Customs around the Nicholas
Saint Nicholas is an integral part of the pre-Christmas period and probably one of the most popular saints of all. Children all over Europe are looking forward to the 6th of December with anticipation and excitement every year? because then brings him Nicholas? or a suitably disguised representative? Sweets and small gifts. But who was the saint really? And how is Nicholas celebrated in different regions?
Who was the saint and why is this day still celebrated today?
In the legend of St. Nicholas the stories of two historical persons are merged. The first model was the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor. Nicholas of Myra was born in the year 270 as the son of rich parents in the area of today's Antalya in Turkey. When he became a priest and then a bishop, he generously distributed his money among the people, and according to legend, had performed several miracles. The second model for the saint was the abbot Nicholas of Sion, who lived in the 6th century. He is also said to have charity and miraculous deeds.
Gifts? hidden in the boot
The legendary charity of St. Nicholas is the reason why there are still small presents on St. Nicholas Day today. The saint is considered a special patron of the children and therefore brings them small gifts. Originally, he did this secretly: If you put his boots on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, then they are filled with sweets the next morning.
In Germany, Austria and many other countries, therefore, even today, children put their shoes on the eve of 6 December or a small plate on the windowsill. They are waiting impatiently for them to be filled with a small gift and with nuts and fruits. Today, boots or shoes may seem unsanitary to us as gift boxes, but in the Middle Ages these were the only personal items that the children possessed and that were suitable as vessels.
A ship for the saint
A custom known since the 15th century is the "Schiffetzenetz". Here are made of paper or other material small ships, in which then Nicholas should lay his gifts. The origin of this custom probably lies in the fact that Nicholas was also considered a saint of sailors. Many originally built by mariners churches are therefore still named after him today. In the Netherlands and parts of Belgium comes the "Sinterklaas", as the Dutch name of Nicholas, by ship: He lands in mid-November in a port city? According to legend, coming from Spain. In many places he is then accompanied in a solemn procession through the city.
"Did you also look good?"
In many families today, Nicholas comes by in person to bring small presents. This custom goes back to the time of the Reformation. Usually, the performer of Nicholas wearing a white beard, the typical pointed Bischofsmütze and a crosier. Not to be missed is also the golden book - in him, according to legend, the good and bad deeds of children are listed. If the children were good, they get small gifts such as sweets, apples, nuts or gingerbread. In many families, it is common for children to thank a poem or a song. "Let's be happy and cheerful" is probably the most famous song of St. Nicholas.
Terrifying companions
Since the 19th century, Nicholas has a companion in many areas: mostly this is Knecht Ruprecht, who carries the bag with the gifts, but also carries a rod to punish naughty children. In parts of southern Germany and in Austria, the fearsome "Krampus" accompanies St. Nicholas: he wears a carved Krampus mask with horns, a shaggy coat and the tail with which he threatens the naughty children. He also pulls clanking chains and loud bells behind him, making him a dreaded companion. In rural areas are often whole Krampusrudel on the way, scare with black masks, rods and chains both children and adults and symbolically beaten with the rod.
Nicholas usage in Switzerland
In Switzerland, it's not Santa Claus who comes to the children, but Samichlaus and his assistant, the Schmutzli. The tradition and the Nikolausfeier is similar to that in Germany and Austria, with the difference that naughty children are put by Schmutzli in a sack, or they are threatened. Even in Switzerland, the children say a poem or play a song on an instrument. In addition to fruits and nuts, they also receive small gifts.
What does one give to Nikolaus?
With us is customary to make only sweets and smaller gifts to Nicholas? because the Christmas comes soon anyway and thus the actual mess. But this is or was not the case everywhere: In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas Day was originally the main day of the proclamation? more important than Christmas. In the meantime, however, more and more Dutch people are adapting and, like us, making Christmas presents.
