Search results
Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death and probably contain legendary elaborations. He is said to have been born in the Anatolian seaport of Patara, Lycia, in Asia Minor to wealthy Christian parents. [9] .
Saint Nicholas, one of the most popular minor saints who is now traditionally associated with the festival of Christmas. In many countries children receive gifts on December 6, St. Nicholas Day. He is one of the patron saints of children and of sailors.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular saints commemorated in the Eastern and Western churches, and he is now traditionally associated with the...
- Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and kindness, which gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. As a result...
- According to tradition, Saint Nicholas was born in the ancient Lycian seaport city of Patara and, while still young, traveled to Palestine and Egyp...
- Dutch families took the tradition of celebrating the feast day of Saint Nicholas with them to New Amsterdam in the American colonies, beginning as...
- The relics of Saint Nicholas have been reported to emit a sweet-smelling substance ever since they were transferred from Turkey during the 11th cen...
Dec 6, 2023 · Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his gift-giving grew. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who...
- editor@biography.com
- Staff Editorial Team And Contributors
Dec 22, 2014 · Learn about the life and legacy of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century Christian monk who became the inspiration for Santa Claus. Discover how his stories spread across Europe and America, and how he was venerated as a saint.
Learn about the life, miracles, and legacy of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra who became the model for Santa Claus. Discover how he helped the poor, the needy, the children, and the sailors with his generosity and prayers.
St. Nicholas is celebrated as the patron saint of several classes of people, especially, in the East, of sailors and in the West of children. The first of these patronage is most likely due to the legend that during his lifetime, he appeared to storm tossed mariners who invoked his aid off the coast of Lycia and brought them safely to port.
St. Nicholas Day, feast day (December 6) of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, of a number of cities, and of sailors and children, among many other groups, and was noted for his generosity.
