Happy Nicholas the Wonderworker Day: vintage postcards, beautiful pictures

On December 19, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, or Nicholas the Well-Wisher - one of the most revered saints, in whose honor many temples were built in Russia. In the folk calendar, this day is called Nikola the Winter. Especially for the celebration "Izvestia" prepared a selection of old and beautiful postcards, which can be shared on the Memorial Day of the saint.

December 19 - Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Winter

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was born in the 3rd century in the Greek colony of Lycia in Asia Minor. This region is now part of modern Turkey. From an early age he attended a Christian temple and later decided to become a clergyman.

Almost all the time Nicholas served in the Libyan city of Myra (nowadays - the Turkish city of Demre), finding fame as a defender of the poor and the innocently condemned. Even during his lifetime he performed many miracles, thanks to which his fame spread far beyond his hometown.

For example, there is a legend about how St. Nicholas helped seafarers during their wanderings and even resurrected a sailor who almost died during a storm. Another miracle is associated with the rescue of Lycia from a terrible famine. The saint appeared in a dream to a grain merchant and ordered him to send bread to the starving. He did so, and later found gold coins in his hand, telling the inhabitants about the miraculous apparition.

The most famous miracle is connected with a beggar widower and his three daughters. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker every day threw bags of gold into the window of the house, thus providing all the daughters with a good dowry. Later, this legend became one of the most popular, and the image of "Nikola with a sack" became fixed in people's memory.

For his God-pleasing deeds the saint was often called the God-pleaser. He lived to a profound old age, but even after his death he continued to perform miracles, helping all those who turn to him with prayer. People come to Nicholas the Wonderworker for any kind of help. The unjustly convicted ask for intercession before God, unmarried girls - for protection and help in creating a family, and travelers - for a successful road.

St. Nicholas is still widely venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The veneration of the saint is so great that the image of the Wonderworker, as many centuries ago, crown young people, bless them before a long journey and see them off on their last journey. And the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker is often placed in the car to avoid accidents and other road accidents.

In the church calendar there are three holidays dedicated to Nicholas the Wonderworker. In summer, August 11, the birthday of the saint is celebrated. In winter, December 19 - the day of his death. Another date is associated with the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas from Myra of Lycia to Bari. Celebrations on this occasion take place in the spring - May 22.

In popular tradition, all three celebrations have received their names: Nikola the Autumnal, Nikola the Evening (Summer) and Nikola the Winter. And the last one is truly a national holiday. It is with him is associated with the most customs and traditions.

In the old days, Winter Nikola marked the beginning of winter and was considered a New Year's holiday. In Russia on this day arranged folk festivals and fairs, and children were given sweet gifts.

The image of Nicholas the Wonderworker is also closely intertwined with the main character of Russian New Year's tales - Santa Claus, and in Catholics - with Santa Claus (Santa - "saint", Claus - "Nicholas"). On different continents believe that on New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve the wizard comes to the house and secretly leaves gifts under the tree.

Vintage postcards with St. Nicholas Day

In pre-revolutionary Russia in the winter holiday it was customary to send each other postcards with the Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. On the back of the handwritten warm wishes.

Usually, the cards depicted the saint in the classic image: with a lush beard, wearing a red or blue tulupe and carrying a sack of presents behind his back. Other subjects included St. Nicholas surrounded by children against the background of a Christmas tree and happy children opening presents.

Postcards of that time carry a special atmosphere of warmth and kindness. Each of their elements reminds of the essence of the holiday, creating an atmosphere of wonder and magic.

A similar tradition existed in Western countries. Only the Catholics depicted the saint in a short red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, and the gifts he put not under the tree, but in bright stockings hung near the fireplace.

Orthodox pictures with inscriptions on the Day of Nicholas the Wonderworker

Russian people began to honor Nicholas the Wonderworker soon after the Baptism of Russia. The hagiography of the saint quickly spread throughout the Russian lands. It was heard both in churches during divine service and in homes, being passed from mouth to mouth.

In the people the saint was one of the most beloved and had several names: Nicholas the Wonderworker, Nicholas the Well-Wisher, Saint Nicholas, Nicholas of Myra. Thus, people wanted to reflect his merits before the Savior and the miraculous, diverse help he provided to the faithful.

Every year the feast is celebrated in the midst of the Christmas fast. On the holiday, services are held in churches, which are attended by thousands of parishioners. Believers put candles, read prayers and, as in the old days, exchange greeting cards with family and friends.

Here is what one can wish on the day of the memory of the saint:

"Congratulations on a great bright holiday - the Day of St. Nicholas the Well-Wisher! May the Christian saint protect you from all troubles, bring peace and prosperity to your home. And, of course, will give you many joyful moments and desired gifts for the New Year."

"Congratulations on St. Nicholas Day! The holiday is rightly considered a day of winter fairy tale and magic. Every child and adult waits for it with impatience and hopes for a small miracle, which is under the control of only Nicholas the Wonderworker! On this day I want to wish you the realization of children's dreams, family comfort and warmth of heart."

"Happy Heavenly Wonderworker Day, Happy St. Nicholas Day! Health, prosperity to you and your loved ones. May the saint protect you from all bad things, patronize you in all good endeavors and plant love in your hearts!"

The postcards were prepared by Izvestia based on reproductions of old postcards and with the help of artificial intelligence.