Ever wonder why Santa Claus wears red? St. Nicholas was a Catholic bishop, and the color red is associated with the episcopy even to this day.
St. Nicholas gave to the poor, not to overprivilaged kids who may indeed be on the naughty list.
Speaking of the naughty list, it is fascinating that an anti-Irish anti-Catholic Protestant, Thomas Nast, probably brought about the secularization of American Christmas more than any other person. His portrayal(Right) of Santa Claus(Saint Nicholas - Klaus is the German/Dutch nickname) as a fat, drunk, "jolly" Dutchman is where America got the stereotypical version of Santa Claus we have today.
Below: Saint Nicholas Saves Three Innocents from Death (oil painting by Ilya Repin, 1888, State Russian Museum).
In the time of Emperor Constantine, all was not peaceful in the empire. When unrest would break out, soldiers would be sent to restore order. Some such soldiers were on shore leave in Andriaki, the port which served Myra. As they were in the marketplace, disputes began and there was some disturbance and looting. Bishop Nicholas went to the port to help settle the trouble. On his way back to the city, he saw people crying and saying, "If you had been in the city three innocent men would not have been handed over to death, as they have been ordered beheaded." Nicholas ran to the place, asking if the men were still alive. The three men were in position-faces covered, hands bound behind, expecting death. The executioner's sword was up and ready to fall. Nicholas fearlessly grabbed the sword, throwing it down. The freed men went on their way while Nicholas sought to have the charges against them cleared.
The St. Nicholas Center also has a preview of a movie in production on the life of St. Nicholas titled "Nicholas of Myra"
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