Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. This poor man’s daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. In those days a young woman’s father had to offer prospective husbands something of value-a dowry. One story tells of a poor man with three daughters.
These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar). The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325.
The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals-murderers, thieves and robbers. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.
Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin on Pinterest email Print St.