The Changing Face of Old St Nick: How Santa Claus’s Image Has Evolved Through the Past 700 Years

After more than 700 years, quite a lot has changed in both the meaning and appearance of Christmas.

But when it comes to Old St Nick, ironically with his age, the one thing that may not have changed could very well be his big white beard as this unique collection of historical pictures show.

First pictured in the 4th century, in one seen example of a Russian icon dating to 1294, as history tells, St Nicholas Lipensky was a real man and bishop who would launch the many faces and stories we know today.

Born in Asia Minor, he is remembered for his charitable giving, notably to children, in one instance providing anonymous dowries to three young girls to prevent them from entering prostitution.

For three nights he is said to have walked by their home, tossing a bag of money through an open window for them to find in the morning.

Today he is buried in the Italian city of Bari where his tomb is visited by thousands every year.

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