Sankt Nikolaustag! By: Brian Becker

Who is Saint Nicholas? St. Nicholas was actually born in Patara, which at the time was a Greek city, but is currently located on the Turkish coast. St. Nicholas was actually born in Patara, which at the time was a Greek city, but is currently located on the Turkish coast. He became the Bishop of the city of Myra, and was well known for his love of children, and generosity to the needy. He became the Bishop of the city of Myra, and was well known for his love of children, and generosity to the needy.

Who is Saint Nicholas? (Cont.) St. Nicholas was imprisoned during the reign of Roman emporer Diocletian for being a Christian. St. Nicholas was imprisoned during the reign of Roman emporer Diocletian for being a Christian. He died on December 6, 343 AD, and was buried in the city of Myra. He died on December 6, 343 AD, and was buried in the city of Myra.

St. Nicholas Day Traditions St. Nicholas day is celebrated around the world primarily by children. St. Nicholas day is celebrated around the world primarily by children. The main tradition is for the youth to leave their shoes by the front door with hay or carrot for his white horse, and the following morning, if they were good, the shoes will be filled with candy and small toys. The main tradition is for the youth to leave their shoes by the front door with hay or carrot for his white horse, and the following morning, if they were good, the shoes will be filled with candy and small toys.

St. Nicholas Day Traditions (Cont.) For those children who were bad, they are to be visited by the evil incarnation of St. Nicholas known as Krampus. For those children who were bad, they are to be visited by the evil incarnation of St. Nicholas known as Krampus. Instead of receiving candy, these children are to be beaten with rusty chains and whips, and dragged down into a fiery pit (Hell). Instead of receiving candy, these children are to be beaten with rusty chains and whips, and dragged down into a fiery pit (Hell).

Variations of Sankt Nicholastag In Stuttgart, children dress up like St. Nicholas and go from door to door asking for treats. Much like Halloween in American Culture. In Stuttgart, children dress up like St. Nicholas and go from door to door asking for treats. Much like Halloween in American Culture. For the Protestants in Germany, “Der Heilige Christ” was created, and angel of Christ who comes to bring gifts to children. For the Protestants in Germany, “Der Heilige Christ” was created, and angel of Christ who comes to bring gifts to children.

“Der Heilige Christ” This angel of Christ, meant to reduce the importance of St. Nicholas, brings presents and a decorated Christmas tree to the houses of good children. This angel of Christ, meant to reduce the importance of St. Nicholas, brings presents and a decorated Christmas tree to the houses of good children. It is depicted as a blond haired child with angelic wings, even though it was meant to resemble Christ himself as an infant. It is depicted as a blond haired child with angelic wings, even though it was meant to resemble Christ himself as an infant.

Questions 1. What city was St. Nicholas made the bishop of? 2. Where does St. Nicholas place the candy and toys for the good children?

Answers 1. Myra 2. In their shoes

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