Czech Christmas tradition of
Saint Nicholas, devil and angel
There is in Czech and Slovak republic Christmas tradition of Saint Nicholas, devil and
angel. This is children´s tradition and it is every year in December from 5 to 6 in the
evening. This evening Saint Nicholas with beautiful white angel and bad, black, ugly and
hairy devil with long red tongue come to our home with sweets and little presents for
children. When they come to the house, children must sing some song or poem for Saint
Nicholas, when children were good and nice to parents all year, Saint Nicholas and angel
awarded them (sweets, presents), but when they were naughty, devil took them to his
sack/bag and says that he would carry children to hell as punishment. Traditions
associated with Saint Nicholas aren´t only in the Czech and Slovak republic, for example
Santa Claus was truncation from name Sain Nicholas, this traditions are always
connected with giving presents and sweets to children.
Saint Nicholas-Mikuláš:
How does he look like?
St.Nicholas is a senior bishop with long
white beard, he has golden stick and he
wore episcopal suit.
In history:
St. Nicholas was about year 300 bishop
of Myra in Lycia. He was very popular
among the people, because he was
generous to people who needed and he
was defender of the faith against
paganism.
St. Nicholas is one of the most venerated
saints of Chtistianity.
Devil:
How does he look like?
Devil is usually very ugly. He is black
and hairy on all body and he dressed a
fur coat. He had one foot and one hoof,
red tongue, two horns on the head and
long black tail.
In history, in the world:
Devil is a being of Slavic mythology. He
lives in Hell with more devils and one
major devil- Lucifer. He leaves hell to
get the soul of bad people and then souls
were in hell tortured forever.
Angel:
How does she look like?
Angels are very nice and beautiful. She
had white dress, white or gold hair and
two white angel wings.
In history, in the world:
Angel is a mythical supernatural
spiritual being, she is helper of God. She
lives in heaven. And she serves as a
messenger between people and god.
Prausová Natálie