Nicholas served as bishop of Myra, a coastal city in what is now Turkey, in the early 4th century. Little is documented with certainty about his life, but tradition consistently remembers him for extraordinary generosity, most famously for secretly providing dowries to save three poor sisters from being sold into servitude, and for his particular care for children and sailors.
His feast on December 6 became associated across Europe with gift-giving to children, a custom that, filtered through Dutch "Sinterklaas" traditions brought to America, evolved into the modern figure of Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas of Myra
Bishop and Gift-Giver
A 4th-century bishop of Myra known for generosity and secret gift-giving, whose legend became the basis for the modern Santa Claus tradition.
- Born
- 270
- Died
- 343
- Birthplace
- Patara (in modern Turkey)
- Died in
- Myra (in modern Turkey)
- Country
- Turkey
- Century
- 4th century
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Nicholas of Myra
Saint Nicholas is invoked by and on behalf of children, and by sailors and travelers seeking safe passage.
