Posted on 12/06/2023 5:43:00 AM PST by Red Badger
SAINT NICHOLAS DAY On December 6th, Saint Nicholas Day recognizes the third-century saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.
#StNicholasDay
St. Nicholas is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor. Raised as a devout Christian, St. Nicholas dedicated his whole life to serving the sick and suffering.
Legendary stories about St. Nicholas later become part of the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. For example, during the third century, a daughter's chances of marriage increased when her father offered a large dowry to prospective husbands. One story tells of a poor father with three daughters. He had no dowry to offer.
Traditionally, families left their shoes by the fires at night so that they could dry. On three separate occasions, Ol' St. Nicholas provided a dowry for each girl. Legend says he made gold appear in their shoes, drying by the fire.
While St. Nicholas Day is not to be confused with Christmas, some similarities do exist. Traditions include leaving gifts in shoes (or stockings) or the exchange of small gifts. Another tradition suggests leaving treats for good boys and girls. However, the naughty ones receive a twig or chunk of coal.
Interesting facts associated with St. Nicholas:
He is the patron saint of a great many causes. Some of the causes include sailors, travelers, clergy, school children, and thieves, to name a few.
He was born in the village of Patar, located on the southeastern coast of modern-day Turkey.
Buried in a tomb in Myra, water believed to have healing powers formed in his grave. It is called the Manna of Saint Nicholas.
December 6th is also known as The Feast of St. Nicholas, widely celebrated in Europe.
HOW TO OBSERVE ST. NICHOLAS DAY
Incorporate some Saint Nicholas Day traditions into your holiday season. Slip a gift or surprise into someone's shoe. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate.
You could leave a special note or a small wrapped piece of chocolate.
Leave a coin or an ornament for the tree.
Tuck a stress ball or a new pair of socks into a loved one's pair of shoes.
A fun air freshener or small bath bomb are two more fun gifts to sneak into a pair of shoes.
Share the story of St. Nicholas. Use #StNicholasDay to post on social media.
ST. NICHOLAS DAY HISTORY
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated worldwide on the anniversary of his death, December 6th.
St. Nicholas FAQ
Q. Where was St. Nicholas born?
A. The Christian bishop was born in Patara, Turkey on March 15, 270 AD.
Q. Is St. Nicholas also Santa Claus?
A. No. St. Nicholas inspired the idea of Santa Claus. The Dutch word Sinterklaas is also linked to the history of Santa Claus.
Thanks for posting this. I’ve read and heard many variations on this topic but I learned much from the version you present here. Merry Christmas!
“He is the patron saint of a great many causes. Some of the causes include sailors,...”
Indeed he is and perfect timing for this week as well
Go Navy - Beat Army :)
The joy of giving based in Christ’s birth has always been the reason I enjoy this holiday the most - my best memories are around what I’ve been able to give vs what I’ve received :)
His remains were later stolen. A church in Bari, Italy, claims to have his tomb. It’s a popular destination for pilgrims.
I’ve never quite figured out why people do that.
The person is gone, the remains are just bones.
This gets pretty close to idolatry................
I was raised with this - by my atheist mom! Who, interestingly, loves Christmas.
Filled a shoe this morning :).
[20] So Eli′sha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. [21] And as a man was being buried, lo, a marauding band was seen and the man was cast into the grave of Eli′sha; and as soon as the man touched the bones of Eli′sha, he revived, and stood on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20-21)
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