It was on this day, according to legend, that Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, known for his good deeds and help to those in need, died. Read more about the history of St. Nicholas Day, as well as the traditions of celebration in different countries of the world, in this article

Most countries around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, and the needy, so it is customary to give gifts to children and help the poor on this day. We will tell you about the history and traditions of celebrating St. Nicholas Day around the world below.

Who was St. Nicholas?

St. Nicholas Day originates from St. Nicholas of Myra, who served as a bishop in the fourth century. St. Nicholas was a well-known figure who cared for children, poor families, and the sick. He was also known for leaving coins in people's shoes and giving unexpected gifts - these are the traditions most people still follow today.

When is St. Nicholas Day?

Depending on the country, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 5, 6, or 19, but most celebrations fall on December 6.

Traditions of St. Nicholas Day

Traditions of celebrating St. Nicholas Day vary depending on the country, among them we can highlight:

- Festive parades

In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated with solemn parades throughout the country in honor of the arrival of St. Nicholas. Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) also travels to hospitals, schools and from house to house, leaving small gifts for well-behaved children. In return, children leave carrots, some hay and a bowl of water to feed Sinterklaas' horses.

- A boot in front of the fireplace

On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children leave a shoe or boot in front of the fireplace or front door, hoping that when they wake up, they will receive gifts from St. Nicholas.

Today, most children will receive gifts from St. Nicholas, regardless of their behavior over the past year – anything from hot chocolate and tangerines to personalized notes, candies and coins to share with family and friends.

- Festive family dinner

In some countries, the eve of the holiday is more important than the day itself. Just as in most countries, family members gather and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in the same way. In the Netherlands, in particular, on St. Nicholas Day, people give each other gifts and gather for a large family feast, which in the Netherlands is called Sinterklaasavond (Sinterklaas evening).

What’s on the menu? The traditional table might include bishop’s wine, bread, cookies in the shape of St. Nicholas, and a special main dish reserved for the holiday. In France, this might be pork with mustard and apples. In Germany, you can enjoy Pfannkuchen, or German pancakes. Traditional pizzas, soups, and cakes are also prepared.

- Gifts for single women

In Italy, not only children receive gifts on St. Nicholas Day, but also unmarried women. Throughout Italy, unmarried women can attend a special mass on St. Nicholas Day to participate in the Rito delle nubili, a ritual in which they turn a column seven times to change their luck in finding a husband. Why is there so much attention paid to unmarried women on St. Nicholas Day? St. Nicholas is considered the patron saint not only of children and the needy, but he also protected unmarried girls. One story about St. Nicholas tells how he once gave a poor man a dowry for his three daughters so that they could get married successfully.

How is St. Nicholas Day celebrated around the world?

- In the Portuguese city of Guimarães, Nicolinas, a series of celebrations are held each year in honor of St. Nicholas.

- In Poland and Ukraine, children await the arrival of St. Nicholas, who places a gift under their pillow if they have been good during the year. Children who have misbehaved can expect to find a twig or a piece of coal under their pillow.

- In the Netherlands and Belgium, children put out a shoe filled with hay and carrots for St. Nicholas' horse.

- On St. Nicholas Day, gifts are marked with personal humorous poems written by the sender.

- In the United States of America, one custom associated with St. Nicholas Day is for children to leave their shoes in the foyer on St. Nicholas' Eve in the hope that St. Nicholas will put coins on the soles.

- In Greece, Saint Nicholas does not have a special association with gift-giving. Saint Nicholas is the protector of sailors, he is considered the patron saint of the Greek fleet, both military and merchants, and his day is celebrated with festivities on all ships and boats, at sea and in the port.

- In Bulgaria, Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6 as Nikulden. Families invite relatives, godparents and neighbors for a fish dish and two loaves of ceremonial bread. The festive dinner is consecrated in church or at home.

- In Luxembourg, on the eve of December 6, De Klischen visits schools. He wears a bishop's mitre on his head, and also holds a bishop's cross. De Klischen distributes gifts to well-behaved children, his friend Domovik gives twigs to those who have misbehaved.

Who is Krampus?

Not everything is so cheerful and bright on St. Nicholas Day, and it’s all thanks to Krampus. There are many different versions of this formidable figure in the world who accompanies St. Nicholas to punish children who misbehave. Most likely, you will come across stories about Krampus in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. He is usually depicted as half-man, half-goat – a terrible creature that has borrowed features from demons, beasts and the devil. Legend has it that Krampus travels with St. Nicholas, leaving coals for naughty children.

St. Nicholas Day is a warm family holiday, on this day it is customary to please loved ones and give each other gifts. Therefore, we wish you a good celebration!

Let us remind you! Christmas is a wonderful winter holiday that adults and children are looking forward to. It comes to us in the light of the stars, the singing of a church choir and the sounds of children’s voices. Heaven and earth celebrate the birth of Jesus, and everyone's hearts are filled with goodness and joy. We have already talked about the peculiarities of Christmas celebrations in different parts of the world.

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