Did Coca-Cola Invent Santa Claus?

No . However, that doesn't mean that Coca-Cola and Santa Claus aren't related in some way, hence the legend. In this article, we will show you all the secrets of the links between the red man and the famous soft drink, as well as the origin of Santa Claus . The story will surprise you, because what we will teach you is little known!

Is Santa Claus red because of Coca-Cola?

If this rumor is persistent, given that red is the recognizable color of the brand, it is not Coca-Cola which gave the color red to Santa Claus .

In 2008, Phil Mooney, director of Coca-Cola's archives department, set the record straight about Santa's colorful outfit. Mooney explained: "We actually don't claim the color of Santa's coat, although it worked well for us since red is so closely linked to Coca-Cola! But we did n't come up with the idea to put red clothes on Santa Claus .

An 1868 advertisement for sugar plums from the US Confection Company.

Santa Claus has worn his traditional red outfit since the mid-19th century . How do we know? Thanks, among other things, to an 1868 advertisement for sugar plums from the US Confection Company of New York.

Since Coca-Cola's first depiction of Santa Claus dates back to the 1930s , it is simply impossible to infer that his red color came from Coca-Cola.

However, this doesn't help us much in knowing the origin of the character: where does Santa Claus really come from?

The true origin of Santa Claus: Saint Nicholas

The character of Santa Claus is descended from Bishop Nicholas of Myra , who lived in the 4th century. Historians place his birth between 250 and 270 in Lycia, present-day southwestern Turkey, and estimate that he became bishop of Myra around 315. Curiously, the Church celebrates his birthday not on December 6 , but on day of his death. In Belgium, Saint-Nicolas is always celebrated.

Saint Nicholas was popular during his lifetime, and had a reputation as a miracle worker . His most famous achievement was the resurrection of three young boys killed and placed in a salting vat by a butcher. This episode led to him being considered the patron saint of schoolchildren .

Stained glass window depicting Saint Nicholas in the Grand Bazaar market in Liège, Belgium.

From Sinterklass to Santa Claus

When a group of Dutch Calvinists fleeing religious persecution in the 17th century set sail for the New World, they took with them the legends and exploits of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas in Dutch). These immigrants, founders of Nieuw Amsterdam (the future New York), introduced Sinterklaas to their new homeland.

However, his Dutch name was distorted and Americanized into Santa Claus (American name for Father Christmas). At the end of the 18th century, during the Revolution of 1776, Santa Claus became the symbol of American resistance against the British occupying forces! Saint Nicholas was "borrowed" from this Dutch tradition - brought to America by early Dutch immigrants - for political reasons: as a sort of antidote to Christmas, which was celebrated by the English enemy and by the British colonial monarchy. His newfound fame spread throughout the New World. This is why he is celebrated on December 25, and not on December 6 like Saint Nicholas.

We finally know how Santa Claus was born and that it was therefore not Coca-Cola who created him.

Did Coca-Cola create Santa's current appearance?

If we analyze Coca-Cola Santa Claus, it contains all the characteristics of the Santa Claus we know today. So is it true that Coca-Cola is responsible for its modern appearance? Alas, this is not the case .

Its appearance dates from 1863 and comes from a New York illustrator: Thomas Nast . As we can see below, he already has all the characteristics we associate with Santa Claus: red , paunchy , white beard , and suit .

Taking up the legend of Saint Nicholas, Nast imagines a character distributing gifts to good children on December 25. Everyone will recognize the famous appearance of Santa Claus as we see him today!

Why did Coca-Cola popularize Santa Claus?

In reality, the connection between Santa Claus and Coca-Cola is much simpler than it seems: a simple marketing stunt . Since soft drinks are consumed seasonally, winter is the least profitable period for Coca-Cola.

This is why in 1931, Coca-Cola decided to associate Santa Claus with its image . There is no doubt that on his long night of delivering toys, Santa must be thirsty. So, a cold Coca-Cola is the best way to quench your thirst! As it also carries the brand's colors, it was the perfect choice to be closely linked to Coca-Cola.

As you can see, Coca-Cola did nothing but take the character and make it closely related to him. Coca-Cola therefore did not invent Santa Claus, nor did it give him his red color nor did he create his appearance! That was the secret : that all legends are false !

Illustrations of Santa Claus by Coca-Cola

For almost 90 years, Santa Claus has become the brand ambassador every winter (with his friend the polar bear!).

Here are 3 famous posters:

Here, Santa Claus consults his directory of good children. But first, he enjoys a well-deserved refreshing Coca-Cola!

Here, Santa Claus wishes us happy holidays, bringing Coca-Cola as a gift!

Santa and his elves work hard to bring gifts to good children. But above all, a little sip of Coca-Cola doesn't hurt!