‘Real face of Santa Claus’ released by scientists – and people make same remark

Scientists have digitally reconstructed the face of St. Nicholas – and people are amazed by the results. St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and toymakers, who passed away around 343AD, had his tomb recently unearthed by archaeologists in Turkey. The discovery aligns with historical records of the saint, who resided in the ancient city of Myra, now located in modern-day Turkey.

Using the skull found in the tomb, scientists conducted digital scaling and analysis to provide a glimpse of what the inspiration behind the classic Christmas character might have looked like. Images of the digital reconstruction have gone viral, with many noting the striking resemblance to the traditional image of Santa Claus.

Social media users, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), have expressed their astonishment at the resemblance, with many pointing out that the reconstructed face closely mirrors the popular depiction of Santa Claus. The resemblance has sparked discussions about how the image of St. Nicholas of Myra may have influenced the creation of the modern-day Santa Claus.

Some speculate that the accurate portrayal of St. Nicholas was likely known during the formation of the Santa Claus tradition. Users have shared their thoughts on the preservation of Santa’s image across generations, expressing admiration for how well the mental image of Santa has been carried through time.

While some were unsurprised by the facial reconstruction, noting that it aligns with their expectations of Santa Claus’s appearance, others light-heartedly remarked on the scientific efforts, with a touch of humour.

Beyond the comparison to the beloved Christmas figure, individuals have drawn parallels between St. Nicholas and various well-known personalities, adding a humorous twist to the discussion surrounding the real face of Santa Claus.

In conclusion, the unveiling of the ‘real face of Santa Claus’ has captivated the public’s imagination, sparking conversations about the origins and evolution of this iconic figure. The recreation of St. Nicholas of Myra’s face serves as a fascinating glimpse into the historical roots of the beloved festive character.