Holiday Research Fun
Saint Nicholas Day
When
Saint Nicholas day is celebrated on December 6, but often shoes are set out on December 5. Shoes are used to hold treats and gifts that are given to children by Saint Nicholas. People set out socks, shoes, bags, and even stockings for Saint Nicholas Day.
Who was Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was the patron of many different things; seamen, brides, the hungry, scholars, children, and many more. He had very wealthy parents, but they died when he was just a kid, so he used the inheritance money on the hungry and the poor. Saint Nicholas was generous with his wealth, sharing with who needed it the most.
Companions
In different traditions, St. Nicholas had different companions, some that were good, some that were bad, and some that simply helped carry St. Nicholas's stuff. Companions such as Krampus, in the Alpine countries, were demons that devoured the bad children. But companions such as the donkey in France and Belgium is known to carry the overflow that St. Nick cannot.
Saint Nicholas with his donkey carrying around gifts.
France and Belgium
Krampus, a demon that devours naughty children, depicted as a beastly character with a goat-like head.
Alpine Region
Pere Fouettard is a evil butcher who follows St. Nicholas around as punishment for butchering children.
France and Luxembourg.
Works Cited
"Companions Of Saint Nicholas." Companions of Saint Nicholas. Indobase, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
John. "St Nicholas Day." All Wallpapers Images RSS. All Wallpaper Images, 1 Dec. 2014. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
Miller, Jennifer Gregory. "Liturgical Year : Activities : Celebrating for the Feast of St. Nicholas." Catholic Culture. Trinity Communications, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
"St. Nicholas Center ::: PATRON SAINT." St. Nicholas Center ::: PATRON SAINT. St. Nicholas Center, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
"St. Nicholas Day...Are You Ready?TM." Stnicksday. N.p., 2009. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.