Nicholas: A merciful bishop

St. Nicholas' Day owes its name to the Holy Bishop of Myra, born in the third century in Lycia (southwest of Antalya, now Turkey) and christened "Nicholas". The name comes from the Greek and means something like "victory of the people".

After he was ordained priest in his homeland at the age of 19, he moved to the city of Myra, also a city of today's Turkey. There he was consecrated bishop in 325 AD and thus bishop of Myra.

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According to stories, the bishop lived up to his name and always acted merciful and disinterested. So he should have donated the considerable fortune, which he inherited from his wealthy parents, completely to the poor.

The 6th of December is commonly considered the anniversary of the death of St. Nicholas. This day is celebrated in memory of his good deeds. Here is also the origin of the holiday to see.

Saint Nicholas as savior and giftgiver

Around the bishop of Myra circle many legends and myths. Of particular importance to today's tradition of celebrating is the legendary story of a very poor man who lacked the money to marry his three daughters, which is why he wanted to send her into prostitution. When Nicholas heard about it, he threw gold into the girls' fireplace. This was reflected in her boots and socks, which hung there to dry. So he saved the girls from their fate.

Thus the custom and tradition have been inspired by the legend of the three virgins. Since then, Nicholas is said to come through the chimney each year on the day of his death, bringing gifts to children who were good and kind. He puts the gifts in the boots, shoes or socks, which are hung by the fireplace.

Often he is accompanied by terrifying assistants. While Nicholas is portrayed as the kind-hearted giftgiver, the task of his common aides, including Knecht Ruprecht, is to punish spoiled and naughty children.

Nicholas customs in other countries

Although St. Nicholas Day is not a public holiday in Germany, it is one of the most important traditions not only in Germany but worldwide. Especially in countries such as Russia, Croatia or Serbia, St. Nicholas of Myra is seen as a patron saint and one of the most beloved saints. Worldwide, the day is interpreted differently - here are some examples:

Austria

Especially in Austria, with the Nicholas and the Krampus - a horror figure - in the center. Whole Krampus parades are organized as Nicholas tradition in towns and villages.

Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, St. Nicholas Day is even a school holiday. There, the so-called Klees'chen is officially received: In some places he arrives by boat or is greeted by the mayor. The children not only put the boots in front of the door, but also the clover and a plate with biscuits on the table.

USA

St. Nicholas Day on December 6 is becoming more and more popular in the US for consumption reasons. Traditionally, however, Santa Claus brings gifts only at Christmas and represents the German Santa Claus. This custom goes back to Dutch immigrants, in which Santa Claus is again called Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas traditionally goes back to Nicholas of Myra.

Turkey

Although Nikolaus von Myra comes from today's Turkey, Demre, the former Myra, has only since about 1950 developed into a pilgrimage town. There, too, Nicholas will not bring presents on December 6th. Noel Baba is coming on New Year's Eve.

Russia

For Russia, St. Nicholas is an important patron saint. However, here comes Djed Moros, Father Frost, the gifts. This comes from a fairy tale and looks very similar to Santa Claus. Djed Moros is accompanied by his granddaughter Snjegurochka (snowflake). For the so-called Jolka Festival on New Year's Eve, the children call in front of the Christmas tree three times after Father Frost and are then presented with gifts.

France

In the pilgrimage town of Sain-Nicolas-de-Port in Lorraine, St. Nicholas is honored with a great mass. The traditional procession ends in front of the pilgrimage church. After the Mass, visitors sing with candles in their hands.

I wish you all out there a good St nicholas Day... may the Love be with you....