Today is Nikolaus.
On the 6th of December the “Nikolaus” visit German homes during the night.
Nikolaus is not to be confused with Santa Claus. Germans call him also “Weihnachtsmann”.
On the 6th of December the “Nikolaus” visit German homes during the night.
Nikolaus is not to be confused with Santa Claus. Germans call him also “Weihnachtsmann”.
Every
year on the 6th of December, Germans remember the death of Nicholas
of Myra (who died on this day in the year 346). He was a Greek Christian bishop
known for miracles and giving gifts secretly. Nicholas had a reputation for
leaving secret gifts in people’s shoes overnight.
In remembrance of this, children in Germany will put boots outside their door or hang stockings up for Nikolaus to fill them overnight.
In remembrance of this, children in Germany will put boots outside their door or hang stockings up for Nikolaus to fill them overnight.
Nikolaus
comes on a donkey or a horse and leaves little treat coins, chocolate, oranges
and toys (but only for the well-behaved children). In some parts of Germany
Nikolaus has a helper “Knecht Ruprecht” who gives naughty children a verbal
warning or even a pretend spanking with a rod.
We hope all of you were well behaved in 2013 – and wish you “Frohen Nikolaus”!
