Advent Calendar: Day Six

Today is the the feast day of Saint Nicholas and while many of us are getting prepared for Christmas, there are some countries where the festivities begin early on today 6th December. This is a festival which is celebrated across Europe with gift-giving in Western Christian countries, but it is celebrated several weeks later on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries. It is marked with the giving of presents, parades, feasts and festivals.

So who was Saint Nicholas?

The figure is believed to have been Nicholas of Myra, a 4th century Greek bishop of the community of Myra, in Asia Minor who was later made a saint. During his lifetime, Nicholas had gained a reputation for gift-giving by putting coins in people's shoes and this is where the Christmas tradition of giving gifts originates. In 1087, Italian merchants stole his body from Myra and took it to the town of Bari in southern Italy, which still celebrates St Nicholas Day to this day. It is further believed that his body was taken to Ireland where he is believed to lie to this day.Saint Nicholas inspired the traditional characters of Santa Claus and Father Christmas. The historic figure is referred to by many names across different parts of Europe, such as Nikolaus in Germany or Sinterklaas in the Netherlands.

What myths and traditions are associated with St Nicholas Day?

According to legend, Saint Nicholas is believed to visit homes accompanied by an evil spirit — known as Krampus in Austrian and German folklore — who punishes badly behaved children. In The Netherlands this character is known as Black Peter which has sparked much racial controversy in recent years.Before St Nicholas Day, children like to leave their shoes in front of the fireplace or at the front door with the hope of finding small gifts in them on the day.