Saint Nicholas Day

Today there will be a post on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day. How is it in France with this day?

On December 6, many homes in the North East of France celebrate Saint Nicholas Day. A celebration in homage to Nicholas of Myra, which rewards children who have been good with an orange and gingerbread.

From the evening of December 5, the children put down at the foot of the christmas tree, a glass of milk or mulled wine for Saint Nicholas and a carrot for his mule.

In France, Saint Nicolas is celebrated in particular in Lorraine (the administrative region of Grand Est), in the Ardennes (the Grand Est region of northeastern France), Hauts-de-France (the northernmost region of France) and in Franche-Comté (the region of eastern France). Traditionally in Alsace, we taste the Männele, a brioche shaped like the saint. It is called Manala in the Haut-Rhin. It can be enriched with raisins or chocolate chips. Oranges and mandarins bring a sour flavor.

On the night of December 5 to 6, the Saint Nicholas slips into family fireplaces to drop off gifts and sweets for good children. Chocolates, dried fruits but also and above all gingerbread bearing his effigy! The Father Whipper follows St.Nicholas and he is in charge of distributing much less attractive gifts, such as charcoal, potatoes or onions.

As you can see, the tradition of Saint Nicholas in France does not differ that much from those that are present in other European countries.
And you got your gift from Saint Nicholas? 😀





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