Various saints of Western Europe that are part of Christmas and New Years traditions, including Saint Basil, Saint Nicholas and Saint Lucia.
Many holiday traditions in Western Europe are based o certain saint’s days. The most well known is of course, Saint Nicholas, the basis for modern-day Santa Clause. Lesser known holiday figures of Europe include Saint Basil of Greece and Saint Knut of Sweden.
Saint Nicholas
Saints Day December 6th
Still a hugely popular Christmas figure in the Netherlands, parts of Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Austria and Germany, Saint Nicholas began life as Bishop of Myrna, in Persia. Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular saints in the entire world. He is the patron saint of sailors, unmarried maidens, thieves, merchants, the country of Greece, Russia and hundreds of churches throughout Western Europe. Through generations of folklore and legend, Saint Nicholas became associated with the Christmas season as a gift bearer. He often travels with a companion, Black Peter. Dutch settlers made Saint Nicholas a part of Colonial Christmas traditions in America.
Saint Lucia
Saints Day December 13th
Saint Lucia’s story goes back to Viking sailors who heard of an Italian girl sacrificing herself for her beliefs in Christianity. During the Roman Empire, Lucia was bethrothed to be married. However, she gave her dowry away to some Christians, who were suffering persecution for their beliefs. Her fiancé was so angry about the lost dowry that he turned Lucia in to the Romans, who executed her. The story traveled to Scandinavia, where it became very popular, especially as a Swedish Christmas tradition. Every year Swedish homes and businesses choose a “Lucia.” Lucia is typically a young girl with a lighted candle wreath on her head, wearing a long white dress with a red sash. She bears a striking resemblance to the German gift bearer, Christkindl.
Saint Stephen
Saints Day December 26th
Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr. In many parts of Western Europe Saint Stephen’s Day is an official holiday. It is a day for visiting with family and friends. In Ireland it is called Wren’s Day.
Saint Basil
Saints Day- January 1st
Saint Basil is one of the founding fathers of the Greek Orthodox Church. Each year on his saints day, Greek households celebrate a “renewal of the waters” by emptying all the water jugs in the house and refilling them with blessed water.
Saint Knut
Saints Day- January 13th
Saint Knut’s Day marks the official end of the Christmas season in Sweden. Saint Knut was originally King Knut IV (1080-1086) and made famous by his generous nature. On Tjugondag Knut, families sing a special song while tossing their Christmas tree outside.
Sources:
Barth, Edna. Holly, Reindeer and Colored Lights: The Story of the Christmas Symbols. New York: Clarion Books, 1971.
Lankford, Mary. Christmas Around the World. New York: Morrow Junior Books, 1995.
Wernecke, Herbert. Christmas Customs Around The World. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.
