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| Postcard, Hungary - Rosenthal Collection |
St. Nicholas tradition is
based on a 4th century Greek
Bishop
of Myra, named Nicholas who helped the poor. Because
of the many miracles attributed
to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos
the Wonderworker.
One tale mentioned, the bishop left a gift of
money on the windowsill, inside a red bag, of three poor girls to enable them
to get married. Probably the red stockings
tradition is based on this story.
Among the Greeks and
Italians he is considered the patron saint, protector of the Navy and Sailor men and his feast is
celebrated on December 6th. Happy Agios Nikolaos Day!
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| Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy where most of the relics of St. Nicholas are kept today. |
My Hungarian uncle told
us a fascinating
tradition about St. Nicholas:
According to tradition, the festivity falls on the eve of St. Nicholas Day on December
5th. Parents bring
their children to the Old Town Square where they can witness the tradition or
in small villages the three character visit the houses. The characters in
costumes are:
1. St. Nicholas (Mikuláš) who
looks like Santa Claus.
2. The Angel (anděl) who represents the Good.
3. The Devil (čert) representing the Evil.
The tradition said, St. Nicholas asks children if they were good that
year. Most kids say yes and sing a song or poem. They are rewarded with sweets or
other treats, handed out by the Angel. If the kid said NO, the Devil has a sack of potatoes or coal instead of
candy, but it does not really happen.
Which sack would you like to receive?
Have a joyful and happy tradition!
Author website: www.luzdelmes.com
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