Why Do People Wear Red Hats During Christmas Celebration?
- The red hat worn during Christmas, known as the Santa hat, has become a global symbol of celebration, commonly seen at parties and public spaces during the holiday season
- The tradition is linked to Santa Claus, whose origins are traced to Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian figure known for kindness and generosity
- Over time, cultural traditions, literature, and popular imagery helped establish the red Santa hat as a symbol of gift-giving, peace, and happiness
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
During the Christmas holidays celebrated by Christians around the world, just as places are decorated with electric trees, you will also see people wearing red hats with white ribbons at parties and gatherings.
Source: Getty Images
In other places, such as large stores and offices, you will see the hat hanging near an electric Christmas tree.
This hat is called a Santa hat.
This has led many people to ask what the connection is between this red hat and Christmas. And who is Santa? In this article by the BBC, answers to these questions are provided.
Who is Santa Claus?
Santa is a famous figure in Western Christian tradition who is said to deliver gifts to people on Christmas Eve.
However, another source suggests that Santa Claus was a figure popular in fourth-century folklore called Saint Nicholas, who was a man who loved children and was known for his kindness and generous gifts.
Santa is often compared to the famous figure that the English call Father Christmas, and now they are both considered the same person - Father Christmas is Santa Claus.
The familiar image of Santa is that of a fat man with a white beard who sometimes wears glasses and a red hat with a peaked brim and white stripes, a red suit, and water shoes.
Santa is always happy and cheerful, carrying a sack.
Father Christmas, man or fairy tale?
As previously mentioned, it is often said that Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas is Father Christmas, but some historians believe that the history of Father Christmas dates back to the 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII of England.
Father Christmas was, as he was described, a cheerful and cheerful man during the Christmas season, making people happy and bringing them food, wine, and other things.
Source: Getty Images
However, in another context, historians say that Father Christmas is not a person but a myth that represents the bringing of peace, gifts, and joy to people during the Christmas holidays.
This indicates that Christians and their supporters wear the red Santa Claus hat to celebrate the holidays with the aim of showing joy and fun, as well as bringing people together in peace and giving them gifts.
It can be said that the red, pointed hat of Santa Claus has now become a symbol of Christianity, especially during the Christmas holidays, symbolising kindness, friendship, and the giving of gifts.
Tinubu, Governors wish Nigerians happy Christmas
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace peace and religious tolerance, insisting that no citizen should suffer due to faith.
In his Christmas message, the president reaffirmed his commitment to protecting constitutional rights amid international concerns over religious freedom.
State governors across Nigeria also echoed similar messages, calling for love, unity, and peaceful coexistence during Christmas.
Source: Legit.ng
