Stocking Stuff

In the mailbox this first really cold morning in Okieland...

Today is the day of the Feast of St. Nicholas.

Nicholas of Myra and was a bishop in 4th century Greece. He was known for selling off his own items and then giving the money to the poor. He dedicated his life to serving people who were sick and suffering. This is what inspired St. Nicholas Day, commonly known as the Feast of St. Nicholas.

One well-known story involves a dowry for a father’s three daughters. In the third century, it was common for fathers to offer money to prospective husbands. However, one poor father with three daughters did not have money to do this. St. Nicholas is said to have paid for all three daughters’ dowries by leaving gold in their shoes.

As time passed St. Nicholas Day became celebrated in different ways. In Italy, this day was celebrated with feasts, gift-giving, and festivals. In other European countries like Germany and the Netherlands, children would leave their shoes or special St. Nicholas boot in front of the fireplace or front door at night and find presents in them in the morning. The history of St. Nicholas and his good deeds was part of the inspiration of the modern-day Santa Claus and Father Christmas, which is why there are some current traditions of leaving gifts in people’s boots or shoes (or stockings).

– edited from National Today.com