First, I heard pots and pans banging down the halls of my freshman dorm. There was so much commotion going on outside of my door that I climbed down from my top bunk to investigate. It was five in the morning, and as far as I could see, tired, flannel-clad ladies were peeking outside their doors to identify the source of the excitement. It was coming from our common lounge, and people were beginning to gather.
As I followed others down the hall, I could smell cinnamon rolls and breakfast. “Happy Saint Nicholas Day!” yelled our Resident Assistant, who had put in a lot of effort to surprise her hall with a celebratory breakfast in honor of the day. No longer grumpy to have been awakened earlier than usual, we found she had even managed to procure little trinkets and treats from families for us to share. This memory remains among the most vivid of my Saint Nicholas Day celebrations.
On the Surface
Even if you did not grow up leaving your shoes out on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, I bet you know a little about this celebrated Saint. Whether from pop culture or picture books, there’s likely an association between the good Saint and coins, stockings, oranges, or shoes.
Why?
Most famously Saint Nicholas is remembered as having tossed three pouches of gold into the home of a poor family. As the story goes, the father was very near to selling his daughters into prostitution for lack of a dowry. The family had hung their socks by the fireplace to dry that evening, and when Saint Nicholas either threw his gift through the window or down the chimney, the coins landed in the young women’s socks—for three nights in a row! When they awoke, they were astonished to find the generous dowry that meant that they would no longer be forced into a future not of their choosing.
Whether in stockings or shoes, the tradition began of marking the celebration of Nicholas’ generous spirit by leaving simple gifts, coins, chocolates, or oranges during the night. Thus secret acts of charity became a hallmark of the beloved Saint. Our modern-day tales of Santa Claus can trace their beginnings from this historical figure.
Time and Place
There is little historical record of Saint Nicholas. He was born in Myra, Turkey, in the year 270 to Christian parents during a time when Christianity was not only illegal but highly persecuted. He was ordained a bishop early in his life and imprisoned under Diocletian. He was later released after Constantine’s conversion led to the Edict of Milan and the legalization of Christianity in 313. He is believed to have been present for the First Council of Nicea in 325.
Saint Nicholas’ Universal Devotion
Saint Nicholas is an honored Saint in the Western Church, but even more so in the Eastern Church, both the Eastern Orthodox and the Eastern Rites in union with Rome. He is the patron of Russia, sailors, merchants, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students, as well as many cities throughout Europe. In the Russian Orthodox tradition, Saint Nicholas is known as the “wonderworker.” During the Orthodox liturgical cycle, Nicholas is among the Saints venerated every week because of his holy life and witness.
For those with a particular devotion to Saint Nicholas, May 9th is another date of special celebration and significance, particularly in Bari, Italy. In 1087, following violence and a declaration of schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, residents from Bari embarked on a trip to Myra to gather the remains of Saint Nicholas and bring them home. In the chaos of the time, it is unclear whether the journey was one of well-intentioned preservation or just religiously motivated theft. May 9th is the commemoration of the day the remains of Saint Nicholas made it to shore in Bari, called “The Translation.” Understandably this has been the cause of a long-standing disagreement.
We Still Need His Charisms
Much of what we know and celebrate about St. Nicholas is based on legend. He is not believed to be much of a writer, or if he was, it has been lost over time. His reputation for holiness, generosity, and being a good shepherd to his flock has been remembered through the ages. With his witness, he encouraged humble generosity toward those in need, persevered through persecution, advocated for the Truth, and led others to Christ. Small wonder Saint Nicholas is uniquely beloved. Today and during this Advent season of the liturgical year, what a beautiful reminder Saint Nicholas is to us of how to prepare to celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, God with us.
Saint Nicholas, pray for us!
Katie Cassady is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a wife and mom to three little girls in Denver, CO. Steeped in theological reflection, beekeeping and motherhood, she is appreciative of any and all wisdom she can glean from those living intentional lives of faith. Find out more about her here. Read all of Katie's posts here.
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