Every December 6, German children celebrate Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas Day).
But why does this Santa look-alike come so early and why do all the children place their shoes in front of their doors on the evening before the 6th ? Read on and find out some more about the German tradition of Nikolaus ...
Is Nikolaus the same as Santa Claus?
Though they seem to share the same style - clothing wise - Nikolaus is not to be confused with Santa Claus or Father Christmas, who Germans would rather call Weihnachtsmann.They are two different people! In fact, many religious families try to focus more on Nikolaus earlier in December to insure that Christmas is actually about Jesus’ birth, and not presents from an Americanised and commercialised Santa.
Who is Nikolaus, then?
Each year on December 6, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra, who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles and giving gifts secretly, and is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students.
Why do children put their shoes out on the night of December 5th, then?
Well, the custom began because the historical St. Nicholas had a reputation for leaving secret gifts, such as coins, in people’s shoes overnight. That's why kids traditionally put out their boots ... thoroughly shined of course!
And the boots really have to be shined first?
Oh, yes! Definitely! Dirty boots are unacceptable! Children polish their boots to show they’ve been good. They usually place just one boot outside their door so they don’t appear too greedy, though.
One polished boot: Check! What happens next?
According to the legend, Nikolaus comes in the middle of the night on a donkey or a horse and leaves little treats – like coins, chocolate, oranges and toys - for good children. Bad children will only find a wooden stick as a symbol that they have to try harder next year!
What???
Well, this all depends on different family traditions. Sometimes Nikolaus only leaves a rod in the boot, ostensibly for spankings, to show that the child doesn’t deserve a treat. In other families, a man disguised as St. Nicholas will visit the family or the child’s school alone or with his sinister-looking alter ego Knecht Ruprecht to question the children about their behaviour.
Here is the most popular Nikolaus song children sing before the 6th December ...
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