St. Nicholas Day 2024: history of the holiday, traditions, signs, and prohibitions.

On December 6 according to the new church calendar, the Feast of St. Nicholas, also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker or Nicholas of Winter, is celebrated.

History of the Holiday

Saint Nicholas, who was a wealthy man, became a follower of Christ and received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He was an active preacher and always cared for the poor and disadvantaged. In the 6th century, his day of passing became an important Christian holiday that gradually spread throughout the world and to Ukrainian lands. In the Western Church, the holiday appeared in the 9th century when Pope Nicholas built the Church of St. Nicholas in Rome.

St. Nicholas is considered the patron saint of travelers, sailors, and fishermen. He often came to the aid of people in dangerous situations, calming storms and tempests with prayer. In Ukraine, fishermen were required to have an icon of St. Nicholas, before whom they prayed before starting to fish and in unsettled weather. Additionally, Nicholas is regarded as the protector of the poor, the oppressed, and the unjustly condemned. He is also honored as the patron of marriage.

Traditions

In Ukraine, the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is particularly revered, especially by children. They write letters to St. Nicholas asking for their wishes to be fulfilled, and the next morning they look for gifts from Nicholas under their pillows. They are told that well-behaved and obedient children receive gifts, while those who misbehave might find a stone or a switch instead.

On this day, it is also customary to visit the church and pray to St. Nicholas for protection and well-being. St. Nicholas Day opens the Christmas and New Year celebrations, which include lighting Christmas trees, fairs, concerts, and charitable events.

Recommendations

• Visit the church and pray for the health of your loved ones, especially children.
• Place a gift from St. Nicholas under your child's pillow to protect them from misfortune.
• Help others, give alms, following the example of St. Nicholas.
• Prepare honey cakes and gingerbread - Nicholas cookies - and give them to children.

Restrictions

• Do not offend children, the elderly, and the innocent.
• Do not refuse beggars in their request for alms.
• Do not violate the fasting rules.
• Avoid gossiping and spreading bad rumors.