San Nicola – St. Nicholas in Italy

How do people celebrate St. Nicholas in Italy?

As in Germany, St. Nicholas is celebrated in Italy on December 6, although the saint is called San Nicola there. However, the little brother of Christmas is celebrated in Italy in a very similar way to Germany. At night, small gifts and sweets are “mysteriously” placed on a gift plate outside the children’s bedroom. However, as there are also the Christmas festivals of Santa Lucia (December 13) and Befana (January 6) in Italy, St. Nicholas is not as important as in Germany.

Origins of the St. Nicholas festival

In the legends of St. Nicholas, two characters named Nicholas merge together. One is Bishop Nicholas of Myra, who lived around 300 in what is now Turkey. The son of wealthy parents, he generously distributed his wealth among the poor after his parents’ death. The date of his death is thought to be December 6. However, whether his name was actually Nicholas is not at all certain today. His later (presumed) namesake, who was also a bishop, was also famous for his charity and is revered today, especially in the Russian Orthodox Church.

It is believed that the custom of celebrating St. Nicholas came to German-speaking territory with the Byzantine princess Theophanu when she married the German Emperor Otto II in 972. However, the first St. Nicholas church was consecrated by the founding bishop Liudger in Münster before 800.

Why is there a connection between St. Nicholas and children?

For a long time, St. Nicholas or San Nicola was revered for his generosity. He did not yet appear as a gift giver to children. However, in the High Middle Ages – probably in northern France – the legend of the resurrection of dead schoolchildren arose. This made San Nicola/Santa Claus a friend of children. Other legends also associate his charity with children. As he was also the patron saint of boatmen, children in the late Middle Ages made “St. Nicholas boats” in which the saint secretly placed gifts. The boats have since been transformed into gift plates, boots and socks.

Gustini wishes all readers and customers a happy St. Nicholas Day and a wonderful Advent season!