The Story of Christmas and a special Saint

Saint Nicholas has always been linked with the city of Bari as its much revered Patron Saint. The locals dedicate not one, but two, annual festivals to his honour. But of course, he is also celebrated across the world under his other guise – whether you call him Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Père Noël or as they say in Italy, Babbo Natale, he is far better known as the red cloaked gift giver who appears magically every Christmas.

Yet he was not born in Apulia, or even in Italy, but actually in Turkey around the time of Emperor Constantine. He became Bishop of Myra where his popularity inspired legions of fans and led to a cult following that spread right across the Mediterranean. Later, in May 1087, 62 sailors ‘moved’ (or stole) the saint’s relics and took them to Bari where they remain in the magnificent St. Nicholas Basilica.

The city of Apulia honours its Patron Saint twice a year. In May they hold a 3-day festival when the city remembers the anniversary of the arrival of his stolen remains. Then on December 6th the city celebrates in a more international way, joining in with the traditional festival held across the Nordic countries when children traditionally receive gifts from this much loved saint.

Today everyone knows that Saint Nicholas is none other than Father Christmas, and in fact the derivation Santa Claus comes from the Nordic name San Nicholaus. But why is it thought to be Saint Nicholas who brings presents to children? No one really knows for sure.

One explanation is given in a famous legend that comes from his home town of Myra:
“Once upon a time there was a household of three young women of marriageable age, who had a poor father. Although the girls were beautiful and virtuous, no one would marry them without a dowry which the father was unable to provide for them. In desperation, he decided to sell his daughters as slaves but then the story came to the attention of Saint Nicholas. He decided to help the poor family and went three times during the night to the roof of the house and threw gold coins down the chimney. The coins landed in the stockings which the girls had left drying by the fireside. Thanks to this generous donation, the father was then able to marry off his daughters and they all lived happily ever after.”

This legend is the reason that in Bari, Saint Nicholas is also considered to be a protector of young women of marriage age. Every December 6th, girls seeking a husband get up around 4am to attend the first mass at the Basilica, a special ceremony that is given by both Catholic and Greek Orthodox bishops. The Basilica is in fact one of the few sacred places in Italy that is open to two faiths, Catholic and Greek Orthodox. The two bishops together open the tomb of St Nicholas and take some of the precious liquid inside, said to have come from his bones. This liquid is mixed with holy water and distributed to those at the service.