biography
| biography:
| Bishop of Myra, Lucia, and patron saint of Russia, widely associated with the feast of Christmas. He was imprisoned under Diocletian and released under Constantine, and his supposed relics were conveyed to Bari in 1087. He is the patron of youth, merchants, sailors, travellers, and thieves. His identification with Father Christmas began in Europe, and spread to America, where the name was altered to Santa Claus. The tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Day derives from a legend of his benevolence. Feast day 6 December. |
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