December 6 is celebration of the Patron Saint of Children
December 6 has historically been celebrated as the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, patron saint of children, as well as of Russia. He forms the historical basis for Santa Claus, and was revered for bringing gifts to children, especially freedom: he was renowned for saving children from slaveowners.
St. Nicholas, whose name means “victory of the people” was born in Asia Minor, which in those days was Greek, but today is the nation of Turkey. (In fact, his relics disappeared as the result of a Muslim Seljuk Turkish attack on Asia Minor). As a bishop, he is credited with a number of miracles and was (and remains) very popular as a “folk saint.”
A number of traditions surrounding this holiday continue in the life of European people. In Italy “San Nicola” is honored by a number of local ceremonies, often related to his nautical aspect as a protector of sailors. German-speaking children put a shoe outside their door on the night before the holiday, to be filled with gifts. A common pan-European version commands the children to put a carrot or other vegetable inside the shoe as fodder of the saint’s mule; they are rewarded with sweets. This is the foundation of the Christmas stocking.In some German-speaking places Nicholas is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, a devil subdued by the saint, who threatens bad children. He is also in some places accompanied by Krampusse, children representing the young slaves the historical Nicholas redeemed.
In France St. Nick is accompanied by “Père Fouettard” who carries out actions similar to those of Knecht Ruprecht. The Portuguese honor the saint with holy days called Nicolinas, running from November 29 through December 7.
Here is a description of how he is honored in Central Europe:
Mikuláš, or otherwise known as Saint Nicholas Day, is a long-standing Czech tradition and holiday. As described by Czechs, “The charming tradition of St. Nicholas falls on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5th. If you find yourself in Czech on that evening, you may run into a group of strange characters: St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), the Angel (anděl) who represents the Good, and the Devil (čert) representing the Evil. All wear costumes. Mikuláš looks a bit like Santa Clause whose origin was supposedly inspired by St. Nicholas. All three characters walk the streets, stopping children and asking them if they were good in the past year. Most kids say yes and sing a song or recite a short poem. They are then rewarded with sweets, candy or other treats, which are handed out by the Angel. Bad kids would be put in the Devil’s sack and taken to hell, or would only get a sack of potatoes or coal instead of candy – of course this does not really happen!”