St. Nicholas Day is one of the most beloved winter holidays not only for children but also for adults. With the transition of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine to the New Julian calendar, this day is celebrated on December 6. Read about the traditions of celebrating St. Nicholas Day, as well as what is customarily forbidden to do on this day, in the UNN material.
History of St. Nicholas Day
Saint Nicholas, or as he is called Santa Claus in Western countries, has a historical prototype. Nicholas of Myra was born between 270 and 286 AD in the city of Patara on the Lycian peninsula (the territory of modern Turkey). His parents were deeply religious Christians. This faith was passed on to the boy. Over time, Nicholas settled in the city of Myra and sought to engage in science. It was in Myra that Nicholas was ordained a priest. Therefore, he is often called Nicholas of Myra. When the parents of the future saint died and he inherited a large fortune, he spent it helping the needy. According to legend, from time to time he brought food, necessary things, and toys for children to the homes of the poor. He did this secretly, but the townspeople found out and elected Nicholas as bishop.
During his life, Nicholas performed many good deeds: he freed prisoners, saved the innocent from the death penalty, and helped travelers. Believers believe that even after death, Nicholas the Wonderworker is capable of deeds, such as healing the sick. In Christianity, Saint Nicholas became a symbol of care and mercy.
Traditions for St. Nicholas Day
St. Nicholas Day is one of the oldest church holidays, which has been celebrated for centuries in most countries of the Christian world with special reverence. Ukraine is no exception. The main thing on this day is kindness and care for others.
Perhaps the most important tradition of the holiday is gifts for children. In Western countries, gifts are traditionally placed in festive stockings that children hung up the night before. In Ukraine, it is customary to put gifts under the pillow. Well-behaved children received treats, sweets, toys, and other pleasant trifles, while those who misbehaved could find a "rod" or a piece of coal instead of a gift.
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In Ukraine, in addition to the general tradition of giving gifts to children, the celebration had regional peculiarities. In the Kyiv region, it was customary to sprinkle holy water on the house and other property, and livestock, it was believed that this would protect from trouble. In Podillia, after returning from church, the owner was supposed to be the first to enter the yard. In the Kharkiv region, there was a tradition of holding three-day "Mykolaiv holidays" with the preparation of kutia and uzvar, symbolic dishes for commemoration.
In many regions, traditional honey cookies "mykolaichyky" were prepared for St. Nicholas Day. They often had the shape of a star or an angel. Now such cookies have many different shapes and are decorated with glaze, colored sugar sprinkles, and are often used as part of gifts for children.
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How to Celebrate St. Nicholas Day?
The main thing is sincerity and kindness, not forgetting about the needy and bringing joy to loved ones.
What is traditionally forbidden to do on St. Nicholas Day
Nicholas brings the spirit of reconciliation – so you should not hold grudges and remember old offenses. It is believed that on this day you cannot refuse help.
Also, traditionally on this day, believers did not go on a long journey.
It is believed that this is the last day when debts should be paid so that the family lives in prosperity next year.