The “Greek” Santa Claus
Large puffy red cheeks, red heavy suit that can withstand the snow, big boots, red hat and a sack full of gifts: this is the image that comes to most people's minds when they hear the name "Santa Claus", but the truth is that this image is the product of a mixture of northern European Christian mythology and American capitalism. Unfortunately, the red costume of this adored Saint is the invention of Coca Cola; Santa's classic costume is actually green. Moreover, the cheerful grandpa seen distributing gifts to children, belongs mainly to "Western" Christian mythologies.
In Greek mythology, Santa Claus is expressed through the figure of Saint Basil of Caesarea, who is so lean he they could remind you of skeletons. Saint Basil’s brown long beard and stoic face is depicted by the Greek Orthodox Church and follows the example of most Saints of the Orthodox tradition. In contrast to other traditions where Saints resemble superheroes, the Orthodox tradition wants Saints to appear ascetic, sorrowful figures who seem to be distracted by the serious martyrdoms they have endured to come in contact with the Divine. In fact, those Saints who can be recorded as historical figures, have been observed to practice a kind of self-martyrdom where they themselves transform their body through pain, burns and amputations. Through pain, it is thought that the body of the Saint comes in contact with God through this meditative self-mutilation. Therefore, knowing,the above it would be impossible for the Greek Santa Claus to have the same form and story as the "Western" Santa Claus.
The journey of the Saint Basil begins in 330 A.D., in Caesarea of Cappadocia, now Kayseri, Turkey. He was the son of a Pontian orator, nowadays known as a lawyer. In addition, there were eight or nine other children in the family. He grew up in a Christian household, because of his father and grandmother, the daughter of a martyr. At a very young age he was sent to Byzantium to study and ended up in Athens, where he was taught philosophy, rhetoric, astronomy and other important courses. There he also met Julian, who would later become Emperor.
After his studies he tried to follow in his father's footsteps back to his country, but soon found himself making a great spiritual journey in an effort to increase the range of his spiritual ability. He travelled to Egypt, Syria and other destinations, but ended up in Pontus where he became a monk and began the ascetic life of a Christian martyr.He would have stayed there if he had not been called back to his homeland to take the place of the old bishop who had just passed away. While he was a bishop he did many charitable works and made schools in which children could learn letters and other arts. He was also known for his unwavering tendency towards power and many times refused to surrender his church holdings and charitable works, even when he was ousted by Emperors. He also wrote a number of books and other pieces on the Christian faith.
He died at the age of 48 in December and was buried on January 1, 379 AD. That is why every New Year’s Eve, Greeks celebrate his life. After his death he won the title of "Great".
In his memory, every year, after the dawn of New Year, we cut the "Basil Pie" (Vasilopita/Βασιλόπιτα). According to custom, we hide a penny in the pie and cut a piece for Christ, a piece for the House, a piece for the Poor and a piece for each member of the family from the oldest to the youngest. Whoever wins the coin, is considered to be lucky for the whole New Year.
Main Sources:
https://www.helppost.gr/xristougenna/protoxronia/agios-megas-vasileios-kaisareia/
https://www.sansimera.gr/biographies/758