HAPPY SAINT NICHOLAS DAY! O Kto Kto is a deeply beloved folk hymn to St Nicholas. His name means The People Conquer and he is considered to be the workin mans patron saint. He is also patron of children, sailors, pawn brokers, beer brewers and several nationalities; especially Carpatho-Russians! In bygone days children were given oranges as a gift on this day. In real life, with all its cruelty, parents sometimes had to make some very hard choices for their children. In the Life of St Nicholas its recorded that a certain man who was of the toiling classes was unable to find suitable spouses for his daughters. The choices open to them were repugnant. However, learning of this horrific situation St Nicholas came to the aid of this poor family by secretly tossing through their window three talents of gold. Quite a sum even today! A talent is about 2 → 3 pounds of pure gold in the shape of a ball. Thus the echoed use of oranges! Also from this event we see the universal emblem of pawn brokers is a shield with three golden balls. For brewers: Oldsters will remember Balantine Ale with its three circles. Peter Balantine, the brewerys founder, used it in honor of his crafts heavenly patron! You can still find Balantine Ale.... hoist one today in honor of this greatly beloved Orthodox Saint! And PRAY!!!
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 06:01:19 +0000
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