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December 6
Saint Nicholas
Day
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| Saint Nicholas lived in the 4th century in Asia Minor near modern Turkey. He is one of the most popular minor saints and is remembered in both the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian churches. His fesitval date, December 6, has become part of the Christian holiday traditions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Patron Saint of Children, little is known of Saint Nicholas. He was, most likely, the Bishop of Myra. During the Roman reign of Diocietian, persecution of Christians was intense. He was probably imprisoned durng that time. He was released under the rule of Emperor Constantine the Great. After his death he was buried in the church at Myra, later his body was stolen by Italian sailors and taken to Bari, Italy. The stories of his generosity and benevolence spread throughout Europe at this time. He was re-buried in the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari. Because of his generosity during his lifetime, he has become the symbol of true Christian love and "The Christmas Spirit." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The most popular legend associated with St Nicholas involves a poor merchant who could not afford the three dowries needed to marry off his daughters to respectible suitors. Without these dowries, the young women would have been subjected to a life of prostitution or slavery. Saint Nichoas went to their home on three successive nights, throwing a small bundle of gold into the window - one for each of the daughters. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Another legend tells of Saint Nicholas traveling through Palestine during a great famine. Along the way he would take rest in the homes of the area residents. One night he lodged in the house of a man who, unknown to him, was the son of Satan. Due to the famine in the area, this man was stealing children. He would murder them and serve them up as meat for his guests. Saint Nicholas confronted his host with his deadly crime then proceeded to the vat that stored the eivdence. Making the sign of the cross over the vat, the children rose up whole and were returned home to their widowed mother. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By the Middle Ages, stories of Saint Nicholas' generosity spread throughout Europe. Tales of his gift giving, of leaving coins and food at the doorsteps of hungry people were repeated. He became the patron saint of Russia and Greece. He is also the patron saint of many charitable organizations, sailors, unmarried girls, merchants and pawnbrokers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| FROM SAINT NICHOLAS TO SANTA CLAUS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The adoration of Saint Nicholas vanished from most of the European Protestant countries except Holland after the Reformation. In Holland the Saint Nicholas legend peristed as Sinterklaas. When the Dutch came to America, they brought Sinterklaas with them to New Amsterdam. The English-speaking colonists spoke Sinterklaas as Santa Claus. The melting pot of cultures in 17th century America blended the Nordic legend of an elfl-like magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good children with presents with the Saint Nicholas-Sinterklaas-Santa Claus representation of generosity and giving. |
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| Santa Claus, as we picture him today, was drawn by Haddon Sundblom in the 1930's as part of an advertising campaign for the Coca-Cola Company. Based on the poem, The Night Before Christmas, Sundbloom created a jolly Saint Nick with a twinkle in his eyes and a little round belly. A new Coca-Cola Santa was created each year for over 30 years. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| For Holiday Fun, visit these sites: http://www.santaclaus.com http://www.northpole.com http://merry-christmas.com |
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| Gift of the Magi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Legend of the Candy Cane | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Holly's Christmas Story | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Legend of Mistletoe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to Index | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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