Events: Mikolajki - Santa Claus
Category: Traditional Celebrations
Mikolajki
Making a list of reasons to move to Poland? Or just wondering why go to Krakow in the dull, cold, snowy (or rainy) month of December – and coming on Christmas is not a possibility because all the hotels and hostels are already booked? Here's one good reason: in Krakow, Santa Claus comes twice in one month – not only on Christmas Day, but also some two weeks before that, on the day of the Mikolajki. The Polish celebrate name days throughout the year, when it is your name day it is similiar to the way westerners celebrate birthdays. A special day, and on December 6th its the name day of Nicholas (Niklas), which means it kinda like Santa's birthday, except you get the presents.
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| The Polish celebrate name days, and December 6th is the Nicholas's name day |
The Origin of Mikołajki
December 6th – the day dubbed 'Mikołajki' – is the traditional feast day of St. Nicholas of Myra, the Christian model of Santa Claus. The tradition of giving presents on Christmas is more of Anglo-Saxon origin, and was at some point adopted by the Polish (the same thing happened with St. Valentine's Day). But since gift-giving doesn't mean fasting or other forms of mortifying oneself, the Polish thought: why not keep Mikolajki, and just give more presents?
How to Get a Gift on Mikolajki – a Guide
Life isn't that simple – you need to work to get your gift on Mikolajki. According to the tradition, when St. Nicholas walks around your neighborhood on the December 6th night, he peers into the windows in search of... shoes and boots. If they are clean, he will put a small gift inside. However, should they be dirty, Santa Claus will punish you with a rotten potato – so no matter what state you left your shoes in in the evening, remember to examine them on the Mikolajki morning before putting them on.
Mikolajki in Krakow
Though Mikolajki is usually considered most attractive for children, most of the Krakow Clubs organize special parties on that day, and you may find the bartender particularly generous. And, obviously, it is advised that you give presents to anyone you know – it won't be forgotten.
Point to note
Some Poles firmly believe that Santa only comes once a year and it is infact the angels that are responsible for placing the presents under the Christmas tree at Christmas not Santa. Although this is highly debatable and should not be raised at the dinner table.
Date
Date: 6th December Annually
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