8. 圣诞老人原名“圣塔尼古拉斯”！？

　　The most famous and pervasive of these figures in modern celebration worldwide is Santa Claus, a mythical giftbringer, dressed in red, whose origins have disputed sources. SantaClaus is a corruption of the Dutch Sinterklaas, which means simply Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey) inthe fourth century. Among other saintly attributes, he was noted forthe care of Children, generosity, and the giving of gifts。

　　全球最知名的圣诞人物恐怕就是圣诞老人了，他老人家带礼物、穿红衫，广受小盆友欢迎。他的英文名SantaClaus是德语Sinterklaas的误传，而Sinterklaas的直译就是“圣塔尼古拉斯”了。尼古拉斯先生是14世纪玛拉国(今土耳其)的主教，他非常关心孩子，慷慨大方、乐施礼物。后成为圣诞老人的原型。