National St.Nicholas Day
National St.Nicholas Day:
Celebrated on December 6th, every year. The day is observed to commemorate the death anniversary of saint.
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2019 | 6th December | Friday | United States |
2020 | 6th December | Sunday | United States |
2021 | 6th December | Monday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#NationalSt.NicholasDay
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Related: Other National Days Celebrated on December 6th:
Why National St.Nicholas Day?
This Day is to observe the death anniversary of saint. Nicholas popularly known as Nicholas of Bari or Nicholas the Wonderworker, an ancient bishop who was born on March 15,270 in a village of Patar, Turkey. He is applauded as a great saint by most of the Christians. His habit of giving a surprise gift has become traditional “Santa Claus” during the Christmas times. In around 470, that is 200 years after his death, Theodosius II ordered to build a church named “St. Nicholas Church” in Myra where his sarcophagus was moved. Later, bones from his remains were removed and taken by the Italian merchants and placed in the pilgrimage in Bari and named it as “Pontifical Basilica di San Nicola”. It is being worshipped as a pilgrimage by Christians since it is said that his relics discharges a watery matter called “Myrrh” or “manna”.
How we can Observe National St.Nicholas Day:
Explore more about the Saint Nicholas and the Feast Day and share it using the hashtag #StNicholasDay on the social media.
Interesting Facts About National St.Nicholas Day:
Saint. Nicholas belonged to a wealthy family and he spent all his life by offering helps to the poor especially the children.
There are loads of stories about his kind nature floated all times.one of such famous is his help to three young women who were forced to prostitution since they do not possess enough money for marriage. He helped them by throwing a purse filled with gold coins for three consecutive days so that the women’s father would be able to provide dowry for his daughters’ marriage. However, the father caught him on the third day and he thanked Nicholas.
Traditionally, the gift is presented kept inside the shoes or stockings.
In Netherlands, it is celebrated in the name of “Sinterklaas” on every December 5 whereas in Belgium it is celebrated at December 6 in the same name, as celebrated in Netherlands. In both the countries, young children sings for Saint Nicholas and gifts are presented to all the Children. The children also dresses like ancient Bishops.
In Bulgaria, Nicholas Day or Nikulden is celebrated December 6.They celebrate this day by inviting the neighbours and serving them fish and breads.
In Serbia, it is celebrated on every December 6 and is considered as one of the most important national observances. People follows fasting during the preceding day or days and avoid animal sourced products like eggs, meat and even dairy products and milk.
In Greece, it is being celebrated on December 6.The day is commonly celebrated by sailors since saint. Nicholas was revered as a protector of sailors.
In Albania, it is being observed on December 6.The day before evening is observed as Feast of St. Nicholas. People light a candle and prepare Lamb roast to serve the guest at midnight.
In the United States, it is widely celebrated as “St. Nicholas Day” on every December 6.
History of National St.Nicholas Day:
According to western Christianity, his death date was December 6 and therefore this day is a national observance in the western Christian countries whereas in accordance with the eastern Christianity, his death was December 19.Therefore, December 19 is an observance day in the eastern Christian countries. His every death anniversary was observed as St. Nicholas Day on respective dates.