“Holy Bishop St. Nicholas lived far away
Near the Aegean Sea is where Turkey did lay.
Travel back with us now to a time long ago.
We will visit his country, his life we will know. . . .”
Winter holidays in Ukraine start with a beautiful holiday, beloved by all children in Ukraine – St. Nicholas Day. Ukrainians who have children are thinking about presents their kids will find on the morning of 19th of December. In schools and kindergartens special parties are held.
In Ukraine, St. Nicholas is a special saint, for it was Prince Vladimir who brought back tales of the saint after he went to Constantinople to be baptized. The Ukrainian prince Vsevolod Yaroslavych introduced the feast of St. Nicholas during the time of Pope Urban II (1088-99 AD).
St Nicholas was born and lived in 4th century on the territory of modern Turkey. He was the only son in his parent’s family. His family was very rich and his big heritage he was giving away generously. In one legend it says that one day he passed through a house, where one poor man wanted to sell his daughter to slavery because he had no money. St Nicholas threw a package with money through the window, so the girl was saved. Since that time the tradition of giving presents has begun.
St. Nicholas’ Day was a time of great fun in Ukraine. On this day, people would invite guests in and sleighs would be ridden around the village to see if the snow was slippery. This was the holiday for young children, for they would receive gifts from St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. “St. Nicholas” was often accompanied by “angels” and might have quizzed the children on their catechism.
St. Nicholas comes to Ukrainian children while they are asleep. It is said that Angle and Antypka, small devil. All children receive presents they deserve. That is why children try to behave good during the whole year. Kids live their slippers on the windowsill or reveal their presents under the pillow.
Who behaved good, was polite and tender, Angel leaves pleasant surprises.
And who behaved badly receives birches from Antypka.
Among the presents it is a tradition to give baked cookies called Nikolaychyki. And if you have a godly wish in the night from 18 to 19th of December, it will come true.
Now 19th of December it is good day for charity. Children in orphanage houses more than ever need to feel love and joy. If you would like to add your donation to Unona’s support of the Teremok Orphanage house situated in Kherson city, contact us.
Our dear customers, we hope that our article helped you to know more about this popular holiday among Ukrainians!
