The popular figure of Father Christmas began its triumphant progress through the world several decades ago and, sitting on his sledge being pulled through the air by reindeers with red noses, has become the superhero of the Advent and Christmas periods. Across the country, older heroes and customs sank into obscurity and the whole of Europe was at his feet. The whole of Europe? No! A small part of the world put up resistance and diligently cultivated old Advent and Christmas traditions, keeping faith with its 'heroes'.
6th December
The Advent wreaths are out in homes, the first candles have been lit, Advent and Christmas songs are being dusted off. The previous evening saw evil spirits being driven away by rampaging Krampus demons and a feeling of security prevails once more in these dark days. The way is prepared for an old, very welcome guest.
A helper in hard times
His sumptuously embroidered, floor-length robe is brightly coloured, white and blue or red, with the obligatory gold, of course. A bishop's mitre and crook give away the fact that this is St. Nikolaus, who was so generous during his lifetime that he is still commemorated today. He become known as a helper in a variety of cases of hardship, long ago in Myra, where, in the first half of the 4th century, he was bishop and became the patron saint of children, students and sailors. A number of legends are woven around his good deeds and miracles. Thus he travels up and down the country every year and generously hands children oranges, nuts and dried fruit. In more recent times he keeps them happy with sweets and biscuits, too.
Ousted and forgotten?
There was a time when he got mixed up with Santa Claus, as this is what the superhero wanted. However, now there are more and more people who remember his real name and recognise the deep goodness in his heart. They know that St. Nikolaus doesn't fly, but slowly goes his own way. No one is afraid that St. Nikolaus might not reach them or forget them, and every village has its 'own' Nikolaus. There's no need for a flying superhero who does everything all by himself, for true happiness and the meaning of life lies in the hands of us all, says St. Nikolaus.
St. Nikolaus is remembered in lots of places with joyful processions, where he is accompanied through the streets by angels and (tamed) Krampus demons in order to remind us of the power of goodness.
Ask your
private landlord or landlady and in the tourist office about local Nikolaus processions. There follows a list, which is by no means exhaustive:
4.12.2015
St. Nicholas & Krampus
5.12.2015
Sterzing, Brixen Old Town, Klausen, Reschen, St. Valentin auf der Haide, Mals, Burgeis, Schleis, Laatsch, Tartsch, Schluderns, Glurns, Schlanders, Laas, Latsch, Goldrain, Tschars
6.12.2015
Feldthurns, Barbian, Schabs, Innichen, Vintl