Thursday, October 18, 2018

Santa Claus Asheville NC And Saint Nicholas

By Mary Moore


While there are many stories related to holiday traditions, there is one legend that is believed to have been the one which created the idea of a whimsical Santa Claus Asheville NC was born. For, there was a Saint Nicholas whom lived and died in Asia Minor during the period between 270 and 343 A. D.

Thanks to the miracles due to the intercession of Saint Nicholas, the saint is also known as Wonderworker. While this is the case, a number of the miracles are now seen as acts of kindness rather than being associated with miraculous events. Still, there were other acts which were clearly those of miracles.

The secrecy with regards to the sharing of gifts is most likely the tradition closest to the Christian holiday celebrated around the world on December 25th. For, while most often Santa Claus is a story for children, adults tend to celebrate the birth of Christ by the Virgin Mary. While this is the case, the known history related to the real Saint Nicholas is lacking in a number of areas.

One of the first miracles attributed to Saint Nicholas is having saved three young ladies from a life of sin and prostitution. In doing so, the saint dropped bags of gold coins outside the window of each girl for three nights so the father of the girls could provide a dowry for each one in order to attract husbands.

One legend suggest the saint once made a long pilgrimage to Egypt and Palestine. While in the area, the saint is believed to have become the Bishop of Myra. Most often, this is believed to be the case. Whereas, there are others whom suggest the position was short lived as it is also reported that the saint had been imprisoned during this time.

In regards to internment in prison, there is some confusion. For, there are also a list of accomplishments regarding the saint during that time. In one case, it appears Saint Nicholas attended the First Council of Nicea in 325 A. D. At the same time, there is no mention of the saint either having been spoken by those at the council, or any documents suggesting the saint was present.

When it comes to legends, one of the most bizarre suggest Saint Nicholas had resurrected three murdered children whom, if the saint had not done so would been pickled and sold. The story told by locals, suggest the killer was going to sell the pickled children to a local butcher to sell the villagers as pork during a severe famine.

To celebrate the life and miracles of the saint, the Saint Nicholas Church was built in honor of the saint. After which, the remains of Saint Nicholas were placed in a sarcophagus in the church. Later, the bones of the Saint were enshrined in the Basillica in the hometown of Saint Nicholas.




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