St. Nicholas Day
That’s what this day is all about
There really was Santa Claus
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Customs and traditions on December 6th are no coincidence. There is a true story behind St. Nicholas Day.
Nicholas Day, Kleeschen, Spanish Constitution Day: December 6th is of great importance in many countries. While it is only a day of remembrance in this country, it is a public holiday elsewhere. There is also a true story behind many a custom. Did you know these facts?
He really existed
St. Nicholas Day owes its name to the holy bishop of Myra. He was born in the third century in the southwest of Antalya, today's Turkey, and was named Nikolaus. But this comes from the Greek and means something like "victory of the people".
Holy bishop at 19
At the age of just 19, Nikolaus von Myra was ordained a priest by his uncle. His reputation as a saint was no accident. Nicholas was known for his good deeds and distributed his fortune to the poor.
The boot custom has a history
The traditional custom with the boot also arose from his heroic deeds. Nikolaus von Myra saved several young women from prostitution by smuggling money in shoes and socks through the open fireplace at night.
Why December 6th?
Nikolaus von Myra is said to have died on December 6, 343 AD. He should be remembered on this very day every year as thanks for his heroic deeds.
Public holiday in Spain and Finland
While December 6th is only regarded as a day of remembrance in Germany, it is a public holiday in Finland and Spain. In Spain, the new constitution came into force on December 6, 1978, the so-called Dia de la Constitucion. In Finland, on the other hand, independence from the Russian Empire is celebrated on this day. In Luxembourg, St. Nicholas Day is called Kleeschen, and pre-school and primary school children have a day off there on December 6th.