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St. Nicolas
Saint of the day: Nicolas, Aurelie, Birgit
Word of the day: Hopes are like clouds: some go away, some give rain. (Arab)

 

There are many stories and legends about Saint Nicolas, one of the most popular saints. He lived 
300 AC in Anatolia and became bishop of Myra (Demre nowadays). He helped all people in danger or misery.

Thirteen soldiers to be executed were freed thanks to his efforts. He threw three golden apples through the window of a poor man's home so that he would not have to sell his daughters. He prayed with the sailors to avert a shipwreck and the boat arrived safely.

As a result of dearth, people waited anxiously for the boats bringing supplies. Heavy storms prevented them from coming ashore to avoid crashing against nearby rocks, so they headed to another port. Everyone was desperate, but Nicolas remained calm and prayed, and the wind shifted.
Another legend tells about a captain who wanted to bring his shipload to port. Nicolas negotiated with him to let people take some wheat, only in a quantity that would not cause the boat to move. He drew a line alongside the boat to show the water level. He then told a child with his empty bowl to go on board. The people took as much wheat as they could carry, but the level remained unchanged. "You see how heavy a child's hunger is" said Nicolas to the captain. "Now bring your shipload to destination, the owner will not be angry if you bring him less." 

Many traditions and customs are based on Saint Nicolas. The sweets for good children on St Nicolas day, and the present in their shoes. The Dutch Santa Claas who brings the gifts on December 6 (and not at Christmas). The apples hanging to the Christmas tree. Santa Claus with his red coat that reminds of a bishop's red dress. And the Austrian Krampuses, accompanying the Saint  - or rather the pagan Krampuses, accompanied by the Saint who turns the danger into good.

 

Birthdays: Alfred Eisenstaedt, Peter Handke
six of our friends - two of our ancestors

 

Event: 1791 : Funeral of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who is buried in a common grave for the poor at the St. Marx cemetery in Vienna. As nobody attended his funeral, the exact location of his grave is unknown.