Hari
OM
Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and
parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.
Tuesday 6th is St Nicolas Day. St Nicholas was a bishop who is
believed to be the main inspiration for Santa… Santa Claus being the Germanic
terminology for Saint Nicholas. The following is excerpted from a site
dedicated to this saint; to learn much more, click here!
In Roman Catholic areas of southern Germany, such as Bavaria, Sankt
Nikolaus still comes as a bishop with flowing beard and a bishop's miter and
staff. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and children clean and polish their shoes
or boots in preparation for the saint's visit. On the evening before St.
Nicholas Day, children put letters to the good saint along with carrots or
other food for his white horse or donkey on a plate or in their shoes. These
are left outside, under the bed, beside a radiator, or on a windowsill in hopes
of finding goodies from St. Nicholas the next morning. During the night Sankt
Nikolaus goes from house to house carrying a book in which all the children's
deeds are written. If they have been good, he fills their plate, shoe or boot
with delicious fruits, nuts and candies. If not, they may find potatoes, coal,
or twigs.
Children practice poems and songs for Sankt Nikolaus and make little
presents for him. Friends and neighbors come to share in the fun. Candles on
the Advent wreath and the big Christmas pyramid with a nativity scene in the
center are lit. Stories are read or songs sung as everyone waits for a knock on
the door. When it comes, they all know it is Sankt Nikolaus, who comes in with
his big book, golden crozier, and a big heavy sack. One of the children gets to
hold the golden staff. Each child (and sometimes adults, too) stand in front of
the saint. Nikolaus asks each child, "Have you behaved yourself?"
"Do you do your homework?" "Do you keep your room tidy?"
"Do you help your parents?" Then he opens his big sack and gives
presents and candies and treats for all to share. And they give him the little
surprises. Nikolaus leaves quickly as he has many places to visit. He travels
with a white horse or a donkey and sometimes Ruprecht, his most
servant/companion, is with him.
