 Vintage Postcard St Nicholas Center Collection |
 1948 Postcard St Nicholas Center Collection |
In some Slovakian towns and villages, St. Nicholas, or Svaty Mikuláš arrives in a horse drawn coach, along with an angel and the devil who rattles a chain. Waiting children fill the streets with singing and dancing. St. Nicholas has a present for each child. In some villages he visits each home.
On St. Nicholas Eve all the children carefully polish their boots to leave on the windowsill or at the doorstep. In the morning they hope to find a nice surprise and not the dreaded coal. Traditional treats include apples, nuts, pears, or an orange.
The next evening older boys dress up as Mikuláš with his companions, an angel and a devil with chains and bells at the waist. The trio visits families with young children, giving more fruit, nuts and candies. The children first say a prayer or rhyme. In Bratislava the devil might give a potato instead of coal.
Some schools have a special "Mikul Mail," where children exchange greetings and small presents. There are small gifts for the teachers, too.
Recipe for Biskupsky Chelbicek (Slovakian Bishop's Bread)
 Vintage Postcard St Nicholas Center Collection |
