Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6 every year. On this day, the patron saint of children and of Lorraine is honoured. In some regions, events are even organised. Who is Saint Nicholas? What is the tradition for Saint Nicholas? Answers.
In December, a few weeks before Christmas, a very special festival is celebrated in Lorraine but also in the north of France: Saint Nicolas. In this region, this tradition refers to the patron saint protector of Lorraine and children, which bears the name of Saint Nicholas. A character who actually existed in the past. Each year, the feast of Saint Nicholas falls on December 6. In Nancy, for example, many events are organized throughout the city the weekend before the official date, in particular a big parade with its floats, fantastic creatures and emblematic characters including Saint Nicolas and his sidekick, the frightening Père Fouettard. . The opportunity for young and old to also immerse themselves in the history and legends surrounding Saint-Nicolas.
Who is Saint Nicholas?
The feast of Saint Nicholas celebrates Nicholas of Myra, a 3rd century bishop, born in Patare in Lycia (now Turkey) in 270 and died on December 6, 345 in the city of Myra. If the first years of his life seem to augur a bright future, born into a rich Christian family and endowed with talents bordering on the miraculous – legend has it that barely a few days old, he could already get up in his bath – , but his career will be turned upside down by the death of his parents. Carried away by the plague, he decided to consecrate himself to God, and then became a priest and abbot, ordained by his uncle the bishop of Myre, from whom he took over on his death. But the persecutions of ancient Rome against Christians hardly spared him, and around 310, he was in turn arrested and tortured. He decides to distribute all the wealth he inherited to the poor. For many, he is then the Saint Nicolas protector of children and the weakest and most deprived people. After his death, many miracles are attributed to him, his generosity is also recognized. He was canonized around the year 350.
In most Christian traditions, Saint Nicholas is venerated. His worship also enters the Orthodox religion, he is perceived as the miracle worker. Over the years, in France, Central and Western Europe, Saint Nicholas became an important religious figure. He became the patron saint of Lorraine in 1477 after the battle of the city of Nancy, which opposed the army of the Duke of Burgundy named Charles the Bold to the army of the Duke of Lorraine René II. During the conflict, the Duke of Lorraine placed his soldiers under the protection of Saint Nicolas and the Virgin Mary. A protection that will ensure victory. Since then, a link has united Saint Nicolas and Lorraine.
What is the legend of Saint Nicholas?
The character of Saint Nicholas is surrounded by many miracles and legends that have their origins in the actions that were probably done during the life of Nicholas of Myra. One of these legends, the most famous in Lorraine, relates that three young children were lost outside in the middle of the night. As they walked, they found refuge with a malevolent butcher, who cut them into pieces and put them in a salting-tub to preserve them. Seven years later, by chance, Saint Nicolas met the butcher in turn and asked him to taste the little salty meat that was being prepared. Panicked, the butcher fled and Saint Nicholas brought the three children back to life. It is also through this legend that the denomination Saint Nicolas protector of children was spread.
Why do we celebrate Saint Nicholas?
In the east and north of France, Saint-Nicolas is a day of celebration to honor the legendary character of Saint Nicolas. During this day of celebration, Saint Nicolas takes to the streets to reward the children who have behaved well during the year. Celebrating Saint Nicolas thus allows the youngest to receive little attentions before Christmas.
What is the tradition at Saint-Nicolas?
On the day of Saint Nicolas, in the towns of Lorraine and Alsace, the tradition is that the parade of Saint Nicolas is organized. Dressed in his red and white bishop’s costume, with his crosier and his miter, Saint Nicolas distributes delicacies to well-behaved children (papillotes, gingerbread, chocolates etc). At his side, threatening him bogeyman dressed all in black is present. He makes sure to punish disobedient children by giving them coal or onions. He can also threaten them with his swift or branches.
It is also a tradition that families linger a bit in the kitchen and prepare brioches in the shape of a man, to be enjoyed with clementines and a good hot chocolate.
Who is Saint Nicholas for Santa Claus?
Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are two distinct characters, one existed, the other is a myth but nevertheless they have some resemblances. For some, Saint Nicolas would have inspired the creation of Santa Claus, just in his representation (white beard, red coat etc). They are also both very generous with children. Moreover, very often in towns that celebrate the tradition, the parade of Saint-Nicolas kicks off the Christmas festivities.