Who Was St. Nicholas – Better Known As Santa Clause Today

  

Sugar plums, presents and stories fill many children’s heads as they fall asleep on Christmas Eve as they imagine dear Santa coming down the chimneys or magically opening their front doors to fill stockings and brings presents.

This spiritual tradition is not too far off, except for the coming in the house with magic and flying Reindeer. There actually was a generous Saint that came from a wealthy family who gave much generosity to those who needed it most.

Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara (Turkey). His wealthy parents raised him to be a devout Christian and Nicholas took this seriously and did as Jesus taught to help those in need. Nicholas grew up assisting  the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serve God and soon became a Bishop.

Through time, stories and legends came to be told of the many noble and humble deeds that Nicholas did and so the anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day on December 6th throughout Europe.

The reason stockings are hung  and the bag “Santa” carries over his shoulder brings one story from Europe. It was told that St. Nicholas rode a white horse, sometimes seen with a  robed figure riding it during the night. Then  bags of gold appeared in some houses of the underclass in the early morning hours of the next day and bags of gold were tossed through open windows of homes.  Some stories have it said that  some of the gold coins landed in stockings or shoes hung by the fire-place to dry. This began the custom of hanging stockings on the fireplace mantle. Gold, fruit and wooden toys that St. Nicholas whittled himself were given to children who had little, so St. Nicholas soon acquired the reputation of a gift-giver.

Other stories tell of  St. Nicholas saving his people from starvation and from cold weather with clothes and shoes.  He spared the lives the innocent who were accused and did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return, as a God serving man.

Here in America “Santa Clause” is celebrated on Christmas, December 25th. In most of Europe he is celebrated on December 6th, “Feast Day”. In Germany and Poland, boys  still dress as bishops and ask for money to give for the poor.  In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrives on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse for his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe.

Many families here in the U.S. also perform their celebrations on the Eve before Christmas just as it is in the Netherlands. St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of “St Nicholas Feast Day” by sharing home-made candies, small gifts, and riddles told around the fire. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for St. Nicholas’s horse, hoping for an exchange  for a small gifts. This was simple, humble gift-giving, but was done with much joy and merriment.

Now you know some history of St. Nicholas, who was humble and who gave hand-made gifts and candies, how will you be celebrating your Christmas day? 

Suggestions:

• Burn natural, non toxic wood in your fire places – make sure it’s not a “no-burn” day
• Cook at home with family and friends and not burn gas driving to a restaurant
• Turn your Christmas lights off for the day and back on at night, than turn them off before ou sleep
• Use natural lighting, non toxic soy candles instead of electricity – that’s romantic
• Read and tell christmas stories instead of burning that ever going T.V.

                 

What ever you do, make at least one thing “green”. Tell me what you think of this article by leaving a comment. Merry Christmas!

“The Earth has provided us with many gifts. Give her the gift of respect back.” (Lisa Racz)

Sincerely,

Lisa Racz

 

Environment Writer