Traditions and customs of Santa Claus. What gifts are not good to give to St. Nicholas

On December 6, 2019, Christians celebrate St. Nicholas, one of the most popular saints in the Christian calendar and the one who has long been believed to be the true Santa Claus. Santa Claus, as he is known among the people, is the protector of children, especially the needy, but also of sailors, bakers, unmarried girls, and the unjust.

On the night of December 5 to December 6, the children polish their boots and are eager to know when Santa Claus is coming and what gifts he is bringing them. The legend of Santa Claus says that he gives sweets and fruits to good children, while those who did not behave exemplary during the year find a stick in their boots. 

The legend of Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas was known as a very religious man, with vast theological culture, an expert in this field, and a man of high morality. That is why he is often with the apostles of Jesus Christ and is said to have received from God the gift of miracles. Santa Claus was born into a wealthy family in the city of Patara, in the province of Lichia, located in the Asian part of today's Turkey. His parents sent him to study at the most famous educational institutions, then he spent some time at Patara Monastery, where he became a priest, under the guidance of his uncle, who was a bishop.

When his parents died, St. Nicholas did not want the wealth they left him as a legacy and shared all his money with the poor, after which he went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. On his return, he retired to the city of Mira, where he lived among the common people. He was later elected head of the Lichian diocese after performing a miracle.

The exact date of St. Nicholas' death is not known, but it is believed that he died between 340 and 350 AD. The relics of Saint Nicholas arrived, in 1087, in Bari, Italy, where they were deposited in a crypt. From this tomb, dug about two meters below the ground, because they wanted to be protected from possible invasions or desecrations, it is said that a colorless liquid (a kind of holy water, more fluid myrrh) springs, which is called Mana or Santa. Hand.

Tradition requires that the bishop extract, once a year, a syringe from this fluid, which is then mixed with water and distributed to the faithful. Part of the right hand of Saint Nicholas is in the "Sfântul Gheorghe" Nou Church in Bucharest, located at Kilometer 0.

Among the miracles of St. Nicholas are the healings of the sick and the demonized, but the most remarkable is said to have been to save Mira Lycia from a terrible famine. Santa Claus appeared in a dream to an Italian merchant and persuaded him to sell his wheat in the hungry city.

Another miracle for which Saint Nicholas is known is the rescue of three young girls from prostitution. The young woman's family had fallen into poverty, and their father, in order to save himself from the impasse, was willing to offer the girls for fornication. So, every night, Saint Nicholas threw a bag of money in the family yard, so that the girls would not be lost.

Traditions, customs, and superstitions of St. Nicholas

In popular tradition, St. Nicholas Day is said to mark the beginning of winter. On December 6, Santa shook his gray beard and the first snow began. If it does not snow, it is a sign that Santa has rejuvenated and that a mild winter will follow. On Santa Claus, the children clean their boots and shoes, then wait patiently to receive gifts, on the morning of December 6. The naughty children, who were not good, receive an apple stick instead of gifts. It is said that if the stick put in the water starts to sprout, this is a sign that Santa has forgiven them.

It is also said among the people that on the holy nights of the holidays, when the heavens open for us, for a moment St. Nicholas can be seen standing at the right hand of God. Another custom of St. Nicholas says that on this day it is not offered as a gift sharp objects, black objects, but neither makeup products nor jewelry, as they would bring bad luck to the owner. Also, those who celebrate their name day receive messages from St. Nicholas or wishes from many years.

Sursa: digi24.ro.