Later, legends grew up around his generosity and help for the needy. He is said to have provided dowries for three daughters of an impoverished father. One of the more miraculous things attributed to Nicholas is the restoration of life to 3 boys chopped up and pickled by an innkeeper. Because of his action in calming a storm and saving sailors, he is the patron of sailors.
Nicholas has many traditions and symbols including leaving your shoes outside the door on December 5, (the Eve of St. Nicholas). You can include a note and carrots and hay for his horse in the shoes. When he visits, Nicholas leaves fruit (an orange), candy (gold coins), and other treats.
As these traditions moved from country to country, Saint Nicholas or Sankt Niklaus (German) or Sinterklaas (Dutch) gradually became Santa Claus in America. Clement Clark Moore, a professor at the Episcopal General Theological Seminary in NY wrote A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas The Night Before Christmas) in 1823 and established Santa Claus as an icon in the popular culture. Thomas Nast, a caricaturist, created the familiar plump look for Santa Claus in 1881.
There are still those who maintain some of the Saint Nicholas traditions like making a St. Nicholas Garden. You plant wheat on St. Nicholas Day (December 6) and they should sprout by Christmas. Put a white votive in the garden to light on Christmas Eve.Santa Claus is known for giving presents, however, St. Nicholas himself was more interested in helping those in need. Maybe there is someone you can “be St. Nicholas for”.
See you tomorrow.
