St+Nikolaus

Sankt Nikolaus The original Nikolaus is said to have lived about 1,500 years ago in Turkey. He was one of the first bishops of the Christian church. He is said to have been particularly kind to children, for which reason he became the patron saint of children. His day is 6th December: Sankt Nikolaustag. In Germany on the evening of 5th December, children put a shoe or boot outside their bedroom door or by a window or fireplace. They hope to find it full of sweets, nuts, biscuits, fruit and perhaps a small present in the morning. Nikolaus wears a long robe, which is either white with gold embroidery or red. He carries a stick (eine Rute), a sack of goodies and sometimes a book of sins, in which individual children’s’ misdeeds are recorded. Often children must sing or recite a special poem to earn their treat from Nikolaus! The saint does not always come alone. To the children’s dismay, he is sometimes accompanied by a black figure wrapped up in old clothes, sacking or furs. His name is Krampus! He carries a rod with which disobedient children are punished. Krampus growls, rattles his chains, or bares his teeth at the children who have been naughty. “Just wait until Krampus comes!” is still a threat in many German families. Krampus can, however, be charming and loveable to those who have been good! In different parts of Germany Krampus has other names, for example, Knecht Ruprecht, Hans Muff, Butz or Pulterklas.