.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- It's Papa's responsibility.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14- Wow.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26- Dank u wel, Sinterklaas.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Many traditions associated - with Sinterklaas...
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- ..belong to a pre-Christian age.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Traditions such as keeping an eye - on naughty children...
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- ..riding a white horse and - leaving food outside overnight...
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- ..belong to the Norse god.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Odin also had a white beard and - spent his time in a remote country.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- In his case, it was Valhalla.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- On the longest night of the year, - he collected the naughty children...
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- ..and took them back to Valhalla.
0:15:12 > 0:15:12- .
0:15:17 > 0:15:17- 888
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- 888- - 888
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Our journey with Santa - now crosses the Atlantic Ocean.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- Manhattan highlights the marketing - power of modern Christmas.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- This city has played a crucial part - in St Nicholas's development.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- It's turned him into a familiar face - all around the world.
0:15:55 > 0:16:01- New York can claim to be - the mother of the modern Santa.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- New Amsterdam was the original name - for New York.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- This is where - many Dutch immigrants settled.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15- They brought with them - their customs and traditions.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- We should remember that New York - in the early-19th century...
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- ..was nothing like it is today.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Many parts of New York - were rural areas at the time.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Then, it starts to turn into a city.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- New Yorkers started to worry - about the changes they could see.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- More buildings and more roads.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- They started to romanticize - about the old New York.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- One person who chronicled the - exceptional history of the city...
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..was Diedrich Knickerbocker, - or author Washington Irving.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- He wrote - Knickerbocker's History of New York.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- It chronicled the good old days in - a light-hearted, satirical manner.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- There were a number of references - to St Nicholas's traditions...
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- ..in Holland.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- Clement Clarke Moore was one - of New York's wealthiest men.
0:17:26 > 0:17:32- He lived in a large estate - which stretched along an area...
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- ..which we know today as Chelsea.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- Like Washington Irving, - he was worried about the changes.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- The city was gradually stretching - northwards along Manhattan.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- The old estates - were slowly disappearing.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- In his poem - - 'Twas The Night Before Christmas...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- ..he romanticizes - about New Amsterdam...
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- ..and the New York of the past.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- Clement Moore wrote the poem - after being out on his sledge...
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- ..to gather food for Christmas.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- That night, - he read it to his children.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- "Twas the night before Christmas, - when all through the house
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- "Not a creature was stirring, - not even a mouse."
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- This is the poem every - American child agrees to learn.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- "The stockings were hung - by the chimney with care
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- "In hope that St Nicholas - soon would be there."
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- This is the poem that turned - St Nicholas into Santa.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- "When, what to my wondering eyes - should appear
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- "But a miniature sleigh - and eight tiny reindeer.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- "With a little old driver, - so lively and quick
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- "I knew in a moment - it must be St Nick."
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- Nicholas lost his bishop's robes.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- He lost his authority.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- He became a jovial old man.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- His only purpose - was to carry and deliver gifts.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- "As I drew in my head, - and was turning around
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- "Down the chimney - St Nicholas came with a bound.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- "He was dressed all in fur, - from his head to his foot
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- "And his clothes were all tarnished - with ashes and soot."
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- There is no mention of punishment, - there is no fear.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- "A bundle of toys - he had flung on his back
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- "And he looked like a peddler, - just opening his pack.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- "His eyes, how they twinkled, - his dimples how merry
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- "His cheeks were like roses, - his nose like a cherry!
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- "His droll little mouth - was drawn up like a bow
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- "And the beard of his chin - was as white as the snow."
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- He's not a dignified - authoritative figure.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- He's a friendly old man - laden with gifts.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02- Clement Moore wrote - The Night Before Christmas in 1822.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- It was published - in an insignificant newspaper.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- Over the next decade, it spread - across America like wildfire.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- "I heard him exclaim, - as he drove out of sight
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- "Happy Christmas to all - and to all a goodnight!"
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- What's interesting - about Clement Clarke Moore...
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- ..is that he owned several slaves - during his lifetime.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Santa Claus had no relevance...
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- ..to a proportion of - New York's population at the time.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Ela and Jac, - would you like to sing me a song?
0:20:46 > 0:20:54- # Who's coming over the hill, - quietly during the night?
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- # His beard is long... #
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Clement Clarke Moore - could never have imagined...
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- ..how a poem he recited - to his children...
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- ..would grow into such - a famous story with so much appeal.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- # Near the big chimney
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- # Santa Claus, Santa Claus
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- # Hello, hello
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- # Come here, come inside #
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Wonderful. Thank you very much.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- In 1841, the poem inspired - a Philadelphia shopkeeper...
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- ..called JW Parkinson to employ - an actor in a fur costume...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..to drop down the chimney - outside his shop.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- The image was based on a picture - published in the New York Sentinel.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- The first illustrated book - of the poem...
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- ..included drawings - by William Boyd.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Before this publication, - Santa's appearance and suit...
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- ..had been interpreted - in a variety of different ways.
0:21:59 > 0:22:05- In 1863, Thomas Nast, a German - artist who lived in this house...
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- ..created an image - which captured the imagination.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- His first drawings of Santa Claus - appeared in the 1860s...
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- ..during the American Civil War.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- They appeared in Harper's Weekly...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- ..one of America's - best known journals...
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- ..in the second half - of the 19th century.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- Nast's Santa Claus is almost - a nationalistic figure.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- He wears the stars and stripes.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- It's as if he has the American flag - wrapped around him.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- His most famous portrayal - was Merry Old Santa Claus.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- It showed Santa carrying - a military pack on his back...
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- ..instead of the usual - sack of gifts.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- The pocket watch hanging from - his clothes is set to midnight...
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- ..the time when the Congress - had to vote on soldiers' wages.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Nast's first images of Santa...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- ..included a brown fur suit.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- It developed into a red suit.
0:23:10 > 0:23:16- Books published at the time - paid little attention to the colour.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- Something that should have been - brown often appeared to be red.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- The natural progression - was to change it into a red suit.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- There was no symbolism - or relevance to this.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- In truth, - Nast based Santa on himself.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- A stout man - with a thick moustache and a beard.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- It wasn't unusual - to see his children...
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- ..and his home in his drawings.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- We can see the fireplace in Villa - Fontana, his home in Morristown...
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- ..in many of his Christmas drawings.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Nast created an image of Santa - leaning over a giant book...
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- ..with the names - of good and bad girls and boys.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- These drawings appeared - on the pages of Harper's Weekly.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Another drawing - showed Santa in the North Pole...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- ..peering through a telescope...
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- ..making sure the good children - weren't misbehaving.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- Before this, no-one had wondered - where Santa lived.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52- People were enchanted - by the idea of the North Pole...
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- ..and it became Santa's home.
0:24:59 > 0:25:05- Nast also promoted the idea - of using the US Postal Service...
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- ..as a way of communicating - with Santa Claus.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15- Children could send him a list - of what they wanted for Christmas.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- Nast wasn't the first to - illustrate Clement Moore's poem.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- Moore described Santa, his reindeer - and his sled on the roof...
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- ..but Nast took the imagery - a step further.
0:25:29 > 0:25:34- Nast changed Santa from a dwarf - who slid easily down the chimney...
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- ..to a plump man - similar to today's Santa.
0:25:55 > 0:25:55- .
0:25:59 > 0:25:59- 888
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- 888- - 888
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- Nuremberg in Germany.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- A magical procession - of Christmas lanterns.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Every year, thousands gather - at the Christmas market.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- It has been held here for centuries.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- This market - was originally called Nikolaus-Dult.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Today, - it's called Christkindlesmarkt.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- The response to St Nicholas - has been mixed.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- In the 16th century, - Martin Luther's Reformation...
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- ..led to an anti-Catholic movement - in Germany.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- Since Protestantism - was forbidden to adopt saints...
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- ..a new Christmas tradition - was needed.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- Baby Jesus would now deliver gifts.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- In truth, - the Holy Christ is only a baby.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- It made no sense - that Jesus could deliver gifts.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15- Neither did it make any sense - that a strong young man could do so.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- It had nothing to do - with the Christmas story.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- It developed into a female figure, - similar to a fairy.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- At the turn of the 20th century...
0:27:26 > 0:27:32- ..Christkind in Nuremberg - became a girl with a golden robe.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- She was based - on Nuremberg's golden angel.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- It's an honour and a privilege...
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- ..for any girl to be chosen - to play the part of Christkind.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51- Letters and drawings from children - listing their desires...
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- ..are very similar - all over the world.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- In Germany, Austria, the - Czech Republic and Switzerland...
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- ..they're sent to Christkind.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- I imagine her to have - long curly hair...
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- ..a long dress and a large crown.
0:28:11 > 0:28:18- I also think she has a crown, - a golden robe and curly golden hair.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- And a golden book.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- SHE SINGS A CHRISTMAS SONG
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- SHE SINGS A CHRISTMAS SONG
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- The fact that children sing a song - about St Nicholas to Christkind...
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- ..is an indication of the confusion - between the Christmas characters.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Weihnachtsmann or Santa Claus...
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- ..is also prominent - in some parts of Germany.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- The situation today - is very different.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Christkind mostly appeals - to Catholic families.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26- In south and south-west Germany, - where Roman Catholicism is common...
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- ..Christkind brings the gifts.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- In northern Germany, - Santa Claus brings them.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- This is an interesting variation.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- Many believe that the image of Santa - Claus created by Thomas Nast...
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- ..has been influenced - by the fur costumes...
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- ..worn by Belsnickel and Krampus.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Originally, they punished - and frightened naughty children.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Gradually, - they became more amiable characters.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14- I think Christkind brings the gifts - when we're all in church.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- When we return home, we're not - allowed in to the living room.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- Then, we're allowed in and the - Christmas tree has been decorated...
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- ..and the gifts - are under its branches.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- The tradition of decorating the tree - originally comes from Germany.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- Today, Santa Claus can be seen - side by side with Christkind...
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- ..even in Nuremberg's - Christkindlesmarkt.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- Ironically, - one way of pronouncing Christkind...
0:30:58 > 0:31:04- ..Kris Kringle - has become another - name for Santa Claus in America.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- The port of Barcelona.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- January 5. - A huge crowd has gathered.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- They're waiting - for some special visitors.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- It's the celebration - of the Epiphany...
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- ..the celebration - of presenting Jesus to the world.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- In Spain, it's a special festival. - We don't have a Santa Claus.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- We have Three Wise Men - from the East.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- This Epiphany is essentially - a Christian festival...
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- ..commemorating the journey of - the Three Wise Men from the East...
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- ..as they travelled to see - baby Jesus.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- Here they are.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- The Three Kings are symbols - of the three continents...
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- ..which were prominent - during Christ's birth.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- Melchior represents Europe, - Caspar represents Asia...
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- ..and Balthazar represents Africa.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- In truth, finding the true origin - of this tradition is difficult.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- Today, it is - a very Spanish tradition...
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- ..which battles against - Anglo-American traditions.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- We're proud to have the tradition - of the Three Kings in Spain.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- This tradition is also celebrated - in South American countries.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- The most traditional ritual is - writing a letter with your family...
0:34:01 > 0:34:02- ..and drawing some pictures.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- The Kings will read the letters - and prepare the gifts...
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- ..ready for the following day.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18- Barcelona isn't the only place - that welcomes the Three Wise Men.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- Alcoy is a very special place...
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- ..the first Spanish city to host - the procession of the Three Kings.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Presenting gifts - was part of the celebration.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06- The people in the procession - share flowers and sweets...
0:35:06 > 0:35:08- ..almost 1,500kgs of sweets!
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- The most important aspect - are the gifts.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- The helpers have red ladders...
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- ..which allow them to climb up - and deliver the toys.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- The children - love receiving the parcels.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Gifts from the true Wise Men.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- Of course, the children - have to kiss the Kings.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- This will bring good luck - for the remainder of the year.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- In Alcoy, - the Kings deliver the gifts.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- If you've seen the procession - in Alcoy...
0:36:05 > 0:36:09- ..it's impossible not to believe - in the Three Kings.
0:36:21 > 0:36:22- .
0:36:28 > 0:36:28- 888
0:36:28 > 0:36:30- 888- - 888
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Daybreak in Rome on January 6.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- The children wake up excitedly.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- They can't wait to open their gifts.
0:37:00 > 0:37:05- Their stockings are full - but Santa didn't bring their gifts.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- They were brought by a witch - named Befana.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- Befana is a woman - an ugly - old woman who looks like a witch.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- She has a broom - and a black pointed hat.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37- She wears old clothes. She has - a big nose with a mole on it.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- HE SPEAKS ITALIAN
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- According to Italians...
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- ..the Christian tradition claims - that the Wise Men met an old woman.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- They ask her to show them - the location of Jesus's birth.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58- She offers them shelter - for the night.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- She refuses their invitation - to join them on their journey...
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- ..since she has so much housework.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- She later changes her mind...
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- ..and tries to follow them - with her gifts for Jesus.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12- Unable to catch up with them...
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- ..she gives the gifts - to children she meets on the way.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- Similar characters - can be found in other countries.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- In Russia, Babushka, - and in southern Germany, Frau Holda.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- On the night of January 5...
0:38:32 > 0:38:39- ..she comes down the chimney - and leaves gifts for good children.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Documents from the beginning - of the 18th century...
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- ..chronicle Befana - as a mythical being...
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- ..who brings gifts to good children - and punishes naughty children.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- I think Befana - has brought me coal...
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- ..because I didn't do my homework - and I misbehaved.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20- I was very nasty to my sister.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- Today, it's edible coal.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- It's more of a symbol - than a punishment.
0:39:37 > 0:39:42- During Roman times, the fireplace - was the centre point of the house.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- This is where the family - would gather...
0:39:45 > 0:39:49- ..to remember the life - of family members who had died.
0:39:49 > 0:39:55- The fireplace connected - the present world to the afterlife.
0:39:56 > 0:40:01- Like Santa, Befana would enter - the house via the chimney.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- The chimney is central - to Befana and Santa.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- What about our Sion Corn?
0:40:10 > 0:40:14- In Wales, there is no reference - to Sion Corn...
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- ..until the 1920s.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22- J Glyn Davies, who wrote songs - like Fflat Huw Puw...
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- ..published a volume of work - in 1923.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29- In it, he claimed he had first heard - the words Sion Corn from his father.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- He wasn't a Santa Claus-type - character.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- He was a spirit - who lived in the chimney.
0:40:40 > 0:40:46- Without a doubt, choosing the 25th - of December as Christ's birthday...
0:40:46 > 0:40:47- ..was a compromise.
0:40:47 > 0:40:53- This was the date of the winter - solstice in the Julian calendar.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- Over the centuries, - the sun has been central...
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- ..to winter festivals - in the northern hemisphere.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- Rituals which celebrate - the shortest day of the year...
0:41:06 > 0:41:07- ..and welcome the New Year...
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- ..are common in Celtic - and Scandinavian countries.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- The Mari Lwyd - is an ancient Welsh ritual...
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- ..which honours - the Celtic goddess Rhiannon.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- The Mari Lwyd is a horse's skull - on a wooden pole.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- A white sheet covers the person - who carries it.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- # Here we come
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- # Innocent friends...
0:41:31 > 0:41:36- A group follows the Mari Lwyd from - house to house or tavern to tavern.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- # To ask permission to sing #
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- # I have no money...
0:41:42 > 0:41:48- Then, the people inside the house - challenge those on the outside...
0:41:49 > 0:41:50- ..with satirical verses.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52- # Tonight #
0:41:54 > 0:41:58- At the end of the challenge, - the Mari Lwyd enters the house...
0:41:58 > 0:41:59- ..and is warmly received.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- # Cold is the man who cannot love
0:42:03 > 0:42:04- # Fa la la la la, la la la la
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- # The old mountains - of our beloved Wales
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- # Fa la la la la, la la la la
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- # To him and his loved ones I wish
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- # Fa la la la la, la la la la
0:42:15 > 0:42:16- # Happy holidays for next year
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- # Fa la la la la, la la la la #
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- Similar rituals with an animal, - a goat on this occasion...
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- ..are common - in Scandinavian countries.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- There's an old tradition.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40- Young people dress up, visit - houses and deride those inside.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46- Old carvings on Swedish rocks date - back to the Stone and Bronze Ages.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51- They show figures wearing masks - and animal horns.
0:42:51 > 0:42:56- The Christmas goat, or the julbock, - was one of these characters.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- When Christianity reached Sweden...
0:42:59 > 0:43:03- ..the Church wanted to ban the - goat since it was a pagan figure.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05- But it failed.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- At the end of the 18th century...
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- ..another role was given - to this figure.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- To deliver Christmas gifts.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18- It assumed that role - for almost 100 years...
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- ..until it was replaced - by the jultomte.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- He would deliver the gifts - from then on.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- A bowl of rice grain porridge - for the jultomte in Sweden.
0:43:48 > 0:43:54- In Iceland, he's jolasveinar and - in Norway and Denmark, julenisse.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- Nisse is an old form of Nicholas.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12- He's an amiable character, - about 18 inches tall.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16- According to legend, the tomte - would cast out the naughty elves...
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- ..close the doors - and calm the animals.
0:44:19 > 0:44:24- When Swedish children - hear the floorboards creak...
0:44:24 > 0:44:28- ..or the wind howling at night, - they don't fear a thing.
0:44:28 > 0:44:31- They know full well - that the tomte is calling by.
0:44:34 > 0:44:39- There's nothing stopping children - meeting the jultomte.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42- Traditionally, - a father or grandfather...
0:44:42 > 0:44:47- ..dresses up as the jultomte as the - children expectantly wait for him.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- He knocks the front door, - enters the house...
0:44:50 > 0:44:54- ..and asks if there are - any good children in the house.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- There are, every time, - so he gives out his gifts.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- There are tales of Santa...
0:45:01 > 0:45:05- ..travelling back and forth - across the Atlantic...
0:45:05 > 0:45:07- ..during the first half - of the 20th century.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- The image of Santa - accepted across the world today...
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- ..was devised by a Swedish American, - Haddon Sundblom...
0:45:15 > 0:45:17- ..and a rather familiar drink.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- The campaign came about - as part of a marketing strategy.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- The winter months in the 1930s...
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- ..were not very good selling times - for Coca-Cola.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- They went to an illustrator - named Haddon Sundblom.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- What distinguished him - was the fact...
0:45:35 > 0:45:38- ..that he had looked - at the work of Thomas Nast...
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- ..and Louis Prang - with the American greeting cards.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46- He built on all of the things - that he'd seen...
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- ..but his vision - was a really specific vision.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00- He really saw this Santa Claus - as an outgoing person...
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- ..somebody who really enjoyed - the Christmas season.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09- His illustrations capture the - very essence of the season itself.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11- It's a happy time, - it's a warm time...
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- ..it's a time to be - with family and friends.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- For Haddon Sundblom, Santa wasn't - a dwarf - he was more than that.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28- He was an old man...
0:46:28 > 0:46:30- ..and rather plump.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35- There are no good and bad children - in Sundblom's world.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- Everyone is good - and everyone enjoys Christmas...
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- ..because Santa - will bring gifts for everyone.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56- Many people think that the red - uniform that Santa Claus wears...
0:46:56 > 0:47:01- ..developed because Haddon Sundblom - worked for Coca-Cola...
0:47:01 > 0:47:03- ..and red was our corporate colour.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06- That's a fortunate accident for us.
0:47:06 > 0:47:11- The red suit was well established - before Sundblom came along...
0:47:11 > 0:47:13- ..to do his interpretation.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- These illustrations are timeless.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24- They're not bound - to any chronological period.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28- They're as relevant today - as they were when they were created.
0:47:28 > 0:47:29- # Hey, ting, ting
0:47:30 > 0:47:31- # Hey, ting, ting #
0:47:31 > 0:47:34- The Santa created - by Sundblom's imagination...
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- ..captures our imagination - every Christmas.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- For children across the world, - this is our Santa.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44- # Ting-a-linga, ting-a-linga, - ting-ting-ting
0:47:45 > 0:47:48- # Ting-a-linga, ting-a-linga, - ting-ting-ting
0:47:48 > 0:47:51- # Ting-a-linga, ting-a-linga, - ting-ting-ting
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- # Ting-a-linga, ting-a-linga, - ting-ting-ting #
0:48:04 > 0:48:06- A welcome rest for Santa - for another year.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- He works hard - delivering all his gifts.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14- It's been a long journey for him.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17- From Turkey to Holland and New York.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19- He's back home, in the North Pole.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24- Even though the Church doesn't - celebrate him to the same degree...
0:48:25 > 0:48:30- ..Santa is probably one of the most - recognized characters in the world.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- If you're expecting a sack - full of gifts...
0:48:34 > 0:48:37- ..make sure - you're good little children.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39- Merry Christmas.
0:49:23 > 0:49:24- Hooray!
0:49:25 > 0:49:27- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:49:27 > 0:49:28- .