Blue Umbrella Official Blue Umbrella December 2019 | Page 13

St. Nichol as
By Emily S
Santa Claus - children all around the world
send him letters. They ask for toys, candies, and
sometimes even for love or happiness. Many
American children hang stockings on the fireplace
and believe that he comes down the chimney on
Christmas Eve. Children in other countries put
shoes in the window and hope for oranges and
chocolates. But where did this beloved fairy tale
originate?
St. Nicholas was born in Turkey on
December 6 in the fourth century. He was born into
a rich family, but his parents died when he was
young, leaving him with a large inheritance. After
his parent?s passing, his uncle raised him to be a
priest.
When St. Nicholas heard about three girls in
danger of being sold because of their father?s debt,
he remembered his inheritance. One night, he
threw a bag of gold into an open window of the
house; enough to pay for the oldest of the girls to
get married. Over time, he tossed two other bags of
gold in for the other two girls.
St. Nicholas went on to be a great bishop on
the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey. He was greatly
loved by many, children and adults alike. He was
present at the Council of Nicaea in 325, where it
was believed that he punched the heretic Arius in
the face. St. Nicholas is known for many miracles
and acts of generosity.
The stories grew to legends, and have
become myths. Children of many races and
religious backgrounds believe that he brings
presents. In some countries, oranges are used to
represent the gold that was originally gifted by St.
Nicholas.
Behind
the Legend
Over time, the name St. Nicholas has developed
into Santa Claus. In Germany, St. Nicholas is called
Sankt Nikolaus. With the many repetitions of his
name, it has evolved into Santa Claus.
Stories of varying levels of believability have
been told about the beloved Turkish bishop. He has
become a hero, a saint, a legend, and an
inspiration of many for his generosity and
loving-kindness.