December 19 - St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Memorial Day: church and folk traditions of the holiday

On December 19, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron saint of sailors, travelers and intercessor of all those who suffer. This is the last of the saint's memorial days in the church calendar, better known as Nikola the Winter. In 2024, the date falls on Thursday. What traditions and customs are associated with it - read in the material "Izvestia".

History of the winter Memorial Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

St. Nicholas was born in the III century in the Greek colony of Lycia in Asia Minor in a Christian family. Already from his early years he showed great interest in the Holy Scriptures, and later chose the path of serving God.

During his lifetime, the saint performed many good deeds and miracles, for which he was called a God-pleaser. Hence his second nickname - Nicholas the Worshipper. According to legends that have survived to our days, at the command of the saint, storms subsided, the sick were healed and the dead were raised. In addition, with his name is associated the story of the rescue from starvation of the inhabitants of the city of Myrrha, where St. Nicholas led the flock.

The saint died there, in Myra, in the year 335. His relics were placed in a tomb near the Church of St. Zion, where he served. There they were kept for several centuries, after which they were transferred to the city of Bari. In honor of this event, a separate church feast is established, which is celebrated on May 22.

Also, the Church honors Nicholas the Wonderworker on August 11, the day of the saint's birth, and on December 19, the day of his death. Each of the memorable dates has been given a different name by the people. Thus, in spring they celebrate Nikola Veshny Nikola, in late summer - Nikola the Autumnal, and in the first month of winter - Nikola the Winter.

How Nikola the Winter was celebrated in Russia

Russian people began to honor Nicholas the Wonderworker soon after the Baptism of Russia, distinguishing him from the rest. The saint was hailed as a great intercessor before the Lord and a speedy helper to whom one can pray in all needs.

In the olden days, an icon of St. Nicholas was in every hut along with images of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The people also loved the holidays associated with St. Nicholas. Especially Nikola the Winter, which was also called Nikolin Day, Nikola the Frosty or Nikola the Cold. It is with this celebration is associated with the most customs and traditions.

It was believed that at this time St. Nicholas himself goes around the earth and gives gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Subsequently, the popular image was transformed into the winter wizard Santa Claus, and in the western neighbors of the Slavs - into Santa Claus.

In the olden days, the celebration was marked by wide festivities and feasts, known in the past as Nikolshchina. In the courtyards tables were set for the whole village and beer was brewed. And in the streets there were cassowaries led by a stately man who portrayed Nicholas the Wonderworker and treated the children with sweets. Nikolin's Day also opened the period of winter matchmaking. Our ancestors believed that if the bride was married on this day, the couple would live happily ever after.

Important importance was attached to weather omens. Clear weather on Nikola boded frost, and the west wind - a warm and snowy winter.

Christmas Lent - 2024: when it begins, traditions and prohibitions

In 2024, Lent will begin on November 28 and run through January 6

What you can and can not do on the church holiday on December 19

On the holiday it is customary to attend a church service, and afterwards gather at a large family table. But since St. Nicholas Day falls in the midst of the Christmas fast, believers should adhere to the fasting menu, excluding dairy and meat products. At the same time, fish dishes and a little wine are allowed on the holiday itself.

As in other church celebrations, heavy physical labor, housecleaning, any conflicts and quarrels are forbidden. In addition, one should not indulge in discouragement and sadness. It is important to do good deeds, helping those in need.

It is not recommended to lend money, even to the closest. But to give debts - it is desirable. In this case, according to beliefs, in the new year in the house will come prosperity and good luck.

Earlier in Russia celebrated the Day of Archangel Michael, or Michael's Day. "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of this holiday.