2001 34c Contemporary Christmas: Santas, black denomination

U.S. #3537-40
34¢ Santa Claus
Contemporary Christmas

Issue Date: October 10, 2001
City: Santa Claus, IN
Quantity: 125,000,000
Printed by: American Packaging Corporation for Sennett Security Products
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 10 ¾ x 11
Color: Multicolored

Please note:  Due to the layout of the pane, the se-tenant may or may not be provided in Scott Catalogue order.

The Santa Claus se-tenant stamps portray the familiar holiday character in chromolithographs that date from the 1880s to 1920. The designs were also featured on booklet stamps (U.S. #3541-44).

Our modern Santa Claus has his roots in ancient European customs of giving gifts on a special day in winter. Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop, became the Christian figure associated with holiday gift-giving. The Dutch brought their version of St. Nicholas to America, calling him “Sinterklaas.” English settlers adopted him, pronouncing his name “Santa Claus.”