Every year on December 6, Santa Claus comes by with his donkey and Schmutzli. He brings us nuts, pears, mandarins and other treats. Have you ever wondered where this custom actually comes from?
Old tradition
The custom of Samichlaus - St. Nicholas in German - goes back to a saint named Nicholas of Myra. Nicholas lost his parents at a very young age. But he wanted for nothing. However, he was always very unhappy despite his wealth. When he saw the suffering of the poor and disadvantaged, he realized what he wanted to change. So he began to look after the poor and needy. He gave away his clothes, his jewelry and everything he had with him. Unfortunately, his clothes had no pockets and he couldn't carry any food.
However, he had an idea and had pockets sewn onto his old red coat and filled them with nuts, mandarins and apples. So he went to the poor with bulging coat pockets and distributed everything. The special thing about it - St. Nicholas only did these things in secret.
Nicholas went to church regularly and, after a special service, decided to study the teachings of Christ. He made it his mission to travel around the country and spread God's word.
One day he returned to Myra. At this time, the old bishop of Myra died and Nicholas took his place. He was appointed bishop. When he stepped out of the church one morning, there stood his good old gray donkey. From that day on, the donkey became Nicholas' faithful companion.
Every year on his birthday, he dressed himself in the precious bishop's cloak and picked up his shepherd's crook. He loaded his donkey with a large, heavy sack. This sack contained apples, nuts and mandarins. He distributed everything down to the last nut. He continued this tradition into old age.
Bishop Nicholas died on December 6, 352 and this day was subsequently established as St. Nicholas Day.
Swiss tradition
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated inSwitzerland, derived from the tradition of St. Nicholas of Myra. In this country, St. Nicholas comes from the depths of the forest. He lives there all year round and prepares for St. Nicholas Day. And so it is that on December 6th, the Samichlause parade through the streets all over the country with their heavily laden donkeys. The children receive a few nuts and mandarins as a reward for their efforts. We wish you a happy St. Nicholas Day.
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