Who was good this year and who was not so good? The best overview is by Santa Claus, who is mostly associated with the USA. This friendly older man with a long white beard and a red coat, which never goes out of fashion, is known here as Saint Nicholas.
His day is December 6th, a day that also bears his name. Saint Nicholas Day is a tradition mainly in European countries, and in America, it is celebrated by immigrants with German, Polish, Belgian, or Dutch roots. The day celebrates the legend of the kindness and generosity of St. Nicholas.
Nikolaos (in Greek "Nicholas") was born in a small Greek village on the southern coast of present-day Turkey in 270 AD. He dedicated his life to serving God and thus became the bishop of Myra – an ancient Greek city. Therefore, he is also called Nicholas of Myra. He came from a wealthy family and divided his inheritance among the sick and poor.
It is believed that Nikolaos performed many miracles during his life. According to Christian customs, Nikolaos was declared a saint in recognition of his many miracles and good deeds. He was also known for secretly giving coins to people’s shoes at night. Because of this tradition, children clean their shoes and place them by the door on the evening of December 6th. At night, St. Nicholas visits them, and in the morning they find their shoes full of small sweets.
Saint Nicholas died on December 6, 343 AD. Now you know why December 6 is Saint Nicholas Day. His remains are reportedly kept in the Italian city of Bari, where St. Nicholas is even the patron saint of the city. Besides Bari, his remains are found in other cities worldwide.
Not all St. Nicholases are the same. It can be said that each country has its own name for him:
- Albania – Babadimri,
- Belgium – Pere Noel,
- Chile – Viejo Pascuero,
- England – Father Christmas,
- Italy – Babbo Natale,
- Norway – Julenissen,
- Russia – Ded Moroz,
- Sweden – Jultomten.
December 6 is approaching, and children are eagerly waiting for the year-round evaluation of their good deeds. MILK-AGRO brings you all a St. Nicholas contest and in honor of St. Nicholas is giving away 342 gifts.
