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Saint Nicholas of Myra was an early Christian bishop born around 270 A.D. in the town of Patara, which is now in Türkiye. He is also known as Nicolas of Bari, as Patara was the capital of the Roman province of Lycia at that time.
He is mainly known for his acts of kindness and generosity and is vividly celebrated by children in Germany and other European countries. In addition, countless legends have evolved over the centuries and eventually led to the figure of “Santa Claus” in the late 1800s.
One famous story about Saint Nicholas involves a poor man with three daughters. He was unable to afford dowries for his daughters which meant that they might be forced into a life of servitude. Legend has it that Nicholas secretly visited their home on three individual nights and left a bag of gold coins for each daughter, enabling them to marry and enjoy a better future.
It is also said that he would place bags of nuts, tangerines or other goodies of the season on the doorsteps of poor families to help feed and raise the children. There is a further tale about miraculously saving the lives of countless fishermen on a stormy night at sea.
Saint Nicholas is also known for his role in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. when he defended the doctrine of the Trinity against Arian heresy. This led to being imprisoned by Emperor Constantine (who was originally from Trier by the way) but was released in the end.
After his death on Dec. 6, 343 A.D., Nicholas was canonized as a saint and is celebrated on this date in many Christian traditions. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of many groups, including sailors and fishermen, merchants and children. During the course of time, he has also become the patron saint of travelers, and some drivers place tokens depicting him on their dashboards or key chains for safe travels.
His legacy of generosity and compassion continues to inspire people around the world, especially in Europe.
In Germany, many children are excited when shining their shoes or boots on the evening of Dec. 5, in hopes that St. Nicholas will pay them a visit overnight, bringing candy, chocolate, nuts and tangerines. Some villages also have celebrations with a Saint Nicholas on a horse accompanied by bonfires, food and drink.
Surprisingly, Saint Nicholas, or Noel Baba, is still celebrated in Türkiye, in particular in the region around Myra (now called Demre) on the south-western coast. On Dec. 6 there are ceremonies and processions at the Saint Nicholas Memorial Museum and a church in his honor. Traditionally, even non-Christians take part in some of the celebrations, as he is honored for his generosity and kindness beyond religious beliefs and as the guardian of seafarers.
In the Netherlands the figure is known as Sinterklaas and is celebrated with great enthusiasm beginning as early as mid-November. Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat from Spain and is often depicted as a stately figure with a long white beard in bishop’s robes. He is accompanied by his helpers the Pieten, who fill shoes with sweets and small gifts.
Further up north in Scandinavian countries Saint Nicholas Day is also observed on Dec. 6 and traditions vary by region. In some areas, children leave out shoes or stockings to be filled. In Norway the figure of Nisse, a gnome-like creature, is said to live in barns and takes care of animals, but also brings small gifts to children.
In Denmark, Julemanden brings presents on Christmas Eve, but Saint Nicholas also makes a showing with smaller gifts on or about Dec. 6.
It is heartwarming to see how Saint Nicholas’ legacy is still honored in his place of origin, but also brings joy to children and adults alike across continents.
Should you have failed to shine your shoes last night, try again this evening. At the mature age of 1,754 years, Nicholas may have “forgotten” the day and just might surprise you with treats in the morning.
