Hello everyone! Today is 19th of December, and it is St. Nicholas Dai that is considered to be one of the most popular holidays in Ukraine. Most of the countries of East Central and East Europe commemorate this holiday, but the date differ. According to Western calendar, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, while in accordance to Eastern Orthodox calendar this holiday is marked on December 19th. Ukraine is among the countries whose traditions are mainly rendered by the Orthodox calendar, so that is why because today the official Christmas season is believed to start.
The tradition of St. Nicholas’ honoring came to Ukraine with Christianity. The saint is usually depicted wearing long white beard, bishop’s hat and cloak, carrying his crook in a hand. St. Nicholas is believed to be the patron saint of students, sailors, soldiers and travelers. In Ukraine, he is considered to be the special guardian of children. St. Nicholas is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker for the many miracles. Dutch Sinterklaas, American Santa Claus, Spanish San Nicholas, German Sankt Nikolaus – this saint is respected almost everywhere in the whole world.
His name is mostly associated with giving gifts, especially to children. On St. Nicholas Eve the saint is believed to put some presents under the pillows of both very good and obedient children. Bad children would get a rod. Usually, children receive some sweets at this day – there are so-called “mykolaichiks” (a kind of painted biscuit) that mothers put under pillows together with the other gifts. Actually, St. Nicholas day is considered to be the main holiday for children in today’s Ukraine. However, either children or adults look forward to the day of December 19 – children hope to find gifts under their pillows, or adults rejoice high-spirited start of Christmas season as well. It wouldn’t be true to say that children only get their gifts. Sometimes adults also enjoy the presents. It is also believed that one can give and get a purely symbolic gift in order to mark Christmas season’s beginning. It would be a “Happy St. Nicholas Day!” card, a funny key chain, a coffee mug or some souvenirs as well. Your gorgeous Ukrainian lady would be gladly surprised to get such a sign of attention with some warm wishes regarding her native holiday!