December 6th is Le Jour St. Nicolas (St. Nicolas Day) across much of Europe. In France, St. Nicolas Day is celebrated in the regions in Alsace and Lorraine in the Grand-Est. The holiday is one of the kick-off events for the large Christmas season in France and Europe (including Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic).
Who was Saint Nicolas?
Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of Lorraine as well as many other cities and regions across Europe. He was born in Lycia, just south of modern-day Türkiye as Nicolas of Myra.
During his life, Nicolas was known for his extreme benevolence. Practically every person who encountered him noted his generosity for all. One of the most told stories of Saint Nicolas is a tale of three children (sometimes recounted as little girls, sometimes as young boys) who wandered into the forest. They got lost once in the deep woods and could not find their way back. Soon, they became famished and the harsh weather threatened their lives. By nightfall, though, Nicolas arrived to save the young children.
At age 75, Nicolas “transcended the mortal world” and was codified into history as saint. The date of his death, December 6th, 345, is the origin of the holiday’s celebration date.
Holiday Celebrations
Le Jour St. Nicolas is celebrated in various ways across different regions, but its focus on gift-giving is standard. On the evening of December 5th, children put out shoes on the doorstep and carrots on the tables. In the morning, the good children will find their shoes filled with sweets and gifts; the carrots from the table will be chomped down by the companion of St. Nicolas – the grey donkey.
In many cities, the holiday is accompanied by large-scale parades featuring St. Nicolas, the grey donkey, and his villainous counterpart Père Fouettard. Père Fouettard is supposed to discipline the naughty children who do not get gifts from St. Nicolas. Instead, Père Fouettard will cane the children or give them undesirable gifts (coal, onions, and potatoes most commonly). One of the biggest parades takes place in Nancy, the capital of Lorraine.
A Day of Sweets
Across France, Jour Saint Nicolas is celebrated with delicious sweets and baked goods. The shoes of good children are filled with chocolates, candies, nuts, and fruits (particularly clementines). In patisseries across the country, gingerbread biscuits and mannelle (also called Jean-Bonhomme) line the shelves. Mannelle is a traditional brioche that takes the form of a small saint; it takes the name Jean-Bonhomme in Lorraine and Mannelle in Alsace.
Global Spread
As the legend of St. Nicolas has been passed through Western Christian nations, it has been adapted to unique cultures. In Québec, the many German Christmas Markets hold events on the 6th to mark the day of celebration! In Belgium, the holiday sometimes takes more a traditional German style, given the language diversity of Belgian people.
Bon Jour St. Nicolas and Happy Holidays from the FACNH!
Written By Kaleb Houle-Lawrence
University Intern
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