Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicolas is fast approaching, I really love this celebration, my children are so excited !
It is not celebrated in all countries but in Belgium yes (it also exists among others in France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, in Romania, Croatia, ...).

It's December 6th. It is a traditional festival where gifts and treats are brought to the wise children by Saint Nicholas, a benevolent character, accompanied by his donkey and sometimes by Father Whipper: also called Pierrot the Black is a sinister character, all of black dressed, responsible for distributing the blows of stick to the difficult children. The Whipping Father sometimes carries a whip and a bag, he punishes children who have not been wise and threatens to carry them in his bag if they do not promise to be wiser. It sometimes gives, instead of candies, coal, potatoes and onions.

History of Saint Nicholas

The character of Saint Nicholas is inspired by Nicholas of Myre, one of the most popular saints in Greece and in the Latin Church. He was born in Patara in Asia Minor (southwest of present-day Turkey) between 250 and 270 AD. He was bishop of Myre in the fourth century after Jesus Christ. He died in Myre on December 6, 345.

After his death, this historical figure has fueled many legends and became the patron saint of several regions. He is thus the patron saint and protector of children, navigators, lawyers, prisoners, singles, Russia and Lorraine.

On the night of December 5 to 6, St. Nicholas, dressed in his bishop's costume, goes into the houses to bring sweets to the wise children (dried fruits, apples, cakes, sweets, chocolates and especially gingerbread representing the holy bishop).

This holiday, which dates back to the twelfth century, is an opportunity for children to receive gifts three weeks before Santa Claus goes into the chimneys. The character of Santa Claus was also created from Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of little children and schoolchildren.

In Belgium

The tradition in Belgium is that the children, on the eve of December the 6th, lay near the window, a glass of milk and a biscuit for Saint-Nicolas and a carrot for his donkey. The next morning, they get up and find out what St. Nicholas brought them.

Saint Nicholas spends early December in the schools to ask the children what gifts they want and check if they were wise during the year to give them treats. Children are often invited to write a letter addressed to Saint-Nicolas: a Belgian Post Office responds to children who send a letter to him at: rue du Paradis n ° 1, 0612 CIEL.

(Pictures source)