The History of Saint Nicholas

This saint was born in 3rd-century Greece, into the heart of a wealthy family. After the death of his parents he gave away all of his belongings in order to pursue a religious way of life. At only 19 years of age, he was ordained as priest; soon thereafter, he was named archbishop of Myra. His reputation as an overly generous man toward children transcended his region, and he was often credited with all kinds of miracles and legends. One of such legends described him as a bearer of gifts, a role that eventually lead to the name Santa Claus. And there were so many miracles attributed to him that he ended up becoming the patron saint of many (sailors, apothecaries, servants, etc.) and many communities (Vikings, Russians, etc.). During the 11th century, the theft of his remains propelled his fame throughout Europe. In the mid 13th century, he was usually commemorated from spring through December 6th, and his image was related to children. They were told that he would bring gifts while dressed as a bishop and riding a donkey. Without eliminating the date of his holiday, the Catholic Counter-Reformation decided to recognize December 25th as the day Saint Nicholas would bring gifts, much like the Baby Jesus, traditionally would. These two December 25th traditions continue to this day.

The Legend of the Three Sisters

In Patras, Greece, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, there lived three sisters who, because of their destitute father, were unable to marry for lack of a dowry. Much to his sorrow, the father had resolved himself to offering them for sale as they reached marrying age. When St. Nicholas found out that the first sister was about to be sold, he secretly tossed a bag of gold coins through a window into her house. The coins landed in a stocking that was drying next to the fireplace. He did it again when the second sister was about to be sold. Puzzled, the father was curious to find out what was happening. He stayed up one night and discovered that Saint Nicholas was the one responsible, whereupon he proclaimed his generosity to the entire world. This story solidified his fame as the bearer of gifts.

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