Mikuláš | Vysvetlenie nášho sviatku po anglicky

Mikuláš je za nami a deti sa tešia zo sladkostí. Vedel si o tom, že v anglicky hovoriacich krajinách túto tradíciu nemajú. Pre. nich je 6. december bežný deň. Vysvetlime si, čo obsahuje tradícia „Mikuláša“ po anglicky.

In Slovakia, as in many other European countries, the 6th of December is associated with the celebration of St. Nicholas Day. This tradition is deeply rooted in Slovak culture and is a time when families come together to commemorate the life of St. Nicholas and engage in festive activities.

St. Nicholas, or „Sväty Mikuláš“ in Slovak, is a figure who is often portrayed as an old man with a white beard, wearing a bishop’s robe and carrying a pastoral staff. According to tradition, St. Nicholas is accompanied by two companions: an angel and a devil. These characters play a central role in the St. Nicholas Day celebrations.

On the evening of the 5th of December, children in Slovakia often clean and polish their boots and place them by the window or door. They eagerly await the arrival of St. Nicholas, who is believed to visit homes during the night. If children have been well-behaved throughout the year, St. Nicholas fills their boots with sweets, fruits, and small gifts. However, if they have been naughty, the devil might leave a twig or a piece of coal instead.

In some regions of Slovakia, St. Nicholas is impersonated by someone in the community who dresses up as the saint and visits homes, schools, or public spaces. This person, often accompanied by individuals portraying the angel and the devil, interacts with children and distributes small gifts and treats.

The celebration of St. Nicholas Day is not only a time for gift-giving but also for reflection on one’s behavior and virtues. The tradition emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, and moral conduct. Families may gather for special meals, and communities often organize events and parades to mark the occasion.

Overall, St. Nicholas Day in Slovakia is a cherished tradition that brings joy and a sense of community as people come together to celebrate, share gifts, and reinforce positive values among the younger generation.