Early Tradition Of St. Nick

By Mary Miller Cullins

The very early tradition of Saint Nicholas Day was that the children would place their boots and shoes near the fireplace at night and receive treats if they had been good all year long.  St. Nick’s Day is celebrated mainly by members of the Catholic and Episcopalian Church.  The children believe that St. Nick keeps track of their sins throughout the year in his little book, very much like Santa Claus does.  If the child was good all year they get their treats, but if they have been naughty and committed too many sins they would get twigs and small branches stuffed in their shoes.

St. Nicholas is the popular name for Nikolkaos of Myra. Myra was a province of Lycia where Nikolkaos was a bishop. Lycia is now known as an area in Turkey. Later he was canonized a saint.  He lived from 270-346 AD. The tradition of St. Nick’s Day began because he helped others by placing a coin in a needy person’s shoe or boot when they didn’t know.  This is also how the tradition of the Christmas stocking began.  Instead of using the shoe or boot, we use a Christmas stocking.

St. Nick is considered the patron saint of children, thieves, Russia and many other countries, sailors, merchants, students, and even the patron saint of New York City.  He has been specially designated the patron saint of children.

Did St. Nick visit your house this morning?

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Posted by Mary Miller Cullins on 8:36 AM. Filed under Fun Facts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.