father [OE] The Old English word father is related to Dutch vader and German Vater. The proverb like father, like son means that a son’s character and behaviour can be expected to resemble that of his father. In this exact form it is recorded from the early 17th century, but the idea with slightly different wording goes back to the Middle Ages. Father Christmas is of obscure origin. His conventionalized image is comparatively recent: in late medieval Europe he became identified with St Nicholas (Santa Claus); in England Father Christmas was a personification of Christmas, a genial red-robed old man who appeared in many 16th-century masques and in mummers’ plays. There was a great revival of the celebration of Christmas in the 19th century and Father Christmas acquired (from St Nicholas) the association of present-bringing.