What is Saint Nicholas Day?
Saint Nicholas Day commemorates the third-century saint who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus on December 6th.
St. Nicholas is known for smuggling all his possessions and giving his money to the homeless. St. Nicholas, a devout Christian who was raised as a child, 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 during the third century, when her father gave prospective husbands a large dowry. One story tells of a poor father with three children. He had no dowry to offer.
Traditionally, families hung their shoes by the fires at night so that they could dry. Ol' St. Nicholas offered a dowry to each girl on three separate occasions. Legend claims he made gold appear in their shoes, which were drying by the fire.
Although St. Nicholas Day is not to be confused with Christmas, several similarities do exist. Traditions include gift giving in shoes (or stockings) or the exchange of small gifts. According to another tradition, good boys and girls should receive treats. However, the naughty ones get a twig or piece of coal.
