Saint Nicholas (European folklore) facts for kids
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Saint Nicholas is a legendary figure from European stories. He is based on Nicholas of Myra, who is known as the patron saint of children.
On Saint Nicholas Day, children eagerly wait for Saint Nicholas to visit. They hope he will put a present under their pillow or in a boot. This happens if they have been good during the year. Children who behaved badly might find a twig or a piece of coal instead. In the Netherlands, children even put out a shoe filled with hay and a carrot for Saint Nicholas' horse.
People believe Saint Nicholas arrives to celebrate his day on December 6. (Some traditions use December 19 based on the Julian calendar). He leaves before Christmas. This tradition is well-known and celebrated in many countries. These include Croatia (Croatian: Sveti Nikola), the Czech Republic (Czech: Svatý Mikuláš), Hungary (Hungarian: Mikulás), Poland (Polish: Święty Mikołaj), Romania (Romanian: Moș Nicolae), Slovakia (Slovak: Svätý Mikuláš), Slovenia (Slovene: Sveti Miklavž), Ukraine (Ukrainian: Святий Миколай, Sviatyi Mykolai) and Belgium (Dutch: Sinterklaas).
Who Helps Saint Nicholas?
In some countries, like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Ukraine, Saint Nicholas often has two helpers. One is a good angel who gives presents to good children. The other is a devil, who punishes children who have been naughty.
On Saint Nicholas Day, they visit homes where small children live. They bring different kinds of presents. Well-behaved children receive fruits, candies, and toys. Naughty children might only get a wooden switch, pieces of coal, or even a carrot or potato left by the devil.
What Kind of Treats?
Traditionally, the treats are sweets, chocolate, candy, and various nuts. Nowadays, chocolate Saint Nicholas figures are very common. In Hungary, children must polish their boots to get presents. Saint Nicholas will not fill boots that are not shiny enough!
Sometimes, adults also place small surprises in each other's boots. These can be presents or a bunch of twigs.
What is a Virgács?
A virgács is a special kind of switch. It looks like a small broom. It is made from twigs or branches, often from a bush or willow tree. Sometimes, these twigs are painted gold. In Hungary, you can buy virgács on the streets before Saint Nicholas Day.
See also
In Spanish: Mikulás para niños
