St, Nicholas is one of the most popular saints of the Christian Church. He is the patron saint of sailors,travelers,baker, merchants and especially children. Little is known about his life, except that he was a Bishop of Myra in Lycia on the coast of Asia-Minor. It is believed that he was born in Patara in Lycia. Some stories were told that he made a pilgrimage to Egypt and Palestine, that he was imprisoned during the Diocesan's persecution and released under Constantine. Many miracles were credited to him. Much of Europe still observes Dec. 6. the date of St. Nicholas death, as a special holiday. In time he became a patron saint of the children. On the night before the 6. of Dec. children but there shoes in front of the bedroom door. In hopes that St. Nick will live some candy. In the morning when they get up, they rush an see what St. Nick left them. If the children have been nice they will get candy. Naughty children may only get switches. 'With which their parents can spank them.' St. Nicholas always has a helper . In Germany it is Knecht Rubrecht. All the children love St. Nicholas , but they are some times afraid of his helper. His helper keeps track of the children who were good and who where bad. It could maybe be if they were real bad last year, that Knecht Ruprecht carry them away in the helpers bag till they are learn to be good. After Knecht Ruprecht helped St. Nicholas on Dec. 5.-6.; he will help the Christkind on Christmas eve to bring the presents. Dutch settlers in America continued to celebrate the day. Their name for Saint Nicholas was Sinterklass. This became then Santa Claus. Katharina _____________________________________________________________________________________ Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com