Svätý Mikuláš is coming
December 6 is the feast of Mikuláš. It’s not a holiday but it’s ranked high by most children in Slovakia as a special day to look forward to. Children often wake up to finding a chocolate figure or some other small gifts in their shoes that have been cleaned the night before. It’s also common to receive peanuts or tangerines if they are available in stores. If someone has not been a good boy or girl they might receive a potato or a wooden spoon in place of the good stuff. Traditions vary from region to region.
Actually festivities begin the night fall before, on December 5. I remember when I lived in my small town in Slovakia seeing two teenagers dressed as an angel and the other as a devil. They walked down neighborhood streets to remind children the consequences of being good or bad. It’s also possible that children dress up as angels or devils on the 6th.
Last year while I was in Slovakia on December 6, I heard bells jingling only to look out and see the mayor of the town riding down main street in a small kočiar – carriage with Mikuláš and angels and devils following behind. They were headed for the main square where they gave small gifts to the town children.
“Mikuláš” is the Slovak (and Czech) version of the name “Nicholas”. The feast of Saint Nicholas is still an important day for many Christians as it celebrates the life of Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. He had a reputation for gift giving, particularly to children. He is of course, also referred to as “Saint Nick” and even as Santa Clause here in the US, but that isn’t the case with the Slovak Mikuláš.
Santa Clause, the character most often associated with secular Christmas traditions in many parts of the world, isn’t as popular in Slovakia, though most Slovaks are familiar with him through global commercialism. In Slovakia, Santa Clause doesn’t bring presents to children at Christmas time, Ježíško – baby Jesus does.
Of course, during the times of communism, anything connected with Jesus or religion was strongly discouraged. Therefore, Dedo Mráz – Father Frost was introduced from the cultural link with the Soviet Union. The character of Father Frost comes from the Russian lore of Ded Moroz (Дед Мороз). Dedo Mráz wasn’t ever really popular in Slovakia, so I’ve been told, and it seems that he has disappeared altogether from Slovak life as Ježíško has made a place for himself once again as the source of Christmas.
Mikuláš is special though, separate from Christmas. Even though I’m in my 30s, I still receive goody bags from most of my Slovak in-laws. I did once receive a small potato wrapped in foil but it was more of a gag-gift, or at least I hope so… .
