One of the most popular legends about St Nicholas tells the story of three children captured and killed by an evil butcher. They were playing in the street when the butcher lured them into his shop where he attacked them and salted them away in a large tub. Fortunately St Nicholas appeared and appealed to God to return them to life and their families. That's why St Nicholas is considered as the patron and protector of children.But there exist a lot more legends about St Nicholas.
The true story begins in Turkey in the 3rd century where Nicholas was born. He lived in a wealthy, Christian family. But his parents died when he was still very young. He inherited of course a large amount of money. And so, as a good Christian, he decided to use his inheritance to help the poor, the sick, the suffering and especially the children who needed assistance. His name was quite quickly associated with the name of God.
Unfortunately, at the time, Turkey was under control of the Roman Emperor who persecuted all the Christians. Nicholas was imprisoned and tortured because of his faith. He died he few years after his release on the 6th of December.
The anniversary of his death became thus a celebration day. Indeed, St Nicholas is celebrated all over the world. In Belgium an Netherlands he is called Sinterklaas and the evil butcher has become Zwarte Piet. In France, especially in Alsace and Brittany, St Nicolas is accompanied by Père Fouettard. St Nicholas is also celebrated in America by the Dutch communities. Actually St Nicholas exists evreywhere. His name is now associated with Santa Claus and Father Christmas as the main secret gift-giver. He looks different and is known by different names from place to place but each time he brings surprises ens sweets in secret, often during the night, to all the good children.
There are many different ways to celebrate St Nicholas. First, there are the visits to St Nicholas, often organised in November, during which children can tell the Great Saint what they would like. Students, generally in university towns, go out and celebrate just like in Liège or Namur. Moreover, and it's quite important, lots of events like concerts are organised to collect money or games for disadvantaged children. Thank to these charities, some people remember that St Nicholas Day is not only a commercial feast but also an opportunity to share wtih the needy.
The true story begins in Turkey in the 3rd century where Nicholas was born. He lived in a wealthy, Christian family. But his parents died when he was still very young. He inherited of course a large amount of money. And so, as a good Christian, he decided to use his inheritance to help the poor, the sick, the suffering and especially the children who needed assistance. His name was quite quickly associated with the name of God.
Unfortunately, at the time, Turkey was under control of the Roman Emperor who persecuted all the Christians. Nicholas was imprisoned and tortured because of his faith. He died he few years after his release on the 6th of December.
The anniversary of his death became thus a celebration day. Indeed, St Nicholas is celebrated all over the world. In Belgium an Netherlands he is called Sinterklaas and the evil butcher has become Zwarte Piet. In France, especially in Alsace and Brittany, St Nicolas is accompanied by Père Fouettard. St Nicholas is also celebrated in America by the Dutch communities. Actually St Nicholas exists evreywhere. His name is now associated with Santa Claus and Father Christmas as the main secret gift-giver. He looks different and is known by different names from place to place but each time he brings surprises ens sweets in secret, often during the night, to all the good children.
There are many different ways to celebrate St Nicholas. First, there are the visits to St Nicholas, often organised in November, during which children can tell the Great Saint what they would like. Students, generally in university towns, go out and celebrate just like in Liège or Namur. Moreover, and it's quite important, lots of events like concerts are organised to collect money or games for disadvantaged children. Thank to these charities, some people remember that St Nicholas Day is not only a commercial feast but also an opportunity to share wtih the needy.
2 comments:
How very topical! ;) LV
Do you know that they don't celebrate "St Nicolas" in Spain?! Well, in fact they do, but they call it "Los Reyes" (the three Wise Men Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar - sometimes called the three Magi), and the date is January 6, which corresponds to the Epiphany.
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