Saint Nicholas
This section contains :
1.
Information on the origin of St Nicholas.
This section gives a detailed explanation of the
origin of Saint Nicholas and how the veneration of this saint spread from Asia
Minor to Europe. It explains why St. Nicholas day is on the 6th of
December.
2.
Information on St Nicholas celebrations.
This explains how the custom of giving presents on
the 6th of December came about.
3.
What does St Nicholas looks like.
This explains the clothes worn by St Nicholas in some
regions of Germany and Austria and how in other areas of Germany, he is just
known as "Nikolaus" and is more associated with Christmas.
4.
What happens on St Nicholas Day?
This
section explains the St Nicholas day customs.
5.
Ideas for celebrations in the classroom.
This section contains ideas for the German teacher
and the classroom teacher to make St Nicholas Day a special day at the school.
6.
Sayings and Poems. - Sprüche und Gedichte.
This
includes a selection of simple German sayings and poems from different parts of
Germany. It is important to note that some words differ from
book to book. The reason is that these poems were handed on by word
of mouth. Often people may not have remembered the exact words and
substituted others. As a result there are many variations of the same
poem.
Note : Backline masters of the first three poems are
available with illustrations and can be obtained by contacting the author at
Billanook Primary School. These poems can be enlarged for
display.
7.
Craft activities - Stiefel für den Nikolaus. 
This
section has a blackline master to make a special boot (pictured above) for St.
Nicholas celebrations at school.
Note : A blackline master for a stand-up St. Nicholas
can be obtained by contacting the author at Billanook Primary.
8.
St Nicholas Song - St. Nikolaus Lied
This
has the words of the St Nicholas song that the children really enjoy singing.
It is important to note, that some books have a few different variations on
certain words. The words used in this section are the same as on the
popular Heintje record called "Fröhliche Weihnacht überall" a
Polydor Record, distributed in Australia by Phonogram Recording Limited.
A blackline master of this song (with appropriate
illustrations depicting each verse) is available by contacting the author at
Billanook Primary School.
9. Resources
Back
to German Festivals and Celebrations