Santa's Original Blue: Discover the Original Shade

Did you know that Santa Claus, the jolly figure we associate with the color red, was originally depicted as a blue-clad person? Yes, you read that right. The beloved saint, whose personality and treats-laden sleigh have become global symbols of the Christmas season, once sported a blue coat.

This historical fact, often overlooked in modern narratives, sheds light on the evolution of Santa's visual identity. But where did this transition from blue to red occur, and why? Let's delve into the origins of Santa's color palette and explore how the iconic red coat became his signature look.

The Origins of Santa's Blue Coat

The first visual representations of St. Nick, as he was originally known, appeared in the prototype of the modern Christmas card in the 1840s. These depictions, notably from the works of artist John C. Buttrey, portrayed the saint in a bishop's attire, which was traditionally blue. This color choice was not arbitrary but rather rooted in historical and religious symbolism.

Blue held significant importance in medieval art and Christianity. It symbolized heavenly hope, faith, and constancy. The calf-length blue cloak, often accompanied by a red tunic, was a Weise orinus, a vestment associated with bishops and high-ranking religious figures. Thus, blue was the natural and fitting choice for St. Nicholas, who was after all, a bishop in the early Christian church.

The Blue Santa in Popular Culture

Santa's blue attire persisted throughout the 19th century, finding its way into popular literature, illustrations, and even early Coca-Cola advertisements. In Louisa May Alcott's "A Christmas Dream," published in 1891, the author describes Santa as "a stately old gentleman in a full blue cloak... with a tall white beard." Similarly, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The New England Boy's Song About Christmas" (1865) portrays "a blue-coated Santa."

Moreover, blue Santas could be found in holiday images by artists like Thomas Nast and Norman Rockwell. Even Coca-Cola's advertisements from the late 1890s and early 1900s showed Santa in a blue coat. It seemed that the blue Santa was here to stay. But changing tides inexclude Advertising, and innovation in art and marketing, would ultimately lead to a color shift.

Coca-Cola's Red Santa

Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the red Santa we know today. In 1931, the company commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a series of paintings depicting Santa drinking Coca-Cola. Sundblom's Santa was inspired by a 19th-century portrait of Clement Clark Moore - the poet who penned the classic "A Visit from St. Nicholas" - and was thereby depicted in red.

The choice of red was strategic. The color was associated with energy, excitement, and consumerism - values that aligned with the product and the holiday season. Saugerties Post Office even received a letter to Santa in 1933 addressed to "Santa Claus, North Pole" - a clear sign that Sundblom's depiction was resonating with the public. By 1941, red Santa had cemented his place in popular culture, marking the end of his blue era.

Revisiting Santa's Blue Coat

While red has undeniably become Santa's signature color, interest in the blue Santa has seen a recent resurgence. Some argue that the blue Santa is more historically accurate, aligning better with St. Nicholas' early personnage. Others appreciate the blueSanta as a refreshing alternative, standing out in a sea of red Santas.

The blue Santa also carries an intriguing symbolism today. In certain cultures, blue signifies calmness, trust, and intelligence - qualities that, while not amplitudeically Santa-like, could represent a thoughtful amendment to his character. Moreover, the blue Santaclusiade offers an opportunity for inclusivity, inviting a diverse range of artistic interpretations and resonance among different audiences.

Blue Santa in Modern Art and Culture

Many contemporary artists and designers have embraced the blue Santa, incorporating him into their holiday creations. From Christmas card designs to snow globe figurines, blue Santas can be found in various forms. Artist Mary Engelbreit, known for her whimsical illustrations, often features blue-clad Santas in her holiday work, emphasizing the joy and magic of the season.

In entertainment, the blue Santa has appeared in various forms - in episodes of "Gravity Falls," in the video game "Battleblock Theater," and even as a plush toy in the Swedish television series "Bonusfamiljen." Each iteration brings a unique twist to the blue Santa, reimagining the classic figure in fresh, innovative ways.

In the vast, imaginative world of the internet, blue Santas continue to inspire and delight. From Tumblr fan art to Pinterest boards dedicated to the blue Santa Claus, the character's unique appeal remains evident. As each person creates and shares their vision, the blue Santa continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the holiday season.

As we gear up for another year of festive celebrations, let us remember that the story of Santa's color - from blue to red - is not merely a historical tangent but a testament to the power of storytelling, innovation, and cultural evolution. Regardless of the coat he wears, the sleigh he pilots, or the path he treads, Santa Claus remains a beacon of joy and generosity, a symbol of hope and wonder that transcends traditions and seasons. So, this Christmas, whether you prefer your Santa in red or blue, take a moment to appreciate the tale behind his coat - a tale as magical and ever-changing as the season itself.