Nicholas Day, or the Feast of Saint Nicholas, is celebrated on December 6 and marks the anniversary of the death of the third-century Catholic saint. Miklavženje is an old custom that has been rooted in Slovenia for almost 200 years.
Saint Nicholas - Nicholas, whose name in Greek means the victory of the people, is a good man with a white beard, a staff and dressed in golden bishop's clothes. His character is based on a real historical figure known for his good deeds and solidarity.
Nicholas is said to have been born around 240 into a wealthy family. After the death of his parents, he distributed all his property among the poor. People therefore described him as a benefactor and patron of the poor. His uncle, with whom he grew up, inspired him to become a priest. After his death - on December 6, Nicholas - Miklavž became a legend due to his charity, which grew into a tradition as we know it today.
This holy man became the patron saint of the poor and children, as even today, as a judge, he sorts them into naughty and hardworking. Accompanied by hooves and little angels, he brings modest gifts to the children. Santa brings gifts on the night of December 5-6, every year on the same date.
His loudest companions are the hooves, which are the embodiment of evil. These were supposed to be the spirits of the dead in pagan times. They are supposed to go back among the people and check on their ancestors to see if they are doing good or bad. These are creatures with a terrifying appearance that instill fear in children as well as adults. Their task, however, is the same as in the past: to scare children into being more diligent and obedient. Angels are a symbol of good.
The arrival of Santa Claus makes us nostalgic for childhood. Even for today's generations, this holiday means anticipation, mood and fear, which is triggered by the ringing of chains, which means that everything turned out well and we were diligent this year.
