Saint Nicholas - the origin and customs Nicholas of Myra (Russian icon of Petrov, 1294) The figure of Saint Nicholas is fictitious. The legendary Nicholas is a fusion of two historical figures: the Bishop Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, Asia, who probably lived in the 4th century and the same abbot of Sion, Bishop of Pinora, and died on 10 December 564 in Lycia.
From these two historical figures the fictious character of the bishop of Myra developed since the 6th century. St. Nicholas has always been one of the most popular Christian saints.
In the Orthodox Church he has been worshipped since the 6th century; Justinian I built him a church in Constantinople. In the 11th century the tradition came to Germany, most probably by Theophanu, the Byzantine wife of Otto the Second.
From these two historical figures the fictious character of the bishop of Myra developed since the 6th century. St. Nicholas has always been one of the most popular Christian saints.
In the Orthodox Church he has been worshipped since the 6th century; Justinian I built him a church in Constantinople. In the 11th century the tradition came to Germany, most probably by Theophanu, the Byzantine wife of Otto the Second.
From the 17th century on, Saint Nicholas got two terrifying companiens by his side. In Germany Knecht Ruprecht, in Switzerland Schmutzli. The Krampus in Austria, in Luxembourg Housecker or the Zwarte Piet in the Netherlands. The commemoration of the Bishop of Myra is of catholic origin and was abolished by Martin Luther (reformist and founder of protestantism). But the practice lives until today!
In other countries the Saint Nicholas is also known under the following names:Klass, Sint Nicolaas, Sveti Nikola (Serbia), Sinter Klaas (Netherlands), Santa Claus (Switzerland) and Klee's (Luxembourg). Father Christmas (England), Pere Noel (France), Noel Baba (Turkey), Santa Claus (North America), Papai Noel (Brazil).
Once he was the bringer of gifts at Christmas.
In Central Europe he was increasingly replaced by the Christ child (fictional character invented by Martin Luther, who thus underscored his intention to do away with the St. Nicholas,) Later, the Christ child by Santa Claus and in modern times has been increasingly replaced by the American Santa Claus. Nicholas is understood since 1555 as the bringer of gifts to the children.
The Protestant theologian Kirchmeyer wrote: "Before St. Nicholas mothers provide for their children presents and a rod ." Nicholas gave to the children at the time nuts, fruit bread and dried fruit, but also clothes and other useful everyday items.
Even today, millions of children on St. Nicholas Eve (05.12.) or on St. Nicholas Day (06.12.) - depending on the country -, put shoes, boots or a plate in front of the door so that the Holy man can bring them peanuts, chocolate, gingerbread and other goodies. Meanwhile, Santa Claus brings not only gifts: in many areas, he lauds the good children, while he blames the evil and punishes them with a rod. Which children in the last year were good and which were bad, he reads in his "golden book".
Many parents invite volunteer or paid Nicholas, keep the children at home to hear such a "sermon", but it always ends with a gift shower.
Many children send the pre-Christmas letter to St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or Father Christmas. These are collected in specially decorated Christmas post offices and usually answered.
In Germany, for example, they write to the Christkinddorf Himmelspforten (heaven's gate). Tens of thousands of letters from all over the world are answered since 1966.
The Shoe of Saint Nicholas
The best-known custom to St. Nicholas is that the children put their polished shoes or socks outside or on the door, and St. Nicholas fills them at night with sweets and gifts.
Even in an old verse it reads:"Saint Nicholas, tell me,what your good intentions may be.Apples, nuts, sweetSmall children love to eat! "
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