The memorial day dedicated to Saint Nicholas has given rise to a variety of folk customs over the centuries
The legendary one Saint Nicholas is traced back to the Bishop of Myra, who lived between the third and fourth centuries in the southwest of Asia Minor in what is now Turkey. There is very varying information about the year of his birth and death - but the date of his death on December 6th is considered certain.
He is one of the most famous saints in all of Christianity. The memorial day dedicated to him on December 6th has over the centuries diverse folk customs produced.
Generosity and helpfulness
In any case, his good-natured, helpful work has led to numerous legends contributed. However, not all miraculous stories can be traced back only to his life as Bishop of Myra, but also to that of an abbot of the same name in a monastery who died in 564.
In any case, Saint Nicholas in the veneration of saints is seen as an exemplary good person who was generous and took care of poor people, but especially about children, took care of. For example, he is said to have helped those in need with his inherited wealth.
Only clean boots are given small gifts!
Today, St. Nicholas Eve and the following St. Nicholas Day are usually the so-called Inlay use Related: Neatly cleaned boots or other larger shoes are secretly filled with sweets, fruit or small gifts at night. This custom obviously goes back to a legend about three young women whom Nicholas helped out of an awkward situation by secretly giving them money at night so that they could pay their dowry and get married according to their status.
Saint Nicholas is also considered a saint because of a miracle story about rescue from distress at sea Patron saint of sailors. That's why in the 15th century people liked to make ships in which he could place his gifts - later these "Santa Claus boats" were replaced by boots, shoes, stockings or gift plates.
The custom of stopping - St. Nicholas comes by in person
In some areas, Santa Claus does not secretly bring his gifts, but visits the children personally: Then they are asked if they been good last year are... To check the answer, look into a golden book. Good children are then rewarded with sweets from the bag they carry.
Sometimes Santa Claus is accompanied by a dark fellow, e.g "Knecht Ruprecht", “Hans Muff” or “Krampus” is called. As a threatening and punitive counter role to the benevolent Santa Claus, he leads one Ruth with himself.
Not just for St. Nicholas Eve: properly care for POLOLO's boots
POLOLOs are boots for the cold season loyal and warm companions of the children.
Of course, these should always – and not just for Santa Claus – well maintained be: We give a few basic tips on this. We also have some suitable care products on offer in the POLOLO web shop.
Other special events on December 6th (selection):
- Volume 1 of the first edition of the “Encyclopædia Britannica” is published in 1768.
- The American daily newspaper appeared for the first time in 1877 The Washington Post.
- The French physician Charles Richet vaccinated a person for the first time in 1890.
- In 1898 Josef & Emil Berliner founded the Deutsche Grammophon Society.
- During his excavations in 1912, the German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt discovered the approximately 3.000-year-old bust of the Nefertiti.
- In Florida in 1947 Everglades National Park founded.
Be well prepared for St. Nicholas Day with clean POLOLO “Toledo” wool boots.
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