Trivia: The Legend of Sankt Nikolaus In the German-speaking countries as well as Holland and Belgium, 06 December is the most distinctive childrens festival of the year. St. Nikolaus Eve is a time of festive stir, it is a time of whispers and giggles, and of heavy steps on the stairs. Shops are full of many-shaped biscuits, gilt gingerbreads, sometimes representing the saint, of sugar images, toys and other little gifts. It is not easy to uncover the historic facts about Sankt Nikolaus, the 4th century bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, who died on 06 December 343 AD. In eastern Europe, southern Italy and among the Greeks, he is revered most of all as the patron saint of seafaring men. In many regions, the festivities originally attributed to the gift-giving St. Nikolaus have been transferred to Christmas, yet in Western and Southern Germany, in Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries, 06 December remains a day of joy for children. When evening comes, St. Nikolaus, a reverend grey-haired figure with flowing beard, bishops raiment, gold embroidered cope, mitre and pastoral staff, will knock on doors and enquire about the behaviour of the children. The custom of examining the children, insofar that they are expected to deliver a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in German-speaking countries. Nikolaus traditions vary as widely from region to region as his guise and name. He appears as Ruhklas, Pelznickel, Klasbur, etc. He is afoot or astride a white horse, a mule, or even a goat. More diverse than those of the saintly Nikolaus are the many legends and traditions surrounding his often wild companions (Krampus, etc.). The pagan origin of all of these figures is evident although difficult to trace. His best known companion is Knecht Ruprecht, Knecht meaning servant. Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure clad in a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, legend has it, he will place all naughty children. St. Nikolaus also appears together with St. Peter, with an angel, the Christ child (Christkindl). As the function of the gift-giving St. Nikolaus began to shift to the day of Christs birth, Knecht Ruprecht became the servant and companion of the Christ child. In this role Ruprecht became the patron saint of Christmas and was called Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. As with the Christmas tree, St. Nikolaus was brought to the U.S. by German and Dutch immigrants. Elderly people in Indiana might still remember Belshnickel, the Pelznickel (literally Fur Niklaus). They helped weave the legend of Santa Claus, the jolly good fellow created by German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:00:01 +0000
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