St. Nicholas: His Legend and His Role in the Christmas Celebration and Other Popular Customs

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The Man Behind the Story of Father Christmas/Santa Claus

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey.

His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian , who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers.

He died December 6, AD in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic , called manna , formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St.

Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry.

This poor man's daughters, without dowries , were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas.

Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

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One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave.

The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios' parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas' feast day approached, Basilios' mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios' safekeeping.

Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West. Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub.

It so happened that Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper.

As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. Good solid introduction to the saint; Nicholas' life is told in 15 sections along with 13 miracles and legends.

The Novena from the Basilica is also included. Olschki Editore, Florence, The true story behind a living legend. The history of Saint Nicholas, illuminated with illustrations by Margaret Nisbet; the book followed the production of the popular film, The Curious Case of Santa Claus. From Saint to Santa: The Life and Legends of Saint Nicolas: Patron Saint of Children. My hope is that I may have succeeded in imagining something of the true Saint Nicolas whose original character is concealed for most of us behind the exuberant whiskers and universal benevolence of Father Christmas.

Introduction to the area with a section on the church in Myra; many photos. Contains a chapter on St. Nicholas in music in medieval France as well as information on Nicholas plays. A psychoanalytic study of his history and myth. Applies a psychoanalytic perspective to the development of Nicholas customs and lore. Good background on Saint Nicholas, with pages devoted to 24 other figures; illustrated with full page, color illustrations of Duncan Royale fingurines.

The Saint Nicholas Secret: The Saint who would be Santa Claus: A careful look at the real historic person, Nicholas of Myra, this accessible account brings together primary source material, modern scholarship, and tradition over the centuries from many places to create a compelling account of Nicholas' life and why it has been so influential, even today. Good bi-lingual article on the church with photographs. The adventures of a globetrotting saint. Brightly illustrated account telling how Sinterklaas is celebrated all around the world by expatriate Dutch, and sometimes, those they live among.

Purchase from KIT Publishers. Good introduction and overview: Feature article by John Booker Feister. Popular 19th century French author's well-known satire on St. Nicholas' saving three murdered children and the unintended consequences that ensue. A scholar's look at the life and influence of St. Nicholas, his role in the early church and later. Purchase from Hedburg Maps. Holy Trinity Monastery, Printshop of St. Job of Pochaev, Jordanville, New York, Biography of a Legend.

St. Nicholas Center General

Thoroughly researched history of the cult of St Nicholas, for the serious reader. The Saint Nicholas Liturgy: Carefully researched background of the medieval miracle plays, concluding that they were developed in academic and cathedral settings, not monastic, and were used for education, not worship. This true story tells how US soldiers brought hope and a joy to children in war-torn Wiltz, Luxembourg. Nice black and white illustrations ; reflects s culture. Purchase from Mother of Our Savior reprint.

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Carefully researched account of the medieval tradition, its origins, election, ceremonies, activities and sermon. Also covers the suppression and decline of the practice and its more recent revival.

Saint Nicholas Day

Small book with nice gravure illustrations by Claude S. Survey of the life and legends of the good saint; for the serious reader.

The Santa Papers St. Breezy look introduces St. Nicholas, especially for evangelicals who may not know very much, if anything, about him. Told in contemporary vernacular in the saint's first-person voice. Information about St Nicholas, photos of Myra, various dates and editions. St Nicholas, European customs, and the development of Santa, illustrations and photos. A cultural history of America's most cherished holiday. This social history chronicles the transition from a raucous, carnival holiday with drunkenessa and riot into a warm, domesticated family and consumer-centered festival.

Interesting information, many photos, and recreation of the church, from Turkey. History of Santa, with opening section on Saint Nicholas; many illustrations.