Learning English from the News The face of the real Santa Claus
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Dec 24, 2024 Discover the unexpected origins of Santa Claus, tracing back to St. Nicholas of Myra from 1,700 years ago. The show features a fascinating 3D reconstruction of Santa’s true face, revealing how historical research shapes our perceptions. Explore the evolution of Santa's identity and the intriguing concept of masks. Linguistic twists are also unpacked, including the pluralization of 'millennia.' The episode concludes with a glimpse into the darker side of the wellness industry, setting the stage for future explorations.
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Origins of Santa Claus
- St. Nicholas of Myra, a kind and generous person who lived over 1700 years ago, inspired the idea of Santa Claus.
- He was known for his generosity, which led to the creation of the gift-giving figure we know today.
Reconstructing the Past
- The word "reconstruct" means to build again and applies to both physical structures and abstract concepts.
- It can describe rebuilding buildings like Notre Dame or reconstructing a face through surgery or forensic methods.
Santa's Evolution
- The legend of Santa Claus evolved from Saint Nicholas of Myra, who inspired the Dutch figure Sinterklaas.
- This name later transformed into Santa Claus, eventually merging with the similar English figure, Father Christmas.