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On Saturday, Decembre 19th, Orthodox believers in Ukraine and other countries of the world celebrate Nicholas the Wonderworker Remembrance Day.
This saint is considered the protector of sailors, soldiers, farmers, merchants, travelers, innocent convicts, as well as children, that every year they expect a gift from Nikolai. About the main traditions and about what not to do on vacation, read more in the OBOZREVATEL material.
Who is Nicholas the Wonderworker?
According to legend, Saint Nicholas was born in 270 years in a wealthy family of the Roman Empire, in a Greek colony city Patara in Lycia (now the territory of Turkey). His parents were deeply believing Christians and they baptized their son immediately after his birth. At a very young age, Nikolai decided to dedicate his life to God. Moved to To the world, where he was ordained a priest.
Nicolas distributed his rich inheritance to the poor and later became a bishop in Mira. He became famous as a kind, meek and compassionate person, a great saint of God, and a miracle worker.
So, according to legend, during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he calmed a storm at sea with a holy prayer, and once saved three innocently convicted men from execution. In addition, Saint Nicholas gave sweets to children and hid coins in their shoes.
One day she learned that three poor sisters who had no dowry, at the urging of their father, had to leave to earn a living with debauchery. For three nights in a row, Nikolai threw a piece of gold through his window saved the girls from disgrace.
Nicholas the Wonderworker died at an old age in the middle of the 4th century. Thanks to the relics of the saint, who rest in Bari (Italy), according to legend, many people were healed.
Traditions on the day of Saint Nicholas
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On December 19, believers go to church at pray to the saint. Nicholas the Pleasant is asked to cure diseases, protection along the way, a good harvest, love and well-being in the family, help in difficult life circumstances.
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On holidays it is accepted help the neighbors, give alms to the needy and give gifts to each other.
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According to tradition, obedient children on the day of St. Nicholas find a surprise under the pillow, and naughty children – rods.
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It is believed that the Miracle Worker will help wish fulfillment, If you make it that day
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Nicholas day continues Christmas posthowever, eating fish and drinking wine are allowed. The hostesses also serve special gingerbread cookies – “Mikolajchiki”.
Signs for December 19
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Frost: for a rich harvest.
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What is Nikola Zimny, so is Nikola Veshny (May 22).
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How much snow on December 19, so much grass there will be in spring.
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Sunny icy weather – until crop failure.
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Clear and cold – there will be a rich harvest in summer.
What not to do on Saint Nicholas day
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Doing household chores: sewing, washing, cleaning.
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Refuse help.
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Fight, swear, argue, enrage, envy.
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Scold children.
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Borrowing and lending money is considered a bad omen.
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Haircut. According to legend, this should not be done during religious holidays.
Prayer to Saint Nicholas
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