The legend of Sankt Nikolaus
© Copyright Frank D. Kanu 2000-2008
In the German-speaking countries and Holland and Belgium as well December 6th is the most distinctive children’s festival of the year. St. Nikolaus Eve is a time of festive stir, it is a time of whispers and giggles, and of heavy steps on the stairs.
When evening comes, St. Nikolaus, a reverend grey-haired figure with flowing beard, bishop’s raiment, gold embroidered cope, mitre and pastoral staff, will knock on doors and enquire about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will deliver a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in German- speaking countries.
His best known companion is Knecht Ruprecht (poem), “Knecht” meaning servant. Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure clad in a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, legend has it, he will place all naughty children.
Here the full story.
In the area I grew up the customs is to put a boot outside the bedroom which Santa then fills in the night from the 5th to the 6th…
Technorati (All Links are external): december 6th german speaking countries historically knecht ruprecht legend mitre naughty children nikolaus pastoral staff raiment reverend robe santa servant sinister figure stairs whispers general
In the German-speaking countries and Holland and Belgium as well December 6th is the most distinctive children’s festival of the year. St. Nikolaus Eve is a time of festive stir, it is a time of whispers and giggles, and of heavy steps on the stairs.
When evening comes, St. Nikolaus, a reverend grey-haired figure with flowing beard, bishop’s raiment, gold embroidered cope, mitre and pastoral staff, will knock on doors and enquire about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will deliver a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in German- speaking countries.
His best known companion is Knecht Ruprecht (poem), “Knecht” meaning servant. Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure clad in a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, legend has it, he will place all naughty children.
Here the full story.
In the area I grew up the customs is to put a boot outside the bedroom which Santa then fills in the night from the 5th to the 6th…
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december 6th german speaking countries historically knecht ruprecht legend mitre naughty children nikolaus pastoral staff raiment reverend robe santa servant sinister figure stairs whispersTechnorati (All Links are external): december 6th german speaking countries historically knecht ruprecht legend mitre naughty children nikolaus pastoral staff raiment reverend robe santa servant sinister figure stairs whispers general
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