This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color purple .
Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, is revered for his legendary generosity, particularly his secret gift-giving to the poor and distressed, and is known as a patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants.
Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in the 4th century, is one of the most beloved and widely venerated saints, celebrated for his profound charity and compassion, particularly towards the needy and vulnerable. He is famously known for anonymously providing dowries for three impoverished sisters to save them from destitution, a deed that cemented his legacy as a secret gift-giver and inspired the figure of Santa Claus. Beyond these acts of benevolence, Nicholas was also revered for his spiritual leadership, his defense of Christian doctrine, and miraculous interventions, such as calming storms and saving falsely accused men from execution, demonstrating his enduring role as a protector and intercessor within the Christian tradition.
Born into a wealthy Christian family in Patara, Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Empire in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), around 270 AD, Saint Nicholas, Bishop, was destined for a life of profound generosity and unwavering faith. From his earliest years, Nicholas displayed an exceptional piety, dedicating himself fully to God. Raised by devout parents, Theophanes and Nonna, he was instilled with Christian virtues and a deep compassion for the poor. Tragically, he was orphaned at a young age, inheriting a substantial fortune. However, rather than succumbing to worldly pleasures, Nicholas saw his wealth as a means to serve God and his fellow human beings, choosing to live a life of asceticism and using his inheritance to aid the needy and suffering, often in secret, exemplifying the Lord's teaching to give alms discreetly.
The most celebrated and enduring legend that defines Saint Nicholas’s character is his secret act of charity towards three impoverished sisters. Their father, a once-wealthy merchant, had lost his fortune, leaving his daughters without dowries, which in that era meant they faced a grim future, potentially forced into slavery or prostitution. Learning of their plight, Nicholas, then a young man, resolved to help. On three separate nights, he stealthily visited their home, throwing a bag of gold coins through an open window, providing enough for each sister’s dowry. This act of anonymous benevolence, ensuring the girls' dignity and future, cemented his reputation as a benevolent and secret gift-giver, a characteristic that would profoundly shape his future veneration and popular image.
Nicholas's exemplary life and profound holiness led to his election as the Bishop of Myra, the capital of Lycia. His episcopal ministry began during a tumultuous period for Christians, marked by the Great Persecution under Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century. Bishop Nicholas courageously led his flock, enduring imprisonment and torture for his faith. He remained steadfast, refusing to renounce Christ, even under severe duress. His unwavering commitment to the Christian faith served as a beacon of hope and strength for his community, inspiring many to persevere in the face of persecution. He was eventually released from prison following the ascension of Constantine the Great, who brought an end to the widespread persecution of Christians.
One of the most significant events attributed to Saint Nicholas, though debated by historians, is his participation in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This pivotal ecumenical council was convened to address the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Nicholas was a fervent defender of orthodox Christian doctrine, upholding the belief in the Holy Trinity. While the dramatic account of him striking Arius, the heretic priest, is likely apocryphal, it vividly illustrates his zeal and conviction in safeguarding the true faith against theological error. His presence and contributions at such a foundational council underscore his importance in the early development of Christian theology and his role as a stalwart guardian of the Church's teachings.
Beyond the famous dowry story and his defense of orthodoxy, numerous other miracles and acts of compassion are attributed to Saint Nicholas. Legends tell of him calming a violent storm at sea, saving sailors from certain death, which led to his patronage of mariners. Another account recounts his intervention to save three innocent men who had been falsely accused and condemned to execution, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his miraculous intercession on behalf of the wrongly accused. His pastoral care extended to all members of his flock, and he was known for his tireless efforts in protecting the vulnerable, providing for the poor, and ministering to the spiritual needs of his people. His life was a continuous testament to active Christian charity, unwavering faith, and divine intervention.
Saint Nicholas passed away on December 6, 343 AD (some sources suggest 352 AD), and was buried in Myra, where his tomb became a popular pilgrimage site. In 1087, his relics were translated to Bari, Italy, where they remain venerated to this day. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his earthly resting place. Over centuries, his acts of anonymous generosity, particularly towards children, transformed his image into the beloved figure of Santa Claus or Saint Nick in various European and American traditions, embodying the spirit of Christmas giving. He remains one of the most widely venerated saints in both the Eastern and Western Churches, invoked as the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers, repentant thieves, and many more. His enduring appeal lies in his embodiment of selfless giving, steadfast faith, and his powerful intercession, making him a timeless model of Christian charity and devotion.
In the bustling city of Patara, nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Lycia, there once lived a nobleman who had fallen on hard times. His once-great fortune had dwindled, leaving him with nothing but his three beautiful daughters. As they grew, a terrible dread settled upon the household, for without dowries, these virtuous maidens faced a life of destitution, perhaps even forced into a life of shame. Their father, consumed by despair, could see no way out of their grim fate.
But unbeknownst to them, a young man named Nicholas, recently orphaned and heir to a vast inheritance, had heard whispers of their plight. His heart, already overflowing with Christian charity, was deeply moved by their predicament. He knew the father's pride would prevent him from accepting direct aid, and Nicholas, ever mindful of the Lord's teaching to give in secret, devised a plan.
Under the cloak of night, Nicholas ventured to the nobleman's humble dwelling. The house was dark, the family asleep in their sorrow. Through an open window, he carefully tossed a heavy bag of gold coins, enough for the eldest daughter's dowry. The next morning, the father awoke to find the miraculous gift. Overjoyed, he quickly arranged his first daughter's marriage, wondering who his mysterious benefactor could be.
A short time later, as the second daughter approached marriageable age, the same miracle occurred. Again, under the veil of darkness, Nicholas returned, tossing a second bag of gold through the window. The father, now convinced of divine intervention, became determined to discover the identity of his family's savior. He stayed awake for nights, watching and waiting.
Finally, as the time for the youngest daughter's marriage drew near, Nicholas made his third visit. This time, as he prepared to cast the final bag of gold, the watchful father, his heart pounding with anticipation, caught sight of the shadowy figure. He rushed out, recognizing the young Nicholas, and fell to his knees, overflowing with gratitude. Nicholas, however, urged him to give thanks to God alone, pleading with the nobleman to keep his acts of charity a secret. Through this humble, selfless act, Nicholas not only saved three souls from despair but also laid the foundation for his enduring legacy as the world's most beloved secret gift-giver, a true embodiment of Christian generosity.
c. 1260
Nicholas, the glorious confessor, was born in the city of Patara, in the province of Lycia, of very rich and holy parents. His father was named Epiphanius and his mother Johanna. They lived in wedlock and were long barren, but at last, by their prayers and tears, they obtained a son, whom they named Nicholas, meaning 'victorious people.' From his infancy, he showed himself to be a man of God. When he was born, he stood upright in the bath and would not take milk on Wednesdays and Fridays, but only once a day. He grew up in virtue and learning, avoiding all worldly vanities, and devoted himself to the study of Holy Scripture. When his parents died, he inherited a great fortune, but he resolved to use it for the glory of God and the benefit of the poor.
In the same city of Patara, there was a man who had three daughters, all of whom were beautiful and modest. But he had lost all his wealth, and they were reduced to such poverty that he could not provide dowries for them. He was so distraught that he considered selling them into prostitution to avoid starvation. When Nicholas learned of this, he was greatly saddened by the plight of these maidens. He resolved to help them, but in such a way that his charity would be known only to God. One night, he took a large sum of gold, wrapped it in a cloth, and secretly threw it through the window of the poor man's house. The next morning, the father found the gold and, overjoyed, was able to provide a dowry for his eldest daughter, who was then honorably married.
Soon after, Nicholas, seeing that the second daughter was also in danger, repeated his act of charity. He took another bag of gold and, again, secretly threw it through the window. The father, finding this second gift, was even more astonished and grateful. He immediately arranged the marriage of his second daughter. He was now determined to discover his benefactor, so he kept watch every night at the window, hoping to catch the giver.
When the time came for the third daughter to be married, Nicholas prepared a third bag of gold, even larger than the previous ones. He came to the house a third time, but found the window closed. So, he climbed onto the roof and dropped the bag down the chimney. The father, who had been waiting, heard the sound and rushed out, recognizing Nicholas. He fell to his knees, weeping tears of joy and gratitude, and tried to kiss Nicholas's feet. But Nicholas, filled with humility, raised him up and made him promise not to reveal his generosity to anyone as long as he lived, saying, "Give thanks to God, not to me, for it is He who has moved me to do this."
After these acts of charity, Nicholas decided to visit the Holy Land. On his journey by sea, a terrible storm arose, threatening to sink the ship. The sailors, terrified, cried out to Nicholas, begging him to pray for them. Nicholas knelt down and prayed fervently to God, and immediately the sea became calm, and the winds ceased. The sailors were amazed by this miracle and saw in him a true servant of God.
Upon his return from the Holy Land, Nicholas came to Myra, the metropolis of Lycia. At that time, the bishop of Myra had died, and the clergy and people were gathered to elect his successor. A revelation came to one of the senior bishops, telling him to go to the church early the next morning and to choose as bishop the first man who entered the church, whose name would be Nicholas. The next morning, Nicholas, who had just arrived in Myra and knew nothing of the election, went to the church to pray. He was the first to enter, and the bishop, recognizing him by the divine sign, asked his name. When Nicholas replied, "Nicholas, a sinner, your servant," the bishop proclaimed him as their new bishop. Thus, Nicholas was consecrated Bishop of Myra, against his own will, but by divine providence.
As bishop, Nicholas continued his life of piety, charity, and steadfastness in faith. During the persecution of Diocletian, he was imprisoned and suffered greatly for his confession of Christ. He bore torture with courage and encouraged his flock to remain firm in their faith. When Constantine became emperor, Nicholas was released and returned to his diocese, continuing to guide his people with wisdom and holiness. He was present at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where he fiercely defended the doctrine of the Holy Trinity against the Arian heresy, even (according to some accounts) physically striking Arius for his blasphemous teachings, though this detail is often considered legendary. His zeal for orthodoxy was unyielding.
Among his many miracles, it is recounted that a famine once afflicted Myra. A ship laden with wheat arrived in the port, bound for the emperor. Nicholas, knowing the desperate need of his people, went to the captain and begged him to unload some of the wheat for the city, promising that God would ensure no loss would be found when they reached the emperor. The captain, after some hesitation, agreed. When the ship arrived at its destination, the imperial weight was taken, and no shortage was found, just as Nicholas had promised. The wheat that had been left in Myra was sufficient for two years, and even provided seed for future harvests. This miracle further solidified his reputation as a provider and protector of his people.
Nicholas lived to a ripe old age, filled with the grace of God. He died peacefully on December 6th, and his body was buried in Myra. From his tomb, a sweet-smelling oil, known as the 'Manna of St. Nicholas,' began to flow, possessing miraculous healing properties. This oil continued to flow for centuries, drawing pilgrims from far and wide. His relics were later translated to Bari, Italy, in the 11th century, where they are still venerated today. Saint Nicholas remains one of the most beloved and widely invoked saints in Christianity, a true example of charity, faith, and divine power.
Leaving shoes or stockings out on the evening of December 5th to be filled with treats, small gifts, and chocolate coins by Saint Nicholas overnight.
Inspired by Saint Nicholas's legendary secret gift-giving, particularly the story of him providing dowries for three impoverished sisters by dropping gold coins into their stockings or shoes.
Sinterklaas parades and grand arrivals, where Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) arrives by steamboat, often accompanied by his helper Zwarte Piet (though this figure's portrayal is increasingly debated and changing), to distribute gifts.
Celebrates the annual arrival of Sinterklaas, marking the traditional start of the gift-giving season and his benevolent role in rewarding children.
Baking and consuming specific St. Nicholas Day sweets, such as speculaas cookies, gingerbread figures, or 'banketstaaf' (almond paste log).
These traditional treats are associated with the gifts left by Saint Nicholas and are often shaped to represent the saint or symbols of the season.
The appearance of Krampus, a horned, demonic figure, who accompanies Saint Nicholas in some regions to punish naughty children, contrasting with Nicholas's rewarding of good children.
This tradition emphasizes the dual nature of the season, highlighting the importance of good behavior and the moral lessons associated with the feast day.
Children leaving hay or carrots in their shoes for Saint Nicholas's white horse (Amerigo or Schimmel) as a gesture of hospitality.
Part of the Sinterklaas narrative, where the saint travels on horseback to deliver gifts, and children prepare for his arrival by feeding his steed.
Parish celebrations and school visits by individuals dressed as Saint Nicholas, who often share his story, distribute candy, and emphasize his virtues of charity and faith.
To honor the saint's feast day within the liturgical calendar and to educate children about his life of selfless giving and devotion to God.
Small chocolate discs wrapped in gold foil, resembling coins, often left in shoes or stockings.
These symbolize the bags of gold coins Saint Nicholas secretly provided as dowries for three impoverished sisters, representing his legendary generosity.
Spiced shortcrust biscuits, often pressed with intricate designs depicting scenes from Saint Nicholas's life or the saint himself.
These are traditional treats baked and given as gifts during the Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) celebrations.
Fresh citrus fruits, typically placed in shoes or stockings alongside other treats.
Their round shape and golden color are said to symbolize the gold coins Saint Nicholas gave to the poor, and they were historically a valuable winter treat.
Sweet yeast bread figures, often shaped like Saint Nicholas, sometimes holding a clay pipe.
These are traditional baked goods specifically prepared and consumed on or around Saint Nicholas Day, representing the saint himself.
A traditional Dutch pastry log filled with sweet almond paste.
It is a popular confection enjoyed as part of the Sinterklaas celebrations and is often given as a gift.