This beautiful German Postcard was found in ETSY shop FineArts8 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/finearts8?ref=seller_info |
The tradition of Saint Nicholas has many different origins and stories of how the Patron Saint became a celebrated figure by Christians world wide. Nicholas was a fourth century saint that also had great wealth. He is known for his many miracles and his great generosity and compassion.
My first memories of this celebration was when I hung my father's large wool sock by the mantel and was told that a mysterious Saint would fill it with a surprise during the night. My family story of St. Nicholas was that he was a Saint that would take care of the poor children of his time by leaving them things that they needed. During his time many children were orphaned and had nothing, not even shoes to wear in the cold. Each year, as the cold of winter drew nearer, he would go house to house selecting those of poor children and leaving them shoes wear. But not only did he leave this wonderful gift of protection from the cold, he filled each shoe with nuts, fruit, coins and little toys. If it wasn't for the Saint's generosity the children may not have survived the winter let alone received such novelty items as a toy. He did this anonymously giving the gift an air of mystery and demonstrating true selflessness.
These amazing Antique German Shoes were found in ETSY shop Lookinglasshouse at http://www.etsy.com/shop/lookinglasshouse?ref=seller_info |
This may not be the most popular or accurate story of Saint Nicholas but it is my favorite and one my family retold. Many combine Saint Nicholas and Santa Clause together celebrating them on Christmas day but I enjoy celebrating these two figures separately. I love the tradition of leaving our stockings out for the kindly Saint to fill with traditional treats building the excitement for Christmas Day. My image of Nicholas is similar to the traditional Father Christmas, thinner, and less decorated. The tradition in my family was to leave gifts of meaning rather than grandeur on Saint Nicholas Day.
These wonderful digital images can be found in ETSY shop Nukes Artisans of LA at http://www.etsy.com/shop/nukes?ref=seller_info |
This wonderful vintage postcard was found in ETSY shop Karodens at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Karodens?ref=seller_info |
1 comment:
What wonderful stories...I love tradition!
Post a Comment