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St. Nicholas Day

Part 5: The patron of all kids, bakers and seamen
St. Nicholas Day
 More of this Feature
• Part 1: The Beauty of Christmas Time
• Part 2: St. Martin's Day
• Part 3: St. Andreas' Day
• Part 4: St. Barbara's Day
• Part 5: St. Nikolaus' Day
• Part 6: St. Lucia's Day
• Part 7: St. Thomas' Day
• Part 8: Three Kings and Epiphany  
 Related Resources
• Christmas Traditions from Germany
• Christmas Recipes
• Sylvester, or New Year's Eve
• Gluehwein
• German Holidays Traditions
• All About Germany
 

St. Nicholas Day, or Eve, is celebrated on December 6. This is the favorite holiday of all children - it's a gift-giving day. When evening comes, St. Nicholas, a reverend gray-haired figure with flowing beard, wearing gorgeous bishop's garments, gold embroidered cope, mitre and pastoral staff, knocks on doors and enquires about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will cite a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in German-speaking countries. Each little one gets a gift for his performance.

The story of St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Minor Asia, who died on December 6th, 343, dates back to the 4th century. He is said to appear in the company of Knecht Ruprecht, "Knecht" meaning "servant". Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure wearing a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, as a legend says, he would put all naughty children. St. Nicholas also appears together with St. Peter, with an angel, the Christchild (Christkindl). As the gift-giving function of St. Nikolaus began to shift to the splendor of the candle-lit Christmas tree and emphasis on the birth of Christ, Knecht Ruprecht became the servant and companion of the Christchild. In this role Ruprecht became the patron saint of Christmas and was called "Weihnachtsmann," Father Christmas or Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas shoe-stuffing tradition

The most famous tradition on St. Nicholas Day is that little kids put their polished shoes or socks outside the door or window, and at night St. Nicholas fills them with little gifts. 

Another tradition kept for this day is baking Stutenkerl, or Printenmann. It is best to bake the cake in a special baking form depicting the saint, or just a man. 

Next page > St. Lucia's Day > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

 

   
 
 

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