St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas lived many years ago, in the 3rd century.Here, finally, a steamer moors to the pier, and under the bell chime the most eminent people of the city lead to the ladder of a beautiful white horse. Who is it that descends the ladder and retires on horseback, accompanied by his servants and assistants? Yeah, it's our Santa Claus! Oh, there you go!

Although in appearance it can be confused with Santa Claus, this handsome old man with a long white beard and red robe is none other than St. Nicholas, whose day is celebrated on December 6.

So who is St. Nicholas? St. Nicholas lived many years ago, namely in the 3rd century, for some reason in sunny hot Turkey. The Lycian Mir City still has a 7th century church, which the Turks call "Baba Noel Kilise" - the Church of Santa Claus. He is especially loved by the people of the North. Children long before the holiday write him letters, with detailed instructions about what they would like to receive as a gift.

In the evening after the festive dinner, the whole family gathers near the fireplace, where legends from the life of St. Nicholas are told. One of the most beloved is the story of the father of three daughters from a glorious and wealthy family who fell into poverty. So that the girls could get married, St. Nicholas secretly threw three knots of gold into the window of their house.

Suddenly, during the story, the door opens, and the black hand begins to scatter sweets and fruits with handfuls. Children are not afraid at all, because everyone knows that this is the servant of St. Nicholas Black Peter. And since he's here, wait for his master soon. St. Nicholas appears and begins to ask the children about their behavior and marks. And scoundrels and lazy people can even chide and scare with a rod.

After his departure, each child, before going to bed, puts his shoes to the fireplace, in which he put a bundle of hay or oats for the horse of St. Nicholas. At night he will again tour the houses of the whole city on their roofs. And his servant, Black Peter, will go down the chimney to every house to put presents in children's shoes.

The next morning, the children rush to the fireplace to see what St. Nicholas put in their shoe. What's not there? And toys, and new elegant clothes, and delicious sweets! And there may lie the chocolate initials of the owner of the shoe, and very tasty.

Having worked for glory on festive days, after their completion St. Nicholas returns to the land of sunlight, until the next holiday.