In Germany, on the 6th December 2014, people there remember the late St. Nikolaus, not to be confused with the English ‘Santa’ who Germans call ‘Weihnactsmann’ Literally: Christmas Man.
St.Nikolaus originally (St.Nicholas) was from Ancient Greece and was remembered for preforming miracles and curing ill-people. On a less serious note, St.Nikolaus left presents for children.
It is tradition for Children in Germany to leave their shoes out overnight, in hope to wake the next morning with sweets from ‘St.Nikolaus’ to remember just a little bit of what he did. However, only good, well-behaving children get a visit from St.Nikolaus.
If you’ve not been so good; the Children of Germany get a visit from ‘Krampus’ ,a demon, who goes to scare the Children and question them about why they don’t have good behaviour. Legend has it, that the Krampus carries a sack, where he kidnaps childrens and takes them to his lair.
Depending on where you live, St.Nikolaus day will be observed differently, but the main celebrations are held in Germany and Austria.
By Holly Woodcock
Fabulous blog! from K3
ReplyDeleteAmazing info and really interesting!:) from M9
ReplyDeleteVery interesting- well done!
ReplyDeleteIs that Jamie tait
DeleteThis is really interesting. Fascinating how most cultures seem to have similar traditions around Christmas and almost all involve sweets!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell done