Saint Nicholas is not a fictional hero. Such a man really existed, and he did a lot for the Christian faith, rising to the rank of Archbishop of Myra in Lycia in what was then Byzantium. His myrrh-streaming relics were stolen from the tomb of the temple in lower worlds in Demre (Türkiye, Antalya) and transported to Italy to Bari and Venice. Many miraculous acts are also associated with him, such as the resurrection of a dead sailor, the taming of storms and others associated with many aspects of human life. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children and sailors, fishermen, merchants, bankers, agriculture and beekeeping, livestock and wild animals, the pacifier of warring parties, the deliverer from vain death and the protector of the innocently convicted.
In popular legends he is depicted as the “elder” over the saints, a ruler blessed by God himself to rule not only on earth, but also in heaven. Nikolai was indeed born into a wealthy family. But he gave his entire inheritance to charity. There are also stories that tell how he gave part of his gold to three poor girls whose father sent them to be harlots so that they could somehow feed themselves. Thanks to the money found one morning under the door of the house, the girls retained their honor and successfully got married.
In a word, a personality of such magnitude could not pass without a trace in world history and culture, and now in Europe and the Balkans, in some places in Asia and America, St. Nicholas Day is one of the most anticipated and beloved days, which opens a series of New Year's holidays. Catholics celebrate it on December 6, Orthodox on December 19.
In France, the most colorful celebration of St. Nicholas Day is in Lorraine, in the small town of San Nicolas de Port, whose patron is this saint. The festive procession forms a whole theatrical procession accompanied by fanfare. Nikolai leads the procession. He is followed by a ghost with rods for naughty children and a huge bag into which he throws the most notorious little pranksters and takes them away with him.
In Germany, St. Nicholas Day has been celebrated since 1555. Children hang festive socks over the fireplace, and by morning they expect small gifts and sweets to appear in each of the socks. To do this, of course, you need to behave very well, because only good behavior is rewarded.
In the Netherlands, it is believed that St. Nicholas does not come, but arrives by ship a few days before the holiday, and then travels from house to house on a horse named Amerigo. Children place shoes by the fireplace or at the entrance to the house, sometimes they put hay, carrots or other treats in them for Amerigo. The next morning, instead of hay and vegetables, the children find gifts in their shoes.
Nicholas is also the patron saint of the Italian city of Sassiri (Sardinia). On December 6, in Sassiri it is customary to give gifts to young brides. This tradition is called Rito delle Nubili. In the Austrian tradition, Saint Nicholas has an evil servant, Krampus. Krampus made sure that December 6 would bring, in addition to surprises, frosts and cold winds. Severe frosts and evil winter spirits balance the kindness of Nicholas and reward people for the misdeeds that everyone involuntarily committed throughout the year.
In East Slavic countries with a pagan past, Saint Nicholas is probably identified with Veles. Consequently, a wide variety of legends about him have been preserved in folklore. During the Soviet Union, December 19 was an ordinary day, but gradually the significance of the holiday is being restored.
In Bulgaria this holiday is called Nikulden, and it is also celebrated by fishermen, sellers and bankers. Bulgarians reverence Nicholas as the guardian of the clan, home and goods. Carp dishes are popular on this day. Carp is considered a sacrificial fish on this holiday. Therefore, Nikulden is also called the Fish Saint Nicholas.
In Portugal, Nicholas is considered the patron saint of students. Every year from November 29 to December 7, the Nicolinas Festival is held in Portugal. In Hungary, St. Nicholas Day marks the start of Christmas sales. In Albania, it is associated with the beginning of winter and is called the Feast of St. Nicholas the Winter. In Canada and the States it is called Saint Nick’s Day and is practically no different from the European holiday. Obedient children find gifts in shoes in the morning, naughty children find coal. Saint Nicholas, as the prototype of Santa Claus, is thus a bright outlet for many people around the world.
Christmas holidays begin in Europe on December 6, when Catholics around the world celebrate one of the oldest Catholic holidays - St. Nicholas Day! The celebration should remind people of the selfless gift of love, which is very important in the run-up to Christmas. ABOUT good deeds St. Nicholas, who is considered the patron saint of travelers and children, has popular legends passed down from generation to generation. They tell the story of how Saint Nicholas helped the poor and disadvantaged, and secretly tossed coins and food into children’s shoes placed outside the door. According to one of the legends, Saint Nicholas, on one of his sea voyages between Myra and Alexandria, resurrected a sailor who fell from the mast in a storm and fell to his death. Another legend tells how he helped a poor girl marry her lover by giving her money for a dowry.
From historical sources it is known that Bishop Nicholas acted as the defender of three Byzantines who were unjustly sentenced to death. After St. Nicholas's death, people continued his tradition of helping those in need anonymously, and such gifts are still called St. Nicholas' gifts. According to one source, medieval nuns delivered food and clothing in baskets to the doors of the poor on the night of December 6th. In the 10th century, in the Cologne Cathedral, on the day of remembrance of the saint, students of the parish school began to distribute sweets. In late medieval England, on St. Nicholas Day, there was a tradition of appointing a boy bishop for the period right up to Christmastide. As part of the celebration, the boys played the roles of priests and bishops, who could even give decrees to elders. Nowadays, the tradition of widespread celebration of St. Nicholas Day as the Great Giver is preserved in a number of Western European countries. St. Nicholas Day is primarily a holiday for children. In the Netherlands, on the eve of the holiday (December 5), Sinterklaas gives gifts to children. A few days before December 5th (starting from the day when St. Nicholas arrives in the Netherlands by boat), small children place their shoes in front of the chimney and sing special songs for Sinterklaas "a. Often a carrot or a little hay is put in the shoes for St. Nicholas' horse (his name is Amerigo) The next morning the children find small gifts in their shoes: chocolate coins, a package of marmalade or a small toy. On the night of December 5, Sinterklaas brings gifts to each child who behaved well last year (in practice, usually Nikolai). leaves a bag with a gift outside the house or living room, after which neighbors or parents drag it inside through a door or window, as if Sinterklaas' assistants. Another version of gift giving is to have someone dress up like Sinterklaas and give the gift to the child in person. In Germany, on the night of December 5-6, children hang out shoes (Nikolaus-Stiefel) or socks, which St. Nicholas fills with gifts, assessing whether the owners behaved well. If the children were not obedient, then instead of gifts there may be three branches (roots) in the shoe. In anticipation of the holiday, children try not to play pranks, and no one is left without gifts from St. Nicholas. The Czech and Slovak Mikulas, as well as the Polish Mikolajki, are often accompanied by an angel fighting the devil. Polish children find small gifts and candies under their pillows on the morning of December 6th. In Hungary and Romania, children usually leave their shoes on the windowsill on the night of December 6th. The next morning, Nikolai (Szent Miklos or Mikulas in Hungary, Mos Nicolae or Sfantul Nicolae in Romania) puts candy and souvenirs in them if they were good, or a branch if they behaved badly.
December 19, 2017
Tonight when it is dark (Today In the evening, How it gets dark)
Saint Nicholas may come. (Saint Nikolai Maybe come.)
He loves to bring a big surprise. (He loves surprise.)
He gives the children toys. (He gives toys to the children.)
Cookies, apples, (Cookies, apples,)
Balls and games, (Balls And games,)
Bells and whistles, (Bells And whistles,)
Dolls and trains. (Dolls And trains.)
Surprises for the boys. (Surprises For boys.)
Surprises for the girls. (Surprises For girls.)
Saint Nicholas is our friend in heaven. (Saint Nicholas is our heavenly friend.)
He is the children's saint. (He children's saint.)
(Thank you Saint Nikolai!)
We thank you for the toys! (Thank you for toys!)
We thank you, good Saint Nicholas! (Thank you Saint Nikolai!)
You bring us many joys. (You brought us a lot of joy.)
St. Nicholas Day has religious roots and celebration traditions developed among the people over centuries. Orthodox Christians honor Saint Nicholas, known for his many miracles, on December 19th. He is called an imitator of the holy life of Christ and a bearer of virtue. Catholics honor the memory of St. Nicholas annually on December 6th as the patron saint of travelers and children.
According to one of the legends, in ancient times a young man named Nicholas lived in the city of Mira (in the southwest of Asia Minor). He was the only son of wealthy parents, but was orphaned early. Nikolai lived immersed in the world of science and rarely left the house. One day, the young man learned from an old servant that a poor girl who lived on the outskirts of the city could not get married because she did not have a dowry. “I have everything I want. And somewhere nearby people are suffering,” thought Nikolai. He took the required amount from the treasury and, under the cover of darkness, putting on a dark cloak with a hood so that no one would recognize him, he made his way to the girl’s house and threw a bundle of money at her window. The next morning a rumor spread throughout the city that a heavenly angel had come.
In late medieval England, on St. Nicholas Day, there was a tradition of appointing a “boy bishop” for the period right up to Christmastide. As part of the celebration, the boys played the roles of priests and bishops, who could even give decrees to elders.
Nowadays, the tradition of widespread celebration of St. Nicholas Day as the “Great Giver” is preserved in a number of Western European countries.
In America, on St. Nick’s Day, children wait for candy or souvenirs in an empty shoe (or sock) left on the eve. “Good” children get sweets, and “bad” children get shoes with coal 😉
Christmas holidays begin in Europe on December 6, when Catholics around the world celebrate one of the oldest Catholic holidays - St. Nicholas Day.
The celebration of St. Nicholas Day should remind people of the Selfless Gift of Love, which is very important on the eve of Christmas.
People have legends about the good deeds of St. Nicholas, who is considered the patron saint of travelers and children, passed down from generation to generation. They talk about how St. Nicholas helped the poor and disadvantaged, and secretly tossed coins and food into children’s shoes placed outside the door. According to one of the legends, Saint Nicholas, on one of his sea voyages between Mira and Alexandria, resurrected a sailor who fell from the mast in a storm and fell to his death. Another legend tells how he helped a poor girl marry her lover by giving her money for a dowry. From historical sources it is known that Bishop Nicholas acted as the defender of three Byzantines unjustly sentenced to death.
After the death of Saint Nicholas, people continued his tradition of helping those in need anonymously, and such gifts are still called gifts of Saint Nicholas.
According to one source, medieval nuns delivered food and clothing in baskets to the doors of the poor on the night of December 6th. In the 10th century, in the Cologne Cathedral, on the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas, students of the parish school began to distribute sweets.
In late medieval England, on St. Nicholas Day, there was a tradition of appointing a “boy bishop” for the period right up to Christmastide. As part of the celebration, the boys played the roles of priests and bishops, who could even give decrees to elders.
Nowadays, the tradition of widespread celebration of St. Nicholas Day as the “Great Giver” is preserved in a number of Western European countries.
St. Nicholas Day is, first of all, a holiday for children.
In the Netherlands On the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 5), Sinterklaas gives gifts to children. A few days before December 5 (starting from the day St. Nicholas arrives in the Netherlands by boat), small children place their shoes in front of the chimney and sing special songs for Sinterklaas. Often they put carrots or a little hay in shoes for St. Horses. Nicholas (her name is Amerigo). The next morning the children find small gifts in their shoes: chocolate coins, a packet of marmalade or a small toy.
On the night of December 5th, Sinterklaas brings gifts to every child who behaved well in the past year (in practice, to all children). Usually Nikolai leaves a bag with a gift outside the house or living room, after which neighbors or parents drag it inside through a door or window, as if Sinterklaas' assistants. Another version of presenting a gift is to ask someone to dress up like Sinterklaas and hand it over personal gift for the child.
In Germany On the night of December 5-6, children hang out shoes (Nikolaus-Stiefel), or socks, which St. Nicholas fills with gifts, assessing whether the owners behaved well. If the children were not obedient, then instead of gifts there may be three branches (roots) in the shoe. In anticipation of the holiday, children try not to play pranks, and no one is left without gifts from St. Nicholas.
The Czech and Slovak Mikulas, as well as the Polish Mikolajki, are often accompanied by an angel fighting the devil.
In Hungary and Romania Children usually leave their shoes on the windowsill on the night of December 6th. The next morning, Nikolai (Szent Miklos or Mikulas in Hungary, Mos Nicolae or Sfantul Nicolae in Romania) puts candy and souvenirs in them if they were good, or a branch if they behaved badly.
In France St. Nicholas Day is actively celebrated in the eastern part of the country. St. is especially revered. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Lorraine, where he is considered the patron saint. Here, in the small town of San Nicolas de Port, there is the Basilica of San Nicolas, which houses the right hand (according to other sources, the finger) of St. Nicholas the Pleasant and other shrines associated with him. St. Nicholas Day, which has been celebrated since the Middle Ages, is official holiday region.
On this day, in the evening, a festive procession leaves the center of Sant Nicolas de Port and moves with music and fanfare along the main streets of the city. The procession is led by a venerable old man with a white beard (St. Nicholas), who is accompanied by a ghost with an armful of rods to flog naughty children. He takes them into his wicker bag. Local residents, hearing the sounds of celebrations from afar, come out to “meet” St. Nicholas, and the children receive sweets.
In Italy On December 6th there is a tradition called "Rito delle nubili", which is still observed in the city of Sassiri, whose patron saint is St. Nicholas. Here, young brides are given gifts throughout the day. A fair is held in the city of Trieste, and on the morning of the 6th, children are given gifts.
In Portugal St. Nicholas has been revered since the Middle Ages as the patron saint of students. Every year from November 29 to December 7, a festival called Nicolinas is held in honor of St. Nicholas.
In Albania The saint's feast day, known as the Feast of St. Nicholas the Winter, is celebrated on the eve of December 6th - the evening of December 5th. On the eve of the holiday, Albanians light candles and fast until midnight, when roasted lamb or pork is served. Then people greet each other with the words “May the Night of St. Nicholas help you!”
In Canada and the United States of America St. Nick's Day is celebrated in traditions similar to German ones. On the night of December 6, children leave an empty shoe (or sock) outside and on the morning of December 6, they wake up and rush to check what St. Nick put in their empty shoes. Shoes with candies or souvenirs go to “good” children, and shoes with coal go to “bad” children.
The material was prepared based on information from open sources
Christmas holidays begin in Europe on December 6, when Catholics around the world celebrate one of the oldest Catholic holidays - St. Nicholas Day. The celebration of St. Nicholas Day should remind people of the Selfless Gift of Love, which is very important on the eve of Christmas.
People have legends about the good deeds of St. Nicholas, who is considered the patron saint of travelers and children, passed down from generation to generation. They tell the story of how Saint Nicholas helped the poor and disadvantaged, and secretly tossed coins and food into children’s shoes placed outside the door. According to one of the legends, Saint Nicholas, on one of his sea voyages between Myra and Alexandria, resurrected a sailor who fell from the mast in a storm and fell to his death. Another legend tells how he helped a poor girl marry her lover by giving her money for a dowry. From historical sources it is known that Bishop Nicholas acted as the defender of three Byzantines unjustly sentenced to death.
After St. Nicholas' death, people continued his tradition of helping those in need anonymously, and such gifts are still called St. Nicholas' gifts.
According to one source, medieval nuns delivered food and clothing in baskets to the doors of the poor on the night of December 6th. In the 10th century, in the Cologne Cathedral, on the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas, students of the parish school began to distribute sweets.
In late medieval England, on St. Nicholas Day, there was a tradition of appointing a “boy bishop” for the period until Christmastide. As part of the celebration, the boys played the roles of priests and bishops, who could even give decrees to elders.
Nowadays, the tradition of widespread celebration of St. Nicholas Day as the “Great Giver” is preserved in a number of Western European countries.
St. Nicholas Day is primarily a holiday for children.
In the Netherlands, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 5), Sinterklaas gives gifts to children. A few days before December 5 (starting from the day St. Nicholas arrives in the Netherlands by boat), small children place their shoes in front of the chimney and sing special songs for Sinterklaas. Often they put carrots or a little hay in shoes for St. Horses. Nicholas (her name is Amerigo). The next morning the children find small gifts in their shoes: chocolate coins, a packet of marmalade or a small toy. On the night of December 5th, Sinterklaas brings gifts to every child who behaved well in the past year (in practice, to all children). Usually Nikolai leaves a bag with a gift outside the house or living room, after which neighbors or parents drag it inside through a door or window, as if Sinterklaas’ assistants. Another version of gift giving is to have someone dress up like Sinterklaas and give the gift to the child in person.
Which St. Nicholas fills with gifts, assessing whether the owners behaved well. If the children were not obedient, then instead of gifts there may be three branches (roots) in the shoe. In anticipation of the holiday, children try not to play pranks, and no one is left without gifts from St. Nicholas.
The Czech and Slovak Mikulas, as well as the Polish Mikolajki, are often accompanied by an angel fighting the devil. Polish children find small gifts and candies under their pillows on the morning of December 6th.
In Hungary and Romania, children usually leave their shoes on the windowsill on the night of December 6th. The next morning, Nikolai (Szent Miklos or Mikulas in Hungary, Mos Nicolae or Sfantul Nicolae in Romania) puts candy and souvenirs in them if they were good, or a branch if they behaved badly.
In France, St. Nicholas Day is actively celebrated in the eastern part of the country. St. is especially revered. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Lorraine, where he is considered the patron saint. Here, in the small town of San Nicolas de Port, there is the Basilica of San Nicolas, which houses the right hand (according to other sources, the finger) of St. Nicholas the Pleasant and other shrines associated with him. St. Nicholas Day, which has been celebrated since the Middle Ages, is an official holiday in the region.
On this day, in the evening, a festive procession leaves the center of Sant Nicolas de Port and moves with music and fanfare along the main streets of the city. The procession is led by a venerable old man with a white beard (St. Nicholas), who is accompanied by a ghost with an armful of rods to flog naughty children. He takes them into his wicker bag. Local residents, hearing the sounds of celebrations from afar, come out to “meet” St. Nicholas, and the children receive sweets.
In Italy, on December 6th there is a tradition called "Rito delle nubili", which is still observed in the city of Sassiri, whose patron saint is St. Nicholas. Here, young brides are given gifts throughout the day. A fair is held in the city of Trieste, and on the morning of the 6th, children are given gifts.
In Portugal, St. Nicholas has been revered since the Middle Ages as the patron saint of students. Every year from November 29 to December 7, a festival called Nicolinas is held in honor of St. Nicholas.
In Albania, the saint's feast day, known as the Feast of St. Nicholas the Winter, is celebrated on the eve of December 6th - the evening of December 5th. On the eve of the holiday, Albanians light candles and fast until midnight, when roasted lamb or pork is served. Then people greet each other with the words “May the Night of St. Nicholas help you!”
In Canada and the United States of America, St. Nick's Day is celebrated in traditions similar to those in Germany. On the night of December 6th, children leave an empty shoe (or sock) outside and on the morning of December 6th, they wake up and rush to check what St. Nick put in their empty shoe. Shoes with candies or souvenirs go to “good” children, and shoes with coal go to “bad” children.
