The modern image of Father Christmas, often depicted as Santa Claus, wearing a red and white suit can be traced back to a popular advertising campaign by Coca-Cola in the 1930s. Before this campaign, Santa Claus was portrayed in various colors, including green, blue, and even tan.
In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a series of illustrations featuring Santa Claus enjoying Coca-Cola. Sundblom’s illustrations depicted a plump, jolly Santa in a red suit with white fur trim, matching the brand’s signature colors. These images were used in Coca-Cola’s holiday advertisements, and they quickly became iconic.
The association between Santa Claus and the red and white colors became so strong that it influenced the popular perception of Santa’s attire. Over time, the red and white suit became the standard representation of Santa Claus in Western cultures. The image of a rotund, cheerful man in a red suit with a white beard and black boots has since become a widely recognized and beloved symbol of the holiday season.
While Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the red and white color scheme for Santa Claus, it’s important to note that the character of Santa Claus has deep historical roots, and various cultures have had different depictions of a gift-bringing figure over the centuries. The modern image of Santa is a fusion of these traditions, with the red and white suit being a prominent and enduring element.
Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas, the jolly old man in red, is synonymous with Christmas.
It’s a story woven from history, poetry, art, and even a dash of marketing magic.
His image adorns everything from mugs to movies, and his belly jiggles like bowlful of jelly to the tune of countless carols. But have you ever wondered why Santa dons such a distinctive colour scheme?
The answer, like a good Christmas cookie, has layers. Let’s peel them back and see what we find.
A saintly splash of red
Our tale begins with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. While there’s no concrete evidence, some believe his red robes, a symbol of his authority, may have influenced Santa’s attire.
Poetic inspiration
Fast forward to 1823, when Clement Clarke Moore penned the immortal poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. In it, the mysterious visitor wears “a suit of the finest cut, of velvet crimson.” This vivid description is considered a major force in solidifying the red association with Santa.
From black and white to yuletide bright
Before the 19th century, Santa’s clothing wasn’t always red. Depictions ranged from blue and green to even black and white! But then came along illustrator Thomas Nast.
In the late 1800s, Nast’s Santa illustrations for Harper’s Weekly revolutionised the character’s look. He gave Santa a jolly belly, a twinkle in his eye, and, most importantly, a bright red suit with white fur trim. These iconic images helped shape the modern Santa we know and love.
Coca-Cola
But perhaps the most well-known reason for Santa’s red and white? Coca-Cola. In the 1930s, the beverage giant commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a Santa for their advertising campaign. Sundblom, heavily influenced by Nast’s work, further cemented the red and white suit as Santa’s official uniform.
More than just colours
But red and white aren’t just festive choices. They hold symbolic meaning too. Red is associated with joy, warmth, and generosity – perfect for Santa’s giving spirit. White represents purity, innocence, and the winter snow, adding to the magic of Christmas.
So, the next time you see Santa in his red and white suit, remember it’s a story woven from history, poetry, art, and even a dash of marketing magic. It’s a reminder that Christmas is a time for giving, joy, and, of course, a little bit of wonder.
Bonus fact
Did you know that in some parts of the world, Santa wears different colours? In Brazil, he might be dressed in green and yellow, while in the Netherlands, he opts for a bishop’s purple robe! No matter the hue, though, Santa’s message of love and cheer remains the same.
So, this Christmas, as you raise a glass of milk and cookies to Santa, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating story behind his iconic red and white suit. It’s a tale that reminds us that the magic of Christmas comes in all shapes, sizes, and colours.
