Learn all about St. Nicholas Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in the Czech Republic Series at CzechClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Czech holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 5, St. Nicholas Day. In Czech, it’s called Mikuláš. |
| St. Nicholas Day is celebrated annually on December 5, the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas. It is a historical reminder of the Christian saint who became famous for his kindness and goodness. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know who accompanies St. Nicholas during his visits to children? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The celebration of St. Nicholas is especially enjoyed by children or děti. Of course, it brings joy to many adults as well. All Czech children spend their time eagerly waiting for the ring of the doorbell on December 5. St. Nicholas walks through the darkened streets of Czech towns and villages. If the bell or zvonek rings, it’s almost certainly going to be him. |
| St. Nicholas, with a long white beard, a miter on his head, and a bishop's crosier, does not come alone. A white-winged angel accompanies him, and a grubby, horned, growling devil in chains carries a sack behind him. All three are in fact older children in costumes, which they have painstakingly constructed. |
| The purpose of St. Nicholas’s visit is to determine whether the little children have been well behaved all year round. St. Nicholas asks the child directly, and not surprisingly, always receives a positive response! Even parents waive all objections at this moment. St. Nicholas then asks the child to recite him a poem, or básnička, or sing him a song. When this happens, a reward is in order. The child receives a basket full of chocolate candy and other treats. |
| Czech children are often half-jokingly reminded that if they were not worthy, St. Nicholas would only give them potatoes, or brambory, instead of candy. The even less worthy may also face the threat of abduction by the devil, who has brought the sack with him for this purpose. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Do you know who accompanies St. Nicholas during his visits to children? |
| St. Nicholas is accompanied by an angel, or anděl, and a devil, or čert. The white angel symbolizes good and shows the children a benign face. The ranting devil scares the children. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Who gives the gifts to good children in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us at CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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