Saint Nicholas (European folklore)
Saint Nicholas is a legendary figure in European folklore based on the Greek early Christian bishop Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of children.
Saint Nicholas (Svatý Mikuláš) with a devil (čert) in Prague
An 1865 illustration of the Hungarian Saint Nicholas (Mikulás) and a Krampusz, a fearful and devilish creature, a mean elf
Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, observed on 6 December ) in Western Christian countries, and on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries using the old church Calendar, is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra; it falls within the season of Advent. It is celebrated as a Christian festival with particular regard to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a bringer of gifts, as well as through the attendance of church services.
A depiction of Saint Nicholas with his sack standing next to a Nativity Scene
A depiction of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, giving dowry money to three poor girls
A modern metal icon of St. Nicholas by the Bulgarian artist Georgi 'Chapa' Chapkanov. Gilbert House, Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands in 2007