Second advent and St. Nikolaus. Definitely celebrated in Germany. Time for pre-christmas gifts, usually chocolate. I gave my parents chocolate covered Goji berries, while they gave me an easter egg in return (not exactly an easter egg, more like Kinder surprise) ... hmm ... indeed a little early, but I like the Kinder surprise eggs and it's the thought that counts, not the shape it comes in!
The origin of the festival of St. Nikolaus dates back to 300 A.D. After the parents of the turkish Bishop Nikolaus (who is now known as St. Nikolaus) passed away, he gave all his belongings to young prostitutes, which bought them out of their misery. The 6.12 marks Nikolause's funeral during 300 A.D..
The folk tale made its way into European customs, during the 16th century and the funeral of St. Nikolaus is celebrated ever since on 6.12 every year. Kids are given gifts by St. Nikolaus (who looks much like Santa Clause) when they behaved throughout the year. I am not sure how the story goes, but when children misbehave, St. Rupert comes, the dark companion of St. Nikolaus and either carries children away and feeds them to the wolves in the dark forest or gives children mandarines and birches as a sign for the need of discipline. I remember one year I was actually given a birch and I just cried for the rest of the day, but pretended I didn't mind in front of my parents.
St. Rupert is actually supposed to remind of the dead and is also a companion of the devil. *hmpf*. Yes yes, folk legends are always quite dark. German/European history is full of them.
The origin of the festival of St. Nikolaus dates back to 300 A.D. After the parents of the turkish Bishop Nikolaus (who is now known as St. Nikolaus) passed away, he gave all his belongings to young prostitutes, which bought them out of their misery. The 6.12 marks Nikolause's funeral during 300 A.D..The folk tale made its way into European customs, during the 16th century and the funeral of St. Nikolaus is celebrated ever since on 6.12 every year. Kids are given gifts by St. Nikolaus (who looks much like Santa Clause) when they behaved throughout the year. I am not sure how the story goes, but when children misbehave, St. Rupert comes, the dark companion of St. Nikolaus and either carries children away and feeds them to the wolves in the dark forest or gives children mandarines and birches as a sign for the need of discipline. I remember one year I was actually given a birch and I just cried for the rest of the day, but pretended I didn't mind in front of my parents.
St. Rupert is actually supposed to remind of the dead and is also a companion of the devil. *hmpf*. Yes yes, folk legends are always quite dark. German/European history is full of them.
Advent Advent ein Lichtlein brennt,
erst Eins, dann Zwei, dann Drei, dann Vier,
dann steht das Christkind vor der Tuer.
erst Eins, dann Zwei, dann Drei, dann Vier,
dann steht das Christkind vor der Tuer.
[Tune]
Morgan Page Feat. Lissie: Longest Road
Morgan Page Feat. Lissie: Longest Road
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