The time has come! Nikolaus day is here! ( I already told you a little bit about this in yesterday’s post.)
Lina’s boot and my sock were filled with mandarins, nuts and little parcels. Good thing the holiday doesn’t take place in summer. Everything would definitely fall out of sandals! Strangely enough, I knew what Lina got even before she unwrapped it. For my present, I’m guessing it’s something you can put in a tube. Paint? Hair gel? Warming ointment for cold feet?
The great thing is that you don’t have to get dressed up for Nikolaus’ presents. You can just wear an old pullover or even pyjamas. No make-up, no hair do and still have fun!
The Origin of Nikolaus
Oh yes, about the custom: Nikolaus is a christian saint who was Bishop of Myra in the first half of the 4th century and, according to tradition, was particularly charitable and gave presents to children. So, unlike Santa Claus, Nikolaus is based on an actual person.
Nontheless in our region he is often accompanied by a sinister figure called Knecht Ruprecht who is completely made up by the christian church and who is said to punish the naughty children while the good ones are given presents by the sacred Nikolaus.
In some regions (and countries?), Knecht Ruprecht probably has an equivalent in Krampus, who, with his horns and goat legs, is probably even more clearly a personification of the belief in Satan.
As I said, Nikolaus is a christian holiday, but many people now celebrate it out of tradition rather than faith (as in our family, for example), and the punitive side of Knecht Ruprecht is playing an increasingly minor role.
Either way, Lina and I were well-behaved anyway, so we don’t have to worry about that part. 😉
To be honest, I don’t even know how and if this day is celebrated in other countries, but I would be very interested if it is so or not. Maybe I’ll have to do some research! =)
Light at Heart
But no matter where you live and whether you celebrate December the 6th in a special way or not, Lina, Bina and I wish all people, animals and other beings in the whole wide world, peace, love and a constant light in their hearts. Today and on every other day in the year!
Yours Luise
PS: And whoever put the beautiful giant chocolate Nikolaus in front of our door is welcome to get in touch! He or she will also get a big piece! =)
Credits
Lina: pullover and trousers selfmade by me
Luise: onesie selfmade by me