Posted in Religious Reads
Happy St. Nicholas Day, my dear blogging friends! St. Nicholas paid a visit to our home last night, despite the boys not putting their shoes outside of their doors. The boys are happily ensconsed in Piper's room right now, enjoying their little gift.
St. Nicholas Day is a day that is sadly overlooked, in my humble opinion. Of course, I think many days are sadly overlooked in these modern times, days that bring us comfort with their tradition and long-standing. Days that connect us with those who came before, and with their hopes and dreams of an unimaginable future. The time we spend creating traditions for our families has to come first (and I'm speaking to myself, here), because what else is more important than creating a home that everyone loves to come home to?
In the spirit of the day, I thought I'd post a little history on the day. Enjoy!
The History
St. Nicholas was born in 271 AD and died around December 6, 342 or 343 AD near the Asia Minor (Turkey) town of Myra,. where he later became Bishop. He performed many good deeds and was a friend to the poor and helpless, and upon his death, myths soon sprang up about him all around the Mediterranean Sea. He was reputed to be able to calm the raging seas, rescue desperate sailors, help the poor and downtrodden, and save children. He was soon named as the patron saint of sailors, and when Myra was overthrown, his bones were transported by sailors to Bari, a port in Italy, where a tomb was built over the grave and became the center of honor for St. Nicholas. From here the legend spread on around to the Atlantic Coast of Europe and the North Sea to become a European holiday tradition regardless of religion.
The Holiday Today
In anticipation of St. Nicholas's nightly visits, children in several European countries put their shoes in front of the fire place. They sing traditional songs and provide a carrot or hay for the horse. At night Black Pete puts gifts and candy in the shoes.
In the Netherlands, families celebrate St Nicholas's birthday the night before his feast day (December 6th). At one point during the evening, a loud knock will herald the arrival of Sinterklaas and at the same time candy may be thrown from upstairs; when the door is opened, a bag of gifts will be on the doorstep.
For families with older children and adults, different twists are added to the gift giving and may include gag gifts or the drawing of gift ideas or names, and most times are accompanied by poems with a "personal touch" that poke fun at the recipient in a gentle way (or not, depending on the families ;) ). Wrapping the presents up in odd packages and planting a trail of clues is also part of the general fun, and can sometimes be pretty tricky to get to, depending on the squeamishness of the recipients.
For more information on this lovely day, click here. For printables and fun activities to do with your children, click here.
How will you celebrate this day? Whatever you do, may it blessed with the spirit of giving and love.
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