What is Saint Nicholas Day?
Saint Nicholas Day, December 6th, honors the third-century saint who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus.
St. Nicholas is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the homeless. St. Nicholas, who was born as a devout Christian, dedicated his entire life to helping the sick and suffering.
Legendary tales about St. Nicholas later became part of the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. For example, a daughter's chances of marriage increased in the third century after her father gave prospective husbands a large dowry. One story tells of a struggling father with three children. He had no dowry to offer.
Traditionally, families took their shoes by the fires at night so that they could dry. Ol' St. Nicholas provided a dowry for each girl on three separate occasions. Legend says he made gold appear in their shoes, which was drying by the time.
Although St. Nicholas Day is not to be confused with Christmas, several similarities do exist. Traditions include leaving gifts in shoes (or stockings) or the exchange of small gifts. Another tradition is to provide treats for good boys and girls. However, the naughty ones get a twig or a piece of coal.
