Santa Claus – Secularization and Globalization Cultural Geography

Secularization Secularization can denote the transformation or broadening of a religious into a secular symbol. Santa, or Saint Nicolas, was originally associated with the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. Today, around the world, Santa has been adopted by many people as a symbol of winter celebration with no reference to the birth of Christ. Secularization can denote the transformation or broadening of a religious into a secular symbol. Santa, or Saint Nicolas, was originally associated with the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. Today, around the world, Santa has been adopted by many people as a symbol of winter celebration with no reference to the birth of Christ.

Globalization Globalization describes an ongoing process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a globe-spanning network of communication and execution. Globalization is usually recognized as being driven by a combination of economic, technological, sociocultural, political, and biological factors. The term can also refer to the transnational circulation of ideas, languages, or popular culture through acculturation. Globalization describes an ongoing process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a globe-spanning network of communication and execution. Globalization is usually recognized as being driven by a combination of economic, technological, sociocultural, political, and biological factors. The term can also refer to the transnational circulation of ideas, languages, or popular culture through acculturation.

Korean postmen drive away on their delivery bikes for a gift-giving event at the Central Post Office.

A group of runners warm up before the annual Santa Speedo Run.

Guests at Europa park, one of Europe's most popular theme parks, pose for a group photo.

Runners participate in a sponsorship event at an open-air ice stadium in Budapest, Hungary.

Joschi, a seven-year old retriever, waits with competitors before the start of a charity run in Hamburg, Germany.

White Beluga whales perform in a Christmas show at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, Japan.

A participant in the 63rd annual Christmas bathe frolics in shallow waters in Nice, France.

More than 100 men and women wait to rehearse their performance as St. Nick during a meeting of Berlin's Santa Claus actors.

School children wearing Santa Claus masks work in their classroom in Siliguri, India.

In Rust, Germany guests at Europa park wave to a camera from the roller coaster.

Santa's Stage Their Own Tour de France

the Albany Society's annual Santa Speedo Sprint

Santa was used here as part of a campaign to encourage people to get annual checkups. This doctor declared the big man "fit for duty" but did he really pass the physical?

Soccer Santa

Santa is skydiving to promote a Christmas festival near Sydney, Australia

Korean Female Santa School

Santas take over Moscow

Santa in Advertising

Commercial Merchant’s Santa

Air Force Santa

Sacrilegious Santa