Festival
Discover the unexpected background of Santa Claus’s recognisable appearance and why he only ever wears red and white suits.
Ever wondered why Santa wears a red and white suit? Discover the surprising history behind his iconic look and how it became a holiday tradition we all love.
Have you ever wondered why Santa Claus, the beloved gift-giving figure, is always dressed in red and white? Surprisingly, this wasn’t always his signature look. Over the years, Santa’s outfit has been shaped by various influences, with one of the most significant being St. Nicholas, the historical figure who often wore red robes and inspired the modern-day Santa. Let’s explore how the image of Santa Claus in a red suit has been shaped by various influences throughout history. (Also read: Merry Christmas Wishes 2024: Top 50 best wishes, images, messages, WhatsApp and Facebook status to share with loved ones )
Where does Santa’s look come from?
Santa Claus’ roots can be traced back to several predecessors, including the Dutch Sinterklaas, the hooded French figure Père Noël, and the German Christkindl, who was a gift-bringing Baby Jesus. According to historical accounts and literature, the modern American version of Santa began taking shape in the 1820s, influenced by poetry, editorial illustrations, and advertisements.
Santa Claus’ iconic image of a bearded man in fur, riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer became widely recognised after the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, along with an earlier 1821 poem that introduced him as ‘Santeclaus.’ Early interpretations of Santa depicted him as a small, mischievous figure, with one 1864 illustration showing him in a yellow suit and fur cap and an 1837 oil painting depicting him in a fur-lined red cape, as per CNN.
Other depictions of Santa differed: a 1850 PT Barnum ad for singer Jenny Lind portrayed him as a beardless Revolutionary War figure, while a 1902 cover for L. Frank Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus showed him in a dark frock with animal print fur trim and bold red boots. Thomas Nast was crucial in shaping Santa’s image.
Global influences on Santa’s iconic look
In 1863, during the Civil War, he depicted Santa in stars and stripes, handing out presents to Union soldiers. His most enduring image, from 1881, featured Santa in a red buckled suit, nearly identical to the modern version, although the original political message supporting military wages faded over time, according to the Smithsonian. Nast, a Harper’s Weekly cartoonist, also popularised the symbols of the donkey for Democrats and the elephant for Republicans.
Artists Norman Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker continued Nast’s legacy, depicting Santa in his iconic suit for The Saturday Evening Post in the early 20th century. In his 1988 book The Battle for Christmas, historian Stephen Nissenbaum challenges the popular belief that Santa’s origins stem from the Netherlands’ Sinterklaas. Tracing Santa’s style influences is tricky, as they come from various global sources. His hat, for example, draws from the ancient Phrygian cap, the papal camauro, and others but has become a unique and irreplaceable part of his identity.
Coca-Cola’s influence on Santa’s style
In 1931, Coca-Cola hired artist Haddon Sundblom to create images of Santa Claus for their Christmas advertisements. Sundblom’s version of Santa, with rosy cheeks, a white beard, twinkling eyes, and laugh lines, became the epitome of warmth and friendliness.
Interestingly, the model for Sundblom’s Santa was a retired salesman and personal friend of the artist. His portrayal became hugely popular, solidifying the modern image of Santa we recognise today. Historian Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus: A Biography, clarifies, “Many believe that Coca-Cola was responsible for establishing Santa’s red-and-white costume, but that’s not true. His iconic look had already been established decades earlier.”
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Festival
When will the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela begin? View Shahi Snan’s dates, background, importance, and more.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26, invites pilgrims for purification and spiritual growth at the sacred Triveni Sangam.
Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest and most sacred gatherings in Hinduism, occurs once every twelve years. In 2025, millions of devotees will converge in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to partake in this auspicious event. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to cleanse themselves spiritually by taking a ritual bath at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers. Here’s everything you need to know, from the event’s dates to its rich history.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Key dates for holy baths
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is set to begin on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, aligning with Maha Shivratri.
Important bathing dates:
Important Bathing Dates Occasion
January 13, 2025 Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day)
January 15, 2025 Makar Sankranti Snan
January 29, 2025 Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 3, 2025 Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 12, 2025 Maghi Purnima Snan
February 26, 2025 Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day)
These sacred bathing rituals, or Shahi Snans, are believed to purify the soul and wash away sins, making them the spiritual highlights of the event.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 history
The origins of the Kumbh Mela trace back to Hindu mythology, specifically the legend of Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. According to ancient scriptures, this celestial event was a collaborative effort between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) to retrieve Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
During the process, a Kumbh (pot) filled with sacred nectar emerged. To safeguard it from the demons, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, seized the pot and fled. Along his journey, a few drops of the nectar spilt at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, making them holy sites for the Kumbh Mela. These four sites became sacred, hosting the Kumbh Mela on a rotating basis.
Significance of Maha Kumbh Mela
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) holds immense spiritual significance due to its mythological roots and geography. It is home to the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—revered as one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. The Kumbh Mela follows a 12-year cycle based on the celestial positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.
The 2025 Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj is especially rare, occurring once every 144 years. This unique alignment is believed to make it an exceptionally auspicious time for prayers and rituals. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the rivers, seeking purification and moksha (liberation). Beyond its religious significance, the Kumbh Mela reflects India’s rich cultural heritage, uniting millions in a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and harmony.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 key riruals
Shahi snan (royal bath): A sacred dip performed by saints, including Naga sadhus and spiritual leaders, in the holy rivers. It is believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings.
Sankirtan and bhajans: Devotees sing hymns, chants, and bhajans, filling the atmosphere with spiritual energy and devotion.
Yoga and meditation: Pilgrims participate in yoga and meditation sessions to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Spiritual discourses: Renowned scholars and spiritual leaders deliver sermons and philosophical talks, offering insights into religion, spirituality, and life.
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Lifestyle
While celebrating Christmas with Raha, Ranbir, Neetu Kapoor, and Shaheen, Alia Bhatt appears like an angel in a dress worth 1.4 lakh rupees.
If you’re looking for a pretty, fashion-forward dress that you can post on Instagram, Alia Bhatt has got you covered. Have you seen her dress for Christmas?
Alia Bhatt’s quiet-luxury outfit proves less is more. The actor celebrated Christmas 2024 with daughter Raha Kapoor, actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor, his mother, veteran actor Neetu Kapoor, sister Shaheen Bhatt, and mom Soni Razdan and documented the special night in an Instagram post. Also read | Alia Bhatt poses with Ranbir Kapoor and little Raha in stunning red dress worth ₹6000 for Kapoor family Christmas lunch
Alia Bhatt’s dress has romance written all over it
Alia’s Christmas 2024 look is all about an ethereal silhouette; it looks relaxed, feminine, and elegant at once. The midi dress has a silver crystal-embroidered feather detail across one shoulder. Her dreamy and romantic one-shoulder dress by David Koma sells for ₹1.41 lakh on the designer’s website after a 40 percent discount.
Alia’s simple yet elevated look
In the face of colourful, maximalist looks this Christmas, Alia made a mark with her minimal style. Keeping in line with the inherent minimalism of the white dress, the actor radiated classic glamour with her soft, dewy makeup. She completed the ethereal ensemble with pearl earrings and a festive green and red hairband with Christmas trees.
Sharing photos of herself posing with her family, Alia wrote in her Instagram caption, “Under the twinkling lights, surrounded by love.. this is what Christmas feels like…”
How to wear a white dress like a celeb
If you feel you could be thinking about Alia’s angelic Christmas dress for days, here’s how you can style the universally flattering and endlessly versatile white dress like another fashion-forward celebrity.
Earlier, actor Khushi Kapoor shared a series of pictures of herself wearing a maxi dress from a Lebanese-based label, Dalida Ayach. The strapless dress was white and featured a cinched-in waist mimicking a corset top. Like Alia, Khushi, too, had paired her white dress with pearl earrings, channeling old-world elegance.
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Fashion
The ‘ugly Christmas jumper’ that Katrina Kaif wore to her family vacation with Vicky Kaushal is actually rather adorable; it costs 38K.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal believe in embracing #CoupleCore aesthetic. The Bollywood couple gets twinning right with bright and merry Christmas sweaters.
Christmas 2024 | The goal for Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s matching red and blue outfits was simple: look festive and appropriately attired without trying too hard (while still looking cute). Also, let’s get one thing straight: nobody actually looks ugly in the so-called ‘ugly Christmas sweater’. Also read | Christmas 2024: Manushi Chhillar, Tara Sutaria to Diana Penty and Bipasha Basu, Bollywood celebs spread festive cheer
Katrina and Vicky twin in ‘ugly Christmas sweaters’
Katrina Kaif added some serious Christmas cheer to her holiday pictures, which featured not only Vicky but also her sisters, including actor Isabelle Kaif. Katrina and her siblings’ red and black sweaters were merry, bright, and decidedly cool.
Even Vicky, who joined Katrina on a family holiday abroad, did not want to be caught wearing something neutral and got into the holiday spirit with a blue not-ugly-at-all ‘ugly Christmas sweater’. His blue sweater, with a dash of red and white, looks comfortable, cosy, and not too ostentatious; it’s perfect for getting one into the holiday spirit.
How much does Katrina’s sweater cost
Katrina’s red Christmas sweater will make you smile and is perfect for a family gathering around Christmas. From the Norway-based label, We Norwegians, it sells for $450 on their website, which is approximately ₹38,378. The sweater with oversized, boxy fit is the brand’s take on the traditional Norwegian knits, and is made using merino/cashmere yarn from Linisieme.
It features a roll-neck collar and is perfect for wearing with a pair of high-rise jeans or ski pants for a relaxed and chic winter look. Plus it’s slightly cropped, which makes it great to pair with a high-waisted skirt as well.
Katrina’s We Norwegians sweater comes in a couple of different colours, but red and white are always a good idea on Christmas. As far as holiday sweaters go, this is cute, not cringe-worthy. This is one of those sweaters we wouldn’t mind wearing to an ‘ugly Christmas sweater’ party. It also makes for a funny gift if you know someone that’s obsessed with ‘ugly Christmas sweaters’.
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