In Roman Catholic areas of southern Germany, such as
Bavaria, Sankt Nikolaus still comes as a bishop with flowing beard and a
bishop's miter and staff. Houses
are thoroughly cleaned and children clean and polish their shoes or boots in
preparation for the saint's visit. On the evening before St. Nicholas Day,
children put letters to the good saint along with carrots or other food for his
white horse or donkey on a plate or in their shoes. These are left outside,
under the bed, beside a radiator, or on a windowsill in hopes of finding goodies
from St. Nicholas the next morning. During the night Sankt Nikolaus goes from
house to house carrying a book in which all the children's deeds are written. If
they have been good, he fills their plate, shoe or boot with delicious fruits,
nuts and candies. If not, they may find potatoes, coal, or twigs.
Children practice poems and songs for Sankt
Nikolaus and make little presents for him. Friends and neighbors come to
share in the fun. Candles on the Advent wreath and the big Christmas pyramid
with a nativity scene in the center are lit. Stories are read or songs sung as
everyone waits for a knock on the door. When it comes, they all know it is Sankt
Nikolaus, who comes in with his big book, golden crozier, and a big heavy sack. One of the
children gets to hold the golden staff. Each child (and sometimes adults, too)
stand in front of the saint. Nikolaus asks each child, "Have you behaved
yourself?" "Do you do your homework?" "Do you keep your room tidy?" "Do you help
your parents?" Then he opens his big sack and gives presents and candies and
treats for all to share. And they give him the little surprises. Nikolaus leaves
quickly as he has many places to visit. He travels with a white horse or a
donkey and sometimes Ruprecht, his most common German companion,
is with him.
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