Christmas is coming. You can feel it in the air, that special sense of merriment and excitement. The city is illuminated with Christmas lights and there is a subtle scent of Christmas cookies, candles and glögi floating around. Children of all ages all around the globe are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a jolly old man we all call Santa Claus in less than three weeks. One of the downsides of growing up, however, is realizing that Santa is not real and that it is rather your family that lays presents under the tree.
The person of Santa Claus, nonetheless, is based on a real person. Saint Nicholas of Myra is the patron saint of not only sailors and merchants (among others), but also of children and students. There are not many historical facts concerning his person, but there are numerous myths surrounding his good deeds. Interestingly, different (Christian-based) cultures and nations celebrate his day not only at different dates but also in different fashions.
In many Western European countries, Saint Nicholas is visiting on the 6th of December while in some Eastern European nations he is celebrated on the 19th. In countries such as Greece or Italy, he is celebrated for being the patron of sailors, while in the Netherlands or Germany he brings gifts to children.
Growing up in Germany, the celebration of Sankt Nikolaus has always been one of my favourite customs. We celebrate his day in a little bit more subtle way than for example the Dutch and Belgium celebrations of Sinterklaas, but still, every child in Germany awaits Sankt Nikolaus‘ arrival. To properly greet him, children in Germany have to clean their boots and leave them in front of a door or at a windowsill on the eve of the 6th. The next morning, they find small chocolate treats, fruits, nuts and even coins (in some regions) for good luck inside the boots.
Saint Nicholas day is not an official state holiday, but in kindergartens and schools we would recite poems and songs on his day, and Saint Nicholas himself (or an older student, depending on what you believe in) would walk from class to class to greet the children and hand out some treats. Oftentimes he would be accompanied by the darker character of Knecht Ruprecht, who would caution the children, who did not behave. In some other countries, a demon-like figure with horns and chains called Krampus takes on the role of Saint Nicholas’ companion.
The memory I still have from one of those visits is when Knecht Ruprecht was calling my best friend’s name and reminding her that she should listen more during the class instead of drawing and doodling. Ironically, he had to repeat her name a few times because she had been sketching rather than listening to him.
As I have alluded before, Saint Nicholas’ celebration in the Netherlands is even more spectacular and it is one of the country’s biggest children’s holidays, however, not without criticism. Here, Saint Nicholas arrives from Spain on a steamboat escorted by his helpers, the Zwarte Piets (in English: the black Petes). Most Dutch cities and towns have their own parades led by Saint Nicholas either on the boat, horse or open car. The custom of gift-giving is very similar to the one celebrated in Germany, as Dutch children also leave their boots in front of doors or at windowsills.
Criticism, however, is surrounding the figure of the Zwarte Piet as he is played by white people in blackface and Afro wigs. The question of whether this character symbolizes the charming helper of Sinterklaas or constitutes racism seems to divide the Dutch people.
Nonetheless, may he be Saint Nicholas, Sankt Nikolaus, Sinterklaas or one of the countless other names he goes by, he is one of the children’s favourite person. Therefore, it is no surprise that the merry old man has been set as the model for another jolly old man, who is a joy for every child celebrating Christmas.
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Read more about how Saint Nicholas is celebrated in different countries here.