The Real Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of just about everything.
He is the national saint of Russia and Greece and churches
named after him number in the thousands - more than 400 in
Great Britain alone. He is the patron saint of judges,
murderers, pawnbrokers, thieves, merchants, paupers,
scholars, sailors, bakers, travelers, maidens and
poor children. He is known as the friend and protector
of all those in trouble.

Saint Nicholas was born in the Middle East about 350 miles
northwest of Bethlehem in the fourth century. He grew up to
become the bishop of Myra (now Kale), his hometown, Lycia,
near the coast of what is now Turkey. Legends tell of his love
for children, his kindness and the miracles he brought about.

The anniversary of Nicholas' death, December 6th, either 345 A.D.
or 352 A.D., is so close to Christmas that, in many countries,
the two merged. But in Germany and the Netherlands, the two
remain separate.

Around the world St. Nicholas has
many different names.

Austria - Christkind
Belgium and the Netherlands - Noel, Saint Nicholas,
Brazil - Papa Noel
Denmark - Julinisse
England - Father Christmas
Finland - Old Man Christmas
France - Pere Noel or le Petit
Germany - Kriss Kringle, Christkind or Saint Nicholas
Italy - Befana
Japan - Santa Kurohsu
Mexico - Three Kings
Poland - Star Man or Wise Men
Spain - Three Kings
Russia - Basbouschka

We in the UnitedStates call him Santa Clause

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