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2006-12-05 23:07:49 · 5 answers · asked by bones4160 1 in Arts & Humanities History

5 answers

Saint Nicholas (Greek: Νικόλαος, Nikolaos, "Victory of the people") is the common name for Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who had a reputation for secret gift-giving, but is now commonly identified with Santa Claus, Father Christmas or in The Netherlands and northern Belgium as Sint-Nicolaas or Sinterklaas. He lived in 4th century Myra in the Byzantine Empire's Lycia, the modern day Demre in the Antalya province of Turkey. This is as much as is generally known about him in the West.

2006-12-05 23:19:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas' Day is celebrated with the sharing of candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child


HOPE I ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION :)

2006-12-06 07:19:08 · answer #2 · answered by connermcshane 2 · 0 0

saint nicholas on december 5 you leave your shoes outside and nicholas will put small toys candy etc. you would wake up december 6 and you would recieve the goodies

2006-12-06 07:19:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

A question, or a statement?

2006-12-06 08:04:53 · answer #4 · answered by P-nuts and Hair-dos 7 · 0 0

I know him as Santa.

2006-12-06 07:10:56 · answer #5 · answered by R W 6 · 0 0

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