By Kerry Marks
Ever wonder where the concept of a red-suited man who flies around the world once a year giving gifts comes from? It all started in the 4th century with St. Nicholas of Myra, a bishop known for his generous spirit and acts of kindness.
Saint Nicholas was born in the 3rd century in the village of Patara (now part of modern-day Turkey). He became the Bishop of Myra and was revered for his piety and miracles attributed to him.
One of the most famous stories is that of him providing dowries for three impoverished sisters. Secretly at night, he is said to have thrown bags of gold through their window, thereby saving them from a life of desperation. Other miracles attributed to him include calming a storm at sea, saving three innocent soldiers from wrongful execution, and resurrecting three young boys who had been murdered and pickled in brine by a butcher during a famine. These tales cemented his reputation as a protector of children and the needy.
His tenure as bishop was during a tumultuous time for Christians, under the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. Nicholas himself was reportedly imprisoned during this persecution and released under the reign of Constantine the Great.
St. Nicholas died on December 6, around 343 AD, in Myra. This date is now celebrated as St. Nicholas Day in many Western Christian countries. His veneration as a saint began shortly after his death and he is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and students.
Initially, St. Nicholas Day was primarily a religious occasion, with special church services and feasts. As the veneration of Saint Nicholas spread throughout Europe, various cultural traditions began to form around the celebration.
In many European countries, the day became a time for giving gifts, especially to children. In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas Day, or Sinterklaas, is a major event. Saint Nicholas is depicted as a bishop, arriving from Spain by steamboat. Children leave carrots or hay in their shoes for his horse, hoping to find them filled with gifts the next morning. In Germany and Austria, it’s known as Nikolaustag. This day is marked by giving sweets, gingerbread, and small gifts to children. Sometimes, Saint Nicholas visits homes or schools, accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, a figure who punishes those who have misbehaved. In Eastern Europe, countries like Ukraine and Poland, St. Nicholas Day retains more of its religious character, with special church services and family gatherings.
The influence of St. Nicholas Day is less pronounced in the United States where over time, the traditions of St. Nicholas Day began to merge with Christmas celebrations and he became Santa Claus – embodying the spirit of giving and merriment associated with Christmas.
As the world continues to evolve, the ways in which we celebrate St. Nicholas Day and Christmas may also change. However, the core values and spirit of the holiday – generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving – are timeless and will continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
