In addition to my Carol of the Day series for Blogmas, I have included a saints’ days series! While many of us celebrate the secular elements of Christmas, many have religious roots. While Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are at the heart of some holiday celebrations, in many countries different saints’ day are celebrated instead. They tend to share similar elements with Christmas Day but place the celebrations a tad earlier. I will share (an) upcoming saints’ day(s) that are widely celebrated each Thursday. This week we are looking at the history of St. Andrew’s Day and the history of St. Nicholas’ Day!
The History of St. Andrew’s Day- 30 November
Traditionally St. Andrew’s Day has marked the start of the holiday season! It is used to determine the first Sunday of Advent, as Advent Sunday is always the Sunday that falls closest to St. Andrew’s Day.
St. Andrew was the brother of Saint Paul, as well as one of the original twelve apostles. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Ukraine, and Greece amongst other countries. It is widely celebrated in Scotland, and is a bank holiday there.
Scottish communities around the world mark St. Andrew’s Day in different ways. There will be several kinds of food and drink, storytelling, pipe bands, dancing, and more!
The History of St. Nicholas’ Day- 6 December
Many people are surprised to learn that St. Nicholas’ is not actually Christmas Day given that Santa is often referred to as “St. Nick”. However, St. Nicholas’ Day is 6 December.
St. Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop in Myra and was known for being brave and giving. Many of the legends surrounding him feature him overcoming violence and murder, as well as being incredibly generous.
In many countries, St. Nicholas is the primary gift-bringer. You will find 6 December the focus of the holiday season in much of France, the Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Germany, Slovenia, and many others. Children will often leave shoes out on the evening of the 5th for St. Nicholas to leave chocolates, money, toys, and more. Depending on the country, he is accompanied by various “bad” figures that will punish those children who haven’t behaved.
Do you celebrate St. Andrew’s Day or St. Nicholas’ Day?
Cheers,
The Historian
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