6th of December – Saint Nicholas Day

Christmas holidays begin with Saint Nicholas Day, which is celebrated on December 6th.

On this day, Catholics honor St. Nicholas, the patron saint of travelers and children. St. Nicholas Day has religious roots and traditions of celebration, developed by the people for centuries. Little is known about the earthly life of St. Nicholas from historical chronicles. He was born on the territory of modern Turkey, in about 270, and rested on December 6, 342.

From a young age, Nicholas devoted himself to serving God, was a bishop of the city of Mira, for which he was nicknamed Nicholas of Myra. During the persecution of Christians, Nicholas was imprisoned, where he spent eight years. Despite being tortured, he continued to preach Christianity. Only after the coming to power of Emperor Constantine did the persecution of Christians cease, and the bishop again began to rule his flock. He was also a member of the First Ecumenical Council, which was held in 325 in Nicaea.

From historical sources, it is known that Bishop Nicholas defended three Byzantines unjustly sentenced to death. About other good deeds of St. Nicholas, the people have legends passed down from generation to generation. They tell how St. Nicholas helped the poor and destitute, and secretly tossed children coins and food into the shoes on display outside the door. Another legend tells of how he helped a poor girl to marry her lover, giving her money for a dowry.

In the 10th century, in Cologne Cathedral, on the day of memory of St. Nicholas on December 6, sweets were distributed to students of the parish school. And later in Germany, shoes or socks began to be hung out in houses so that St. Nicholas would put gifts for the children there. These traditions quickly spread throughout Europe.

True, gifts are received on this day only by obedient children, while naughty children are waiting for the rod. But in anticipation of the holiday, the children try not to be naughty, and no one is left without gifts from St. Nicholas.

This is a nice opportunity for you to start the season of gifts for your lady too! Choose something sweet and nice from the Gifts on VeronikaLove - and send it to your lady, as she has definitely been the nicest lady of all!