Saint Nicholas

Posted by M H on December 05, 2020 - 5:13pm

From Wikipedia

Saint Nicholas of Myra (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343), also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor.

In the Czechia and Slovakia, St.Nicholas = Mikuláš dressed as Bishop with a long white beard and accompanied by angel and devil visits households with children on 5th December - the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas. Angels with Nicholas distribute gifts, Devils take care of symbolic punishment and frighten naughty children.

Parents order the Nicholas with angel and devil to come to their household. Nicholas asks the child to tell some children rhyme or to sing a song and then gives little gifts - fruits,chocolates and for naughtiness also coal or rotten potatoes.

After sunset on 5th December we usually meet more Nicholases in streets ringing bells and walking around.

Though today it is not prohibited there are so big limitations due to corona epidemy that I have not seen

any Nicholas yet. Face masks are obligatory so I do not think it is very attractive for the parents to invite

them to come....

Have a December full of hope

Margaret

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Simon Keighley Interesting to read about the culture in your country and the story regarding St.Nicholas, Margaret - thanks for sharing.

December 6, 2021 at 6:15am

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M H thank you for comments, the St.Nicholas celebration is as a preface to Christmas

December 7, 2020 at 9:25am

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Bill Rippel Thanks for the share. An interesting culture for sure.

December 5, 2020 at 11:06pm

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Tan Gerald Interesting to know the cultures of other countries. I have heard of St. Nicholas as a saint and not more than that.

December 5, 2020 at 8:58pm

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M H Yes, John, I promise to follow your advice

December 5, 2020 at 6:22pm

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