Born in 4th century Greece (what is now modern day Turkey), Saint Nicholas was a Saint and Bishop who devoted his life to faith and charity.
Photo Credit: wikimedia/Gaby Kooiman
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December 6th Is St. Nicholas Day: What Is It?
by Homesessive
Ever wonder why Santa Claus is also referred to as Old Saint Nick? Saint Nicholas was a Greek saint known for his secretive method of gift giving. In particular he would often sneak coins into children's shoes as they slept. To honor this great Saint, Dec. 6 became a holiday where many countries throughout Europe celebrate his birthday. Modern traditions include filling children's shoes with sweets and chocolates during the middle of the night.
Hmm, a man who sneaks into your home at night leaving gifts and cheer, sound familiar? Of course it does, America's Santa Claus and Canada's Father Christmas are both based on the European's celebration of Saint Nicholas.
For those of us who love candy themed holidays like Halloween and Easter, St. Nicholas day is a perfect addition to your holiday traditions!
View the slideshow above for info on St. Nicholas day!
Getting excited about the holidays? check out Fir Real and Curator Report: Holiday Prep to learn some decorating tips to make this year's holiday season even more special.
Photo Credit: flickr/FacemePLS
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Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of cities like Amsterdam, Liverpool, and various other parts of Western and Eastern Europe. He is often seen wearing a Bishop's hat and gown and carrying a Bishop's crook.
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One of the main legends of Saint Nicholas is a tale of his generosity to a family too poor to afford a dowry for their daughter. A dowry was a collection of wealth given to her suitor without which she could never get married. Mysteriously, sacks of gold were tossed into their home, landing in shoes and stockings. Thus the traditions or hanging Christmas stockings on the mantle.
Photo Credit: flickr/Radio Nederland Wereldomroeps
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Today, families include chocolate gold coins in their gifts to refer to his habit of giving gold to those in need.
Photo Credit: flickr/muffet
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On the night of December 5th, children leave their shoes by the doorstep and await Saint Nicholas' arrival.
Photo Credit: flickr/Tom and Katrien
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Similar to the American tradition of leaving milk and cookies out, children who celebrate Saint Nicholas day, leave out carrots and hay for his horse.
Photo Credit: flickr/Marc Samson
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Every country has slightly different traditions and folklore surrounding the generous saint. In France he is accompanied by a donkey that carries a sack of gifts and sweets such as gingerbread to pass out on the streets to the little boys and girls.
Photo Credit: flickr/Jthoel
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Rumors of what happens to little boys and girls who have been bad vary include getting kidnapped and carried away in sacks by Saint Nicholas' sidekick. The rumor the children fear the most, of course, is being skipped over and receiving nothing. This is where the idea of leaving coal for bad children began.
Photo Credit: flickr/ Radio Nederland Wereldomroeps
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