From Forests to Bottles- The Evolution of Santa’s Green Credentials Before Coke’s Red Revolution
Was Santa Green Before Coke?
The image of Santa Claus, a jolly old man in a red suit, has been a cherished symbol of Christmas for generations. However, the green attire that Santa now dons is a relatively recent development, thanks to the iconic Coca-Cola advertisements that began in the 1930s. But what about the Santa of old? Was Santa green before Coke? This intriguing question delves into the evolution of Santa’s image and the influence of advertising on our holiday traditions.
Before the Coca-Cola Company popularized Santa’s green suit, the jolly old man was typically depicted in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and even black. The first known depiction of Santa Claus dates back to the 15th century, when he was often shown with a long beard and dressed in traditional Dutch attire, which included a green outfit. This early Santa was known as “Sinterklaas” and was associated with the Dutch Saint Nicholas, a bishop who was known for his generosity and gift-giving.
As the story of Santa Claus spread across Europe and to the United States, his image continued to evolve. In the early 19th century, Washington Irving’s “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.” popularized the Americanized version of Santa, who was described as a portly man with a red suit and a white beard. However, it was not until the 20th century that Santa’s iconic red suit became firmly established.
The green suit that Santa now wears can be traced back to the 1930s, when artist Haddon Sundblom was commissioned by Coca-Cola to create a series of advertisements featuring Santa Claus. Sundblom’s illustrations, which were published in Coca-Cola magazines and posters, depicted Santa as a friendly, smiling man in a green suit, reminiscent of the company’s signature color. The green suit was a nod to the lush, green foliage of the holiday season and the idea of Santa as a bringer of joy and happiness.
Sundblom’s depiction of Santa quickly became the standard image, and the green suit has been a staple of holiday advertising ever since. While the green suit may seem like a quirky twist on Santa’s traditional attire, it has become an integral part of the holiday narrative. The influence of Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign has shaped our perception of Santa Claus, and the green suit has become synonymous with the festive spirit of Christmas.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Was Santa green before Coke?” is a resounding yes. The green suit that Santa now wears has its roots in the early 15th century, but it was the Coca-Cola Company’s advertising campaign in the 1930s that brought this image to the forefront. As we continue to celebrate the holiday season, the green-suited Santa remains a beloved symbol of joy and generosity, a testament to the power of advertising in shaping our cultural icons.
