Today is St. Nicholas Day and I would like to wish each of you a very Happy St. Nicholas Day. Every country and culture that celebrates Saint Nicholas has its own traditions and legends related to the Saint. When Saint Nicholas Day approaches, the Saint also announces the start of winter holidays like Christmas and New Year, traditions that most counties who recognize Saint Nicholas celebrate.Saint Nicholas is generous with everyone, which makes the month of December the perfect time to recount our past and hopeful forgive in the future. Saint Nicholas has been known to bring gifts and joy to children in many countries. Children prepare their shoes and boots, to receive toys and surprises from the kindly Saint Nicholas. They clean and polish their shoes and boots and leave them by the door. Saint Nicholas Day is also celebrated in Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosova, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Turkey, Romania, the Russias, Serbia, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Children who were good throughout the year can expect to find their shoes and boots filled with coins, fruits, candies and other gifts. However, the naughty children will receive coal, ashes, or switches, representative of punishment. The kindly Saint is forgiving so they seldom are punished, but receive a “blessing.” I pray your boot if full to the top and that all your dreams come true. Happy St. Nicholas Day to you, your family, and those you love.
Eddius Nicholas
St. Nicholas of the Pines
No comments:
Post a Comment