Romanians celebrate Saint Nicolae (Nicholas) on December 6, when over 800,000 people also celebrate their name day. Nicolae, Nicu, Nicoleta, Niculina are the most common names of Romanian people who celebrate their name day on St. Nicholas.

The Saint is nowadays mostly known as the first gift giving event in December and the start of the winter holiday season. The tradition goes that children will find gifts in their boots on the Saint Nicholas morning. Those who have been naughty will receive a whip instead. The gifts are usually sweets and small items.

Saint Nicholas is actually the spiritual patron of Greece, Russia and of many cities in Eastern Europe. In the Christian tradition, Saint Nicholas is actually considered the real Santa. The saying goes it has magical powers and it performs miracles.

editor@romania-insider.com