St. Nicholas's, angels and devils visit Czech children
Those are the footsteps, voices and rattling chains of a memorable trio who visited children all across the Czech Republic on Sunday night. This was the annual celebration of St. Nicholas's Day or "Mikulas", commemorating the third century saint who was persecuted for his beliefs as Bishop of Myra in today's Turkey. St. Nicholas was known for his zealous defense and advancing of Christianity, and a host of holy deeds, such as helping sailors and fishermen in distress, ensuring people had enough food in times of famine and defending widows, children and all those persecuted and mistreated. Kate Barrette has more on St. Nicholas and his special day which for many marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the Czech Republic.
December 5th is a day of mixed emotions for children in the Czech Republic. Just imagine how you would feel at the age of 5 - if you knew you St. Nicholas would be coming to your house that night, along with an angel - and would reward you if you had been good - but that a frightening devil with red horns and a shaggy fur coat would also be coming to the door, -that he would be giving you coal and potatoes if you had been bad - and might even take you away. What if you weren't quite sure which category your behaviour fell into that year?
Traditionally, St. Nicholas quizzed children on the prayerbook and the Bible when he came to visit. Today, the questions are mostly about the previous year's behaviour. The angel writes a record for each child in a large book. The devil rattles his chains, threatening to carry bad children off, but the angel, with a gold star on her forehead and dressed in a white gown, protects the children.
But most Czech adults, who've made it through a childhood of this tradition unscathed, and break into warm smiles when they talk about it, assure me that St. Nicholas usually prevails on his feast day, and rewards children with gifts in his kind way. But he's no pushover. Czech children must first sing for the saint who may give them a word or two of advice. Somehow he seems to know exactly what's been going on in their lives.
This little one's song was certainly good, but Mikulas adds that he knows the toddler still seems to be sucking his thumb this year.
Mikulas also knows that this little singer also doesn't like to wear sweaters - so they have to have a little chat about that as well.
Poor little Eliska has just met the devil or 'cert', who asks the angel whether he should take Eliska away because she has been bad this year. Luckily Mikulas steps in - saying the devil cannot take her anywhere!
