Saint Nicholas’ Day which is celebrated on the 19th of December is a very popular holiday in Ukraine. It is mostly loved by children, as there are many traditions and gifts connected with this day. Besides, this is the first winter holiday after which New Year and Christmas come. But what is this holiday about? What are its origins?
Scientists managed to prove that St. Nicholas was a real person and he lived in 270-345 AD. We lost his parents when he was a child, and dedicated his time to science. However, he was chosen as a bishop in the third century. And there is a legend on why people chose him.
Next to the house of Nicholas lived a young lady who was in love with very rich young man. Despite all their love, parents of this man were against lady who was poor coming to their family. This broke heart of a girl and she didn’t know what to do. Nicholas found out about this situation and decided to help young lady as her had quite big inheritance left from his parents. So, one night he secretly threw a package with golden coins into the window of this lady.
A girl was really happy and everyone decided that this was a gift of God. Nicholas came to the conclusion that he can help other people who are poor and are in need. So, he started to go out each night and leave clothes or food in the homes of those who really needed this. So he was doing secretly until one night his neighbors didn’t notice him. That day they chose him as their bishop.
There are also beliefs that Nicholas was making different miracles like saving the whole city from hunger or bringing dead people back to life. These deeds made him saint, but, of course, he is mostly remembered for bringing presents.
It is believed that Nicholas brings winter cold this day. Besides, there are lots of traditions which are kept in Ukraine. For example, this day people go to church and pray for help in their beginnings, and for protection. As there is a Christmas fasting, people cook pies with cabbage and mushrooms.
At night between 18th and 19th of December, young unmarried ladies tell fortunes and ask Saint Nicholas to bring their husband as soon as possible. One of the most popular tradition was throwing a boot outside, and the first male who picks it up would be a lady’s husband, or her love will look much like him. Or they just go to sleep. It is believed, that this night dreams are prophetic. So, before going to sleep, an unmarried lady places a glass of water near her bed and asks her future husband to come to her to drink it. After waking up, she must try to understand dreams she saw that night herself, without using book of dream interpretations.
And which traditions does your lady appreciate the most? Try to ask her, maybe she will tell you something even more interesting!
So, don’t forget to greet your lady with this wonderful and cheerful holiday and help her to put a gift under the pillow of her kids so that they could believe into the winter fairytale and good deeds of Saint Nicholas!