What have Santa Claus and St. Nicholas in common?

Serbian holidays are one of the most important Serbian features related to the history, tradition, spirit and customs of the Serbian people, and the holiday with the largest number of celebrants is Nicholas Day. December 19th is the day when half of Serbia celebrates, and the other half goes away. That is why, along with the New Year and Christmas, this day is considered a universal holiday in the Serbian people.

Who was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas is a historical figure from the 4th century AD. He was born in Patara (then Roman Empire) to father Theophanes and mother Nona, and later he was a bishop in the city of Myra. He was still a miracle worker during his lifetime, and in Christianity he is also known as Nicholas of Mirlikii or Nicholas the Wonderworker.


His image and work are respected in both Eastern and Western Christianity, and he is considered to be the protector of travelers, prisoners, the poor, but also of all other layers of society, especially children. He is one of the earliest saints who was celebrated throughout Europe. Holidays and Serbian celebrations dedicated to this saint are December 19, May 22 and every Thursday.

How did Saint Nicholas become Santa Claus?

Although many religious analysts do not agree with the idea that Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus have anything in common, a large number of people believe that Saint Nicholas served as an inspiration for the creation of the character of Santa Claus. It is interesting that in the gate of the church of St. Nicholas in the city of Mira, there is a statue of this saint in the form of Santa Claus, with the obligatory bag full of gifts for children.


Namely, from his life, which also tells about how Saint Nicholas gave gifts to three daughters of a poor man, the custom of giving gifts at Christmas arose. One of the important features of the Christmas holiday is precisely that Christmas charity - giving gifts to the poor. In our Serbian customs, this mostly "secret" giver of gifts was called Božić Bata, until the Second World War, and after that period he became better known as Santa Claus.


Another fact that is why it is believed that St. Nicholas "became" Santa Claus is that in Western cultures the name Santa Claus (Santa Claus) actually came about by shortening the name Santa Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas).


Whatever the truth, one thing is certain, Saint Nicholas arrives in many Serbian homes before Santa Claus. In our nation, he has always been celebrated as a household saint and protector, and his protective role is the greatest gift for the host. However, on this day, there are also other gifts to celebrate.

These are the best gifts from Serbia for the celebrants of this Serbian glory

The best gifts from Serbia are Serbian products that are part of Serbian tradition and folklore. These products carry and transmit to new generations the spirit of the Serbian people, an important combination of their history and personal and collective identity, and are therefore perfect as gifts for the celebration.


For St. Nicholas' Day, as for all other Serbian holidays, the most valuable gift is an icon. This especially applies to young celebrants who are just starting to celebrate. From the usual ones to the most luxurious ones, this time we suggest something in between: the icon of St. Nikole made in the art workshop "Serbian Tradition - Šeli" is an original handiwork. It is made using a combined technique modeled on medieval icons, and the filigree processed metal is gold-plated, silver-plated and decorated with zircons. Original gifts for the glory of St. Nicholas can also be traditional Serbian products related to Serbian customs during festivities, such as flasks, buklia or flasks with the image of the saint.


In our online store, you will find other original gifts for the celebration, everything from čokanjčić to rugs, everything that can be included in this category - the best gifts from Serbia.