St. Nicholas Day is an integral part of Ukrainian culture, children write letters to the Saint in advance and wait for this event with special trepidation, because the most polite ones will definitely be rewarded for their behavior! Despite the popularity of this holiday, many people still do not know about the history of the Saint’s life and why he was canonized.
The legend of Saint Nicholas According to the information that has reached our present, Nicholas was born somewhere between 270 and 286 AD, in the territory of modern Turkey. The boy was an only child in a wealthy, religious family. That is why he grew up in a religious environment and learned Christian values from an early age. The future Saint grew up and proved himself as a generous and compassionate person who would come to the aid of those in need at any time, but was too shy to ask for it.
Later, he moves to the city of Myra, where he dreams of devoting himself to science and is ordained a priest. He was known as a person with a good soul, interceded for the unjustly convicted, freed prisoners, brought food, things and toys to the home of the poor. And having received a considerable inheritance, he gives it away to charity. Over time, a considerable number of legends appeared around his figure, and Nicholas himself became one of the most revered saints among ordinary people. Even more miracles are associated with the Saint even after his death, because people believe that his relics heal and cure diseases! That is why he is revered as a Saint who protects not only children, but also adults.
Traditions of celebrating Saint Nicholas Day
This holiday was first celebrated in medieval Germany. Parents gave children sweets, various toys, new clothes, or school supplies. And in order for the children to believe in a real miracle, they did it when the smallest members of the family were already fast asleep. Later, the celebration of this holiday reached Poland, and from there, probably to Ukraine.
Celebration of St. Nicholas Day in Ukraine In Ukraine
there is a great variety of options for celebrating this wonderful day. In the Slobozhan region, it was customary for the peasants to gather together as a whole family after the church service and brew beer, and special cookies were baked for the children – Santa Clauses. In the Kharkiv region, there was a custom of celebrating Mykola’s three-day holiday by preparing traditional kutyu and other festive dishes. Another good tradition is the custom of making peace with enemies and visiting all godparents on this day. It is interesting that the children greeted their godparents with pastries that they prepared with their own hands.
Celebration of Saint Nicholas Day in the Carpathians
Many churches were built in honor of St. Nicholas in the Carpathians, and he himself is considered the protector and patron of children. Parents often remind children that Nicholas is demanding about the moral qualities of his followers, so you should take care of your behavior, because disobedient children can be left without gifts, and sometimes with a “cutler” under the pillow! Different regions have their own customs: children find their dream sweets and toys in a sock, a boot, under a pillow and in an earthenware dish. However, gifts are prepared not only for children in the Carpathians. Adults also willingly exchange such pleasantries!
Traditionally, the whole family gathers at the festive table, meets guests and the baptized, exchanges gifts and, of course, sings a song – “Oh, who loves Nicholas, Oh, who, who serves Nicholas Therefore, St. Nicholas, Help at all times, Nicholas!” In many institutions and recreation complexes, “Residences of Saint Nicholas” are set up, where children, and even adults, can believe in a real miracle!
In TAOR Resort & Spa, theater and costume performances take place, children’s animators are invited, and thematic master classes are held. Usually, at this time, the territory of the complex is already covered with the first, fluffy snow, guests go sledding and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery. So, if you are considering the Carpathians as an option for a winter vacation, you won’t find a better place to meet Saint Nicholas!
