Time for Saint Nicholas?
- mrymntcpw
- Dec 4, 2022
- 3 min read
Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, is observed on 6 December or on the eve of 5 December in Western Christian countries, and on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries using the old church Calendar. It is the feast day of Nicholas of Myra with particular regard to his reputation as a bringer of gifts.
In the European countries of Germany, boys have traditionally dressed as bishops and begged alms for the poor. In Ukraine and Poland, children wait for St. Nicholas to come and to put a present under their pillows provided that the children were good during the year. Children who behaved badly may expect to find a twig or a piece of coal under their pillows. In the Netherlands, Dutch children put out a clog filled with hay and a carrot for Saint Nicholas' horse. On Saint Nicholas Day, gifts are tagged with personal humorous rhymes written by the sender. In the United States, one custom associated with Saint Nicholas Day is children leaving their shoes in the foyer on Saint Nicholas Eve in hope that Saint Nicholas will place some coins on the soles.
The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derive from Saint Nicholas. "Santa Claus" is itself derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas, the saint's name in that language. However, the gift giving associated with these descendant figures is associated with Christmas Day rather than Saint Nicholas Day itself. Saint Nicholas saved three children lost in the countryside. These children were kidnapped by a butcher before being saved by Saint Nicholas and returned to their parents. European people celebrate Christmas from 5-25 December. The U.S., however, doesn't publicly celebrate Saint Nicholas' Day.
“Saint Nicolas, a cantata about the life of the patron saint of children, seamen, voyagers, and scholars, and utilizing a text by Eric Crozier (1914–94), is a work by British composer, Benjamin Britten. Originally composed for the combined forces of several boys’ and girls’ schools, it marvelously captures both the innocence and reverence with which the memories of St. Nicolas’ life and deeds are upheld.”
I had the pleasure to sing the part of “Saint Nicholas” on two occasions.
The following text is taken from Britten’s cantata.
I, Nicolas, Bishop of Myra and its diocese shall with the unfailing grace of God defend his faithful servants comfort the widow and fatherless and fulfill his will for this most blessed church Amen
My parents died all too soon I left the tranquil beauty of their home and knew the wider world of man Poor Man! I found him solitary, racked by doubt: born, bred, doomed to die in everlasting fear of everlasting death: the foolish toy of time, the darling of decay - hopeless, faithless, defying God Heartsick, in hope to mask the twisted face of poverty I sold my lands to feed the poor I gave my goods to charity but love demanded more Heartsick, I cast away all things that could distract my mind from full devotion to His will I thrust my happiness behind but love desired more still Heartsick, I called on God to purge my angry soul to be my only master, friend and guide I begged for sweet humility and love was satisfied.
For more information about the cantata, I offer:
In conclusion:
There once was a man named Claus,
Who claimed he lived for a cause.
He peddled his clog,
While penning a blog,
His verse should perhaps give you pause.
Happy Saint Nicholas Day and Happy Holidays!
CPW
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