Saint Nicholas
Country of Origin: Russia

aint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, lived in Turkey during the 4th Century AD. He later emerged in the popular culture as Santa Claus , Saint Nick, Sinter Klaus, and other names. Always, he is a kindly man who gives gifts to others, especially children, during the Christmas season. Gradually, his gifts came to be given on Christmas Eve rather than on the original day for the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day, December 6. Many legends are associated with Nicholas the most famous being the tale of the three sisters.

Nicholas was the child of wealthy parents, and when they died, they left Nicholas a large inheritance at a young age. He was determined to use his fortune to help the less fortunate. As luck would have it, just a case presented itself to Nicholas when a bankrupt man from the city of Patara came to Nicholas' attention. The man had three daughters, and because he could not afford to pay for their dowries, they were forced to work under degrading circumstances in order to make money to survive.

Nicholas, under cover of night, came to the house and threw a bad of gold into the window. When the family awoke the next morning, they were amazed to find the bag of gold sitting in the middle of their house. The oldest daughter was able to afford her dowry and was soon married.

Soon after, another bag of gold appeared, and the second daughter was married. Curious as to who was being so kind, the father hid in the shadows and waited to see if his benefactor would return a third time. When Nicholas crept up to the house and threw the third bag of gold into the window, the father leapt out and embraced Nicholas, thanking him for his generosity and for saving his daughters from a sinful life.

Over time the legend of Nicholas spread far and wide. In Eastern Europe, especially Russia, Nicholas has had a very important role in society since Christianity was first introduced there in the 11th Century. Nicholas is the patron Saint of Russia, and his feast day of December 6th is seen as one of the most important holy days of the year. Children in Russia, and other Eastern European countries, would leave their shoes out in hopes that Nicholas would come in the night and leave presents of chocolate and fruit for them. December 6th was the day for gift giving in Russia, not December 25th. Christmas, or the Feast of the Nativity as it was known, was a Holy Day completely separate from that of St. Nicholas Day and the practice of giving gifts.