Introduction
The use of Santa Claus in advertising has become a popular marketing strategy during the holiday season. However, many people wonder which company was the first to feature Santa Claus in their advertisements. In this article, we will delve into the history of Santa Claus in advertising and identify the first company to utilize this iconic figure for promotional purposes.
The Origins of Santa Claus
Before we explore the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising, it is important to understand the origins of this beloved character. Santa Claus, as we know him today, is based on the legendary figure of Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century in what is now modern-day Turkey. Over the centuries, the stories and traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas evolved, and he eventually became associated with gift-giving and the Christmas season.
The Evolution of Santa Claus in Advertising
The concept of using Santa Claus in advertising began to gain traction in the late 19th century. One of the earliest depictions of Santa Claus in an advertisement can be traced back to the 1860s when a popular beverage company, Hires Root Beer, featured Santa Claus in their promotional materials. However, this was not a widespread practice at the time, and it would take a few more decades for Santa Claus to become a ubiquitous advertising figure.
The First Company to Use Santa Claus in Advertising
The honor of being the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising goes to the Coca-Cola Company. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola commissioned an artist named Haddon Sundblom to create a series of illustrations featuring Santa Claus for their holiday advertising campaign. Sundblom’s depiction of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund figure with a white beard and a red suit became iconic and is still widely recognized today.
Coca-Cola’s use of Santa Claus in their advertisements was instrumental in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus. Prior to Coca-Cola’s campaign, Santa Claus was depicted in various ways, often wearing different colors and styles of clothing. However, Sundblom’s illustrations solidified the image of Santa Claus in a red suit, which has since become the standard representation.
The Impact of Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus
Coca-Cola’s use of Santa Claus in their advertising campaigns had a significant impact on popular culture. The company’s advertisements featuring Santa Claus were widely distributed and helped to establish the image of Santa Claus as we know it today. The association between Santa Claus and Coca-Cola became so strong that many people mistakenly believe that the company actually invented the character of Santa Claus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising was the Coca-Cola Company. Their holiday advertising campaign in the 1930s, featuring illustrations by Haddon Sundblom, solidified the modern image of Santa Claus and had a lasting impact on popular culture.
References
– Coca-Cola Journey: www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/coke-lore-santa-claus
– Smithsonian Magazine: www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-coca-cola-invented-christmas-keeping-santas-red-suit-alive-180961724/
