Nikolaus

E52441

Nikolaus is the traditional German figure based on Saint Nicholas who brings small gifts to children on the eve of December 6th.

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Statements (49)

Predicate Object
instanceOf cultural tradition
folkloric figure
alsoKnownAs Santa Claus
surface form: Heiliger Nikolaus

Santa Claus
surface form: Sankt Nikolaus
appearsIn German folklore
children’s stories
seasonal school and church events
asksChildrenTo recite poems
sing songs
associatedObject boots filled with gifts
shoes placed outside the door
associatedWith Advent season
Christian traditions
Saint Nicholas Day
surface form: Nikolaustag

winter customs
associatedWithDate 6 December
basedOn Saint Nicholas of Myra
brings chocolate
fruit
nuts
small gifts
sweets
carries bishop’s staff
celebratedIn Austria
Germany
Switzerland
parts of Central Europe
contrastedWith Weihnachtsmann
culturalRegion German-speaking Europe
giftsTo children
hasCompanion Knecht Ruprecht
Krampus
hasCulturalOrigin Germany
hasFeastDay 6 December
influenced modern Santa Claus traditions in German-speaking areas
linkedTo Saint Nicholas’ feast day
practicedBy Christian families
secular families in German-speaking countries
rewardCriterion good behavior of children
roleInTradition bringer of gifts
symbolizes care for children
charity
generosity
typicalActivity reciting stories about Saint Nicholas
visiting homes
visiting schools
visitsOn eve of 6 December
wears bishop’s vestments
mitre

Referenced by (2)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.