A day to discover or rediscover another beautiful tradition of December: Saint Nicholas!
Do you know this character who has become the patron saint of schoolchildren and of Lorraine, and who brings them sweets every year?
.
Celebrated on the first weekend of December, or traditionally on the night of the 5th to the 6th, Saint Nicholas arrives on his donkey to bring small gifts: sweets, gingerbread, chocolate in the shape of the saint, brioches, dried fruit, or even an orange... To be in luck, leave your shoes in front of the fireplace or the front door before going to bed, you might have the chance to discover some surprises the next day!
.
Legend has it that 3 lost schoolchildren took refuge at a butcher's house who unfortunately locked them in his salting tub... Saint Nicholas, passing by the butcher's house by chance, freed the children, and forced the butcher to accompany him to do good deeds with him.
Where does this legend come from? Saint Nicholas, then Bishop of Myra, is said to have freed three officers. They had invoked him, and the bishop appeared in a dream to Emperor Constantine I, who, realizing their innocence, released them. At the time, these officers were interpreted as children by Western Christians.
Be warned, though, Saint Nicholas doesn't arrive alone! To remind children to be good, he's accompanied by Père Fouettard (Father Whipper), a rather unsettling figure who distributes thin sticks. Obviously, this tradition is less common these days, and it's easy to see why!
The legend of Saint Nicholas arrived from Asia Minor via Italy, then spread to Central and Northern Europe, becoming "Sinterklaas" in the Netherlands. Exported to the United States, he became "Santa Claus" and was associated with children's celebrations on December 25th, later becoming... Father Christmas!
You can listen to the legend told here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frBNKuLdpTg
Happy Tuesday, and see you tomorrow!
