Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus One of the popular names that Santa Claus is affectionately known by is St. Nick. Saint Nick, or St. Nick, refer to Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas is commonly identified with Santa Claus due to his reputation for generosity, secret gift-giving and his kindness to children. This article provides facts and information about Saint Nicholas.
Facts and History of Saint Nicholas The following fast facts and history provide an overview of Saint Nicholas:
History Fact 1 - Saint Nicholas was born c. 270 in Patara, Lycia, Turkey, a province of the Roman Empire
History Fact 2 - He was the son of wealthy parents and the nephew of the the Bishop of Patara who raised him
History Fact 3 - As a young man the Christians were persecuted by the Roman Emperor Diocletian (r.284-305) during which time he worked in the family's fishing fleet
History Fact 4 - The persecution of Christians eased in 311 when an edict of toleration was issued
History Fact 5 - Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra and spoke out against the pagan gods of the Romans in favor of Christianity
History Fact 6 - He initiated the destruction of the Temple of Artemis
History Fact 7 - He is credited with performing miracles such as calming a tempest and resurrecting three boys
History Fact 8 - Date of Death: He died of natural causes on 6 December 346 and was buried in the cathedral in Myra, now Demre, Turkey.
History Fact 9 - The Eastern Church revered St. Nicholas for his miracles and he is the Patron Saint of Russia
History Fact 10 - In 1087 Italian sailors took the bones of St. Nicholas to Bari, Italy
History Fact 11 - He became venerated as the "people's saint"
History Fact 11 - In the 1100s French nuns began giving candy and gifts to needy children on December 6th, St. Nicholas feast day
History Fact 12 - He became known as the Patron Saint of Children and his patronage extended to many countries and professions including sailors, merchants, the falsely accused, repentant thieves and pawnbrokers
Saint Nicholas Day The Memorial Day or Feast Day of Saint Nicholas is December 6th. Saint Nicholas Day is a festival for children in many European countries and his reputation as a bringer of gifts is remembered on his day. On Saint Nicholas Day gifts are given to children and a figure of 'Saint Nicholas' commends them for their good behaviour over the past year and tells them to continue to be good in the forth coming year.
Saint Nicholas Picture The following picture depicts Saint Nicholas giving fruit as gifts to children.
Picture of Saint Nicholas with children
The Story of Saint Nicholas The Story of Saint Nicholas is embellished by many myths and legends. The most repeated story about Saint Nicholas illustrates his reputation for secretly giving gifts. He is reputed to give three bags of gold to be used as dowries for three girls in his district. Another story of Saint Nicholas is that during the time of a terrible famine he discovered the murder of three young boys whom he resurrected. The story of the dowries and the three boys led to his connection with the modern day Santa Claus.
Sons of Saint Nicholas Just to clarify some confusion regarding the Sons of Saint Nicholas. Who were the Sons of Saint Nicholas? The Sons of Saint Nicholas was the name of a society which was formed by American colonists in 1773. The Dutch and German Colonists came to America and brought with them the old story and legends surrounding Saint Nicholas. However, these early patriots Patriots formed the Sons of St. Nicholas not to honor Bishop Nicholas, but as a non-British symbol to counter the English St. George societies.
Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus Our modern day Santa Claus is a combination of various people and legends including that of Saint Nicholas. Traditions of giving and bringing gifts to children are especially connected with St. Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus
Facts and History of Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas Day
Picture with children
Sons of Saint Nicholas
Santa Claus story
Facts and History
Saint Nicholas
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
