History of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
A Visit from St. Nicholas, more commonly known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a poem first published anonymously in 1823. It has since become a classic holiday poem and is credited with the creation of the now famous character of Santa Clause. Written by Clement Clarke Moore, it takes the form of a lively story of a visit from Saint Nicholas, or Santa. The poem is written in anapestic tetrameter, a type of meter commonly used in traditional English poetry since the 16th century.
The poem quickly become an iconic part of holiday tradition and has been quoted and referenced for over 150 years. It has been included in illustarted books, greeting cards, television specials, commercials and more. It was featured in the Rankin Bass special Santa Claus is Coming to Town in 1971 and it was also referenced in Tim Burtons Christmas themed movie The Nightmare Before Christmas in 1993. The poem has become one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time.
The poem has been so popular that it has been suggested as the inspiration behind other holiday traditions such as the use of Kringle as a nickname for Santa, the popularized image of Santa contained in the poem: ‘He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,’ and the modernized version of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, whose predecessor, Rudolph of Moehringen appeared in the poem.
Today, the poem can be found in numerous books, anthologies and websites from the Poetry Foundation website to Scholastic’s From the December Winds website. It is also frequently recited during holiday celebrations and allowed people celebrating around the world to connect to a shared holiday tradition.
Who is St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas was a bishop of the fourth century and is revered in many countries around the world as the patron saint of children. His feast day of December 6th is also celebrated as St. Nicholas Day and is commemorated in most countries as a day of festive gift-giving, charity, and kindness. It is believed that his relics are enshrined in the crypt of the basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy.
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in a variety of ways. In Europe, children leave their shoes out the night before Christmas and St. Nicholas fills the shoes with treats and small gifts. In some areas, donkey or horse-drawn parades featuring St. Nicholas can be seen. St. Nicholas is also famous for his connection to Santa Claus, who is thought to be inspired by his visit to the homes of children on St. Nicholas Day. In some countries he is portrayed as a gnome-like figure or a kindly grandfather who lives at the North Pole and delivers presents on St. Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas is recognized in Christian and non-Christian cultures He has been a deity in certain Slavic traditions, a potent figure in Eastern European folktales, and is honored annually in festivals around the world. Today, the legacy of St. Nicholas lives on in the literature and traditions of Christmas, from Clement Moore’s famous poem in “A Visit from St. Nicholas” to the modernized St. Nick himself.
Analysis of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was a revolutionary poem in its time, as it set the tone for modern-day Christmas tradition. The poem showcases the beloved jolly figure of St. Nicholas, who makes his way to the homes of children on Christmas Eve with gifts and treats. In the poem, St. Nicholas is portrayed as an old, jolly elf who arrives in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. The poem also describes St. Nicholas as someone who loves to laugh and loves children, and has a special fondness for good children and a special disdain for naughty ones.
The poem plays on the holiday traditions of St. Nicholas Day, as it is believed that he was the one who gave gifts and treats to children on his feast day, which falls annually on December 6th. The poem was written in anapestic tetrameter, a type of meter commonly used in traditional English poetry. This deepens the poem’s atmosphere and allows for a more evocative reading of it, further emphasizing the sense of wonderment and delight that St. Nicholas brings with him. Moore uses personification to deepen the mood and bring the poem to life, making it a true holiday classic that has endured for almost two centuries and inspired countless works of art since.
The poem also serves as a reminder of the importance of charity and generosity during the holiday season. St. Nicholas is often depicted as a kind and generous figure who brings gifts to people and spreads joy to those in need. This is a lesson that is essential in today’s society, especially so during the holiday season, where charity and love should reign supreme.
Legacy of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
Since its first publication in 1823, Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has left an iconic legacy in the world of Christmas literature and tradition. As mentioned before, it has inspired countless works of art in many mediums, from movies to books, to television specials. It has been adapted in numerous ways and is now seen as an essential part of Christmas celebrations.
It has also become an important cultural artifact and is often cited as the “definitive” version of the Santa story. Moore’s poem is one of the most famous and widely-read works of literature in American literature, and it continues to be celebrated and honored annually during Christmas time. It has also been used to promote the importance of charity and benevolence, which continue to be important virtues in today’s society.
In conclusion, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” continues to be celebrated around the world and is an essential part of holiday tradition. Its message of joy and charity has made it an enduring classic, and it has become a cornerstone of holiday literature that is sure to remain a fundamental part of Christmas arts and culture for many generations to come.
Form and Structure of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” is written in anapestic tetrameter, a type of meter commonly used in traditional English poetry since the early sixteenth century. It is a rhythm of four anapestic feet per line, meaning each line contains two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. This specific type of meter emphasizes the joy of the poem and captures the feeling of a lively story.
Moore’s use of anapestic tetrameter creates a sing-songy feel to the poem, creating a whimsical mood for readers. This type of meter also creates a sense of anticipation in the way Moore’s words are arranged on the page, as the reader is constantly kept guessing what comes next. This is further emphasized by the use of repetition, in which certain lines and words are repeated throughout the poem.
The poem can also be viewed as a traditional English rhyme, with the rhyme scheme AABAB CCDEFE. This type of rhyme scheme is often used in traditional English poetry, and it is a perfect fit for Moore’s poem. It creates a sing-songy feeling, one that fits the traditional sounds of Christmas. The poem also contains a strong sense of rhythm, which is further emphasized by Moore’s use of anapestic tetrameter.
Lastly, Moore’s poem is also full of imagery that captures the feelings of Christmas. Moore’s use of sensory imagery, such as the images of St. Nicholas’s sleigh, reindeer, and gifts, creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and helps to further emphasize the festive nature of the season. This imagery also helps to reinforce the importance of charity and kindness, which are integral components of the holiday season.
Adaptations of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
Since its first publication, Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has been adapted in many different forms. It has served as the basis for several motion pictures and television specials, such as the Rankin-Bass special Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1971) and the classic black and white cartoon short “Frosty the Snowman” (1969). It has also been reproduced in countless literature works, such as the “Twas the Night Before Christmas” coloring book by Kathy Davis and the “Sleigh Bells” revised edition by Wordsworth Editions.
The poem has also been adapted for the stage. Tony Award winner Lesli Margherita wrote and starred in the musical “Twas the Night before Christmas”, which ran in select cities in 2019. It is also the basis of a 2003 musicals of the same name written by Bob Marines and Robert Brooke. Gordon V. Thompson’s musical adaptation of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” is also a popular choice among Broadway theaters.
The poem has also been the basis for several video games. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” RPG, a browser-based game, was released in 2013, with subsequent sequels and editions also released. There is also a “Twas the Night Before Christmas” themed hidden object game produced by Oberon Games. This game challenged players to find and locate specific items needed to help Santa Claus deliver gifts to children around the world.
In conclusion, Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has been adapted in many different forms over the years, from motion pictures and musicals to video games and coloring books. This classic poem has served as the basis for countless works of art since its first publication and it continues to serve as a source of inspiration for holiday-themed works of art.
Reception of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has been widely celebrated and embraced since its first publication in 1823. It has become an iconic and beloved poem, transcending generations and cultures. The poem has been featured in countless television specials, commercials, books, greeting cards and more. It’s message of joy and charity has resonated with people around the world.
The success of the poem can also be attributed to its writing style and structure. Moore’s use of anapestic tetrameter and traditional English rhyme scheme creates an easy and evocative reading experience. It also captures the joy and spirit of the season, allowing readers to truly immerse themselves in the story. The imagery and personification also add to the poem’s lasting impression, allowing readers to visualize and experience the story.
Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has also permeated popular culture and has been the source of inspiration for numerous works of art. It has been adapted for the stage, movies and video games. It has been referenced in movies such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Elf, and it has also been used in advertising campaigns by companies such as Coca Cola.
In conclusion, Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” has been an enduring holiday classic since its first publication in 1823. Its message, form and structure have been celebrated and revered by people around the world, and its influence can be seen in countless works of art and popular culture.
