December 2010

Mon Bon Saint-Nicolas!

Saint Nicolas, patron saint and protector of small children and Lorraine is celebrated every December 6, especially in eastern and northern France and in many countries in Europe.

The legend of Santa Claus was created from the character of Saint Nicolas. It's sort of the forerunner of Santa Claus.
The story says that the figure of Saint Nicolas is inspired by Nicolas of Myra, also known as Nicolas de Bari. He was born in Patara in Asia Minor between 250 and 270 AD. He died Dec. 6, in 345 or 352 in the port city of Myra in Asia Minor. is one of the most popular saints in Greece and the Latin Church.
He was Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. His life and actions are surrounded by legends.
After his death, Saint Nicolas has fueled a host of legends that reflect his generous personality.
Each episode of his life gave rise to rise to a sponsorship or a brotherhood of a profession or region.
Saints is one of the most often depicted in religious iconography: the stained glass windows of churches, in paintings, statue, on firebacks, images d'Epinal, etc. ... Legends provided rich material for printmakers.
Saint Nicolas, a bishop in his suit teamed with a sinister character, the bogeyman. The latter, dressed all in black was not the best role since it is responsible for distributing the cudgel to urchins.
The Saint Nicolas is also the opportunity for children to receive gifts three weeks before Santa Claus does not pass in the chimneys.

The Legend of St. Nicolas is that the saint has risen three small

children who came ask hospitality from a butcher. The latter received them and took advantage of their sleep to cut into pieces and put them in salting. Seven years later, Saint Nicolas passing by asked the butcher to serve him this little salty seven years old. Terrorized the butcher fled and Saint Nicolas children brought back to life. This legend is the origin of a famous song :

"They were three small children who were going
glean the fields
Both are gone, as are
That came in the evening were lost

They went to the butcher
Boucher, would you accommodate us?

They had three children who went
glean the fields
No sooner had they entered
That butcher killed the
has cut into little pieces
Up to swine as salting

There were three small children who were going
glean the fields
Saint Nicolas after seven years
came to pass in this field
knocked the butcher
Boucher, would you accommodate me?

They had three children
who went to glean fields
Come in, come Saint Nicolas
There is room, there is no lack
He was no sooner entered it
asked supper

They were three little children Who will
would glean the fields
From little salty, I want it
seven years ago in what the salting
When the butcher heard that
Outside the door he fled

There were three small
children who went to glean fields
Butcher, butcher, do not run away
Repent, God will forgive you
Saint Nicolas sat down
On the edge of this salting

There were three small children who were going
glean the fields
Little children who sleep there
I am the great Saint Nicolas
And the Holy extending three fingers
Small rise every three

They were three grandchildren
who went to glean fields
The first said "I slept well"
The second said, "And me too"
And the third said "I'm in Heaven"

http:/ / www.fete-enfants.com/saint-nicolas-enfants/saint-nicolas-enfants.html