Romania celebrates St. Nicholas (Sfantul Nicolae in Romanian) on December 6. This is one of the most eagerly awaited holidays of the year, especially by children, as traditionally small gifts are given and the day marks the start of the winter holiday season. Saint Nicholas is the spiritual patron of Greece, Russia and of many cities in Eastern Europe. People names Nicolae, Nicu, Nicoleta celebrate their name day on this occasion.

According to the tradition in Romania, St. Nicholas comes with gifts on the night of December 5. He puts the gifts in everyone’s newly cleaned boots, except those who have been naughty, who receive a whip instead.

St. Nicholas and his miraculous gifts is one of the most well-known and best loved tales in the Christian tradition. St. Nicholas is also known as ‘The Wonderworker.’

If it snows on December 6, the tradition says that St. Nicholas has shaken his beard so the winter can start.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com