Whilst Christmas isn’t really a part of the traditional calendar here, that hasn’t stopped many people (and practically all retailers) embracing the festive spirit with as much enthusiasm as they can muster. Unfortunately rumour has it that at times this eagerness has been a little misdirected.
Now sadly this story has to remain classed as an urban myth, as it seems no photographic evidence is available. And I’ve checked extensively. Well, on Google images. What more do you want?
Anyway, back to the story/myth. The year varies depending upon which version you hear. Some have it as far back as just after the Second World War, others some time in the 1960’s. Whereas a few younger believers place the sighting as recent as the 1990’s. The location too is equally troublesome. Sometimes it’s as vague as Tokyo, Osaka, or even simply Japan. Ginza gets mentioned more than most though, so perhaps that’s the safest bet.
Yet despite these discrepancies, what was allegedly seen is always the same. Perhaps designed to be the Christmas decoration to top all all Christmas decorations, was lovable old Santa nailed to a cross. Yes, a crucified Kriss Kringle!
Sadly, as fuzzy as the various accounts are, none of them point to the Santa in question being this particular bearded man.
A pity.
David says
Erm …. Colonel “Kentucky Fried Chicken” Sanders is the real Santa Claus / Father Christmas? Who’d have thought, eh? Yet slightly creepy, at the same time.
Chay says
(I’m redmaiden’s boyfriend BTW)
Thought maybe this link would help with the crucified santa thing:
Santa on a Cross Museum of Hoaxes
Lee says
David: To further stake the claim that their man is the real thing, KFC sell special fried chicken on Christmas Eve. What a special dinner that must make!
Chay: Thanks for the link. I just wish it was a true story!
David says
Lee:
Special fried chicken, eh? I presume that’s another word for “white meat only” 🙂
Random: In Canada we get “Twoonie Tuesdays”, where you get two pieces of chicken and fries for $2.22 (used to be $2). That’s about a quid (basically) .. so in Britain it would probably be “Chicken for a nicker” or something equally obscure 🙂
Chay says
Squid for a Quid
Jen says
Ooh that is scary!!
Ron says
And I thought that was your picture outside KFC. I am truly depressed, Lee.
Cheers!