06/12/2022
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Some countries celebrate ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ข๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒ today โ (๐ก๐จ๐ฐ) ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ ๐ข๐ญ? ๐
For us, a global organization with team members distributed around the globe, itยดs surprising to see how certain traditions are celebrated differently โ even within the countries themselves.
Generally, Saint Nicholas Day, observed on 5 December or on 6 December in Western Christian countries, and on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries using the old church Calendar is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra. Itยดs celebrated as a Christian festival with particular regard to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a bringer of gifts, as well as through the attendance of church services.
Our colleagues from ๐๐๐๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ are reporting no visit of St. Nicholas. This confirms also Wikipedia that claims โeven though Saint Nicolas is a Christmas traditional figure across all the French territory, the important celebrations on 6 December are limited to certain regions of northern and eastern France.โ
In ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ค๐ข๐, according to tradition, St. Nicholas is accompanied by an angel and โChortโ (ฤert /demonic creature). Children receive some candies for their good deeds from St. Nicholas (Mikulรกลก) and potatoes or coal from Chort for their sins. Our team seems to be good, polite, and helpful (like all colleagues around the world are! ๐) โ as there was a sweet surprise waiting for us in the office.
For those curious about traditions in other countries see e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas_Day
๐ How is it in your region? Happy to learn about your traditions!