Saint Nicholas Day

On the 6th December, we celebrate the St. Nicholas Day. Do you know why?

St. Nicholas was a bishop who lived in the 4th century in Myra. He was famous for his generosity. The legend about him says that he arrived on horseback. He was wearing a bishop's red robe and mitre. He was accompanied by Black Peter who helped him to distribute sweets and presents to the good children and lumps of coal and potatoes to naughty children.

Another legend about St. Nicholas describes the rescue of three very poor girls. He gave them gold to pay their marriage dowries with gold. That´s why also oranges and chocolate coins are common treats given to children.

In many European countries, St. Nicholas Day has remained a time when children are given special cookies, candies, and gifts. Candy canes, which have the shape of a bishop's cane, are also given.

Sometimes children leave letters for St. Nicholas and carrots or grass for his donkey or horse. In the morning, they can find small presents under their pillows or in the shoes, stockings, or plates which they had set out for him.

In Czechia, St. Nicholas is accompanied by an angel and a devil. He visits children in the evening on 5th December. He has a big book where information about behaviour of children is written. The good children are awarded and the naughty children are punished.

In our school, every year pupils from grade 9 keep this tradition and play the roles of St. Nicholas, the Angel and the Devil. 

1. D

9. A, 9. B, 9. D