6. December
Since the Middle Ages the name day of Saint Nicholas on 6 is December is a day of children. The historical St. Nicholas served as bishop of Myra, in Turkey today, and was known for his charity. Also a friend of the Holy Child in force around the year 350 died, probably at a 6th December. His bones were allegedly stolen in 1087 by Italian sailors from the now grown Islamic Myra and brought to Bari in Puglia.
Dispositor Custom of St. NicholasThe clandestine insertion of apples, nuts and sweets in the night of 5 attributed to Nicholas, even Martin Luther himself has practiced in his family until 1535. With the transfer of Schenk date for Christmas, but the custom was continued in most Protestant regions or spread to Christmas and the Christ Child. The dispositor custom in the West seems to have developed with the students and act in parallel to the legend ludus episcopi puerorum. The "insertion" of the gifts is probably derived from the legendary "loading" of gold ingots in the house of three girls. The thrown down the chimney / inlaid gold has become entangled in the old tradition in the fireplace hung up to dry socks for girls. In Anglo-Saxon sphere of influence are therefore socks or shoes - smart kids use so voluminous boots - usual "receiving container. In Catholic regions in the 17th Century of dispositor custom replaced by the customary retreat.
The best-known custom of Saint Nicolas is that the children put their polished shoes or socks on the eve of the window or the door of St. Nicholas and this fills the night with candy and small gifts. Even in an old verse reads: "St. Nicholas, a lie to me, whatever may be your good will." Apple, walnut and almond kernels, all children love to eat. "