In the run up to global Christmas festivities, the feast of Saint Nicholas can sometimes get overlooked but in some countries it’s even more important than Christmas Day. The way this holiday is celebrated differs from country to country. Working effectively across cultures during this festive season in countries where Saint Nicholas is celebrated requires knowing more about the holiday and how it impacts business.
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So who is Saint Nicholas and why is this holiday more important than Christmas in some places? A very religious man, Nicholas lived in the 4th century and dedicated his life to serving God. While he was still a young man he was made Bishop of Myra which is now part of modern day Turkey. He became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships. Saint Nicholas died on 6 December 343 and so he is now celebrated on this day in different ways around the world.
Here are a few examples of how Saint Nicholas is celebrated across cultures:
Netherlands
In the Netherlands the feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated on the evening of 5 December. This celebration is traditionally the primary occasion for gift-giving around the holidays. In the weeks leading up to this evening, young children put their shoes in front of the fireplace and sing Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) songs. Often they put a carrot or some hay in the shoes, as a gift to Saint Nicholas’ horse. The next morning they will find a small present in their shoes, ranging from sweets to marbles or some other small toy. On the evening of Saint Nicholas they will find a big bag in front of their door with many presents. At work, colleagues may exchange small gifts in the lead up to and on the day of Saint Nicholas. Christmas Day is typically a much quieter occasion and involves a nice family meal and possibly a church service.
France
Saint Nicholas in France is celebrated on 6 December. According to a French myth, three children got lost in a forest and were found by a wicked butcher who then took them to his shop and hid them in a barrel. Six years later they were rescued by Saint Nicholas, so in France they now celebrate the occasion by giving gingerbread men and small gifts on 6 December. Saint Nicholas typically comes in the regions of Alsace, Lorraine and Nord-Pas-de-Calais and may be as well-known in other parts of the country. In Saint Nicolas de Port, a French town named for Saint Nicholas and home to a large basilica dedicated to him, thousands of faithful come on pilgrimage on 6 December to celebrate with festive music and a parade of beautiful floats.
Italy
In Italy Saint Nicholas is the patron of the city of Bari, where some believe he is buried. Many say that the Basilica di San Nicola holds the remains of Saint Nicholas, brought over from Myra in Turkey. Celebrations in honour of Saint Nicholas tend to take place between 7 and 9 May rather than December and are referred to as the Festa di San Nicola. Saint Nicholas is also celebrated by giving small gifts to children on the morning of 6 December as well as a fair called Fiera di San Nicolo during the first weeks of December. Depending on the cultural background of some families, this celebration is more important than Christmas.
Germany
In Roman Catholic areas of the southern parts of Germany, such as Bavaria, ‘Sankt Nikolaus’ is still pictured as a bishop with a flowing white beard and a bishop’s miter and staff. He is said to appear in the company of Knecht Ruprecht (Krampus), ‘Knecht’ meaning ‘servant’. Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure who wore a tattered robe and carried a big sack on his back in which, as a legend says, he would put all naughty children. Saint Nicholas will give well-behaved children sweets or small gifts to reward them for being good. It is also common in Germany to have plays in schools and hospitals that depict the story of Saint Nicholas. On the evening before Saint Nicholas Day, children put letters to the good saint along with carrots or other food for his white horse or donkey on a plate or in their shoes.
Other Countries
Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated in many countries that have been influenced bv Dutch, German or Ukrainian culture over the years. In these places there are often festivals in churches which involve Saint Nicholas appearing to greet children, give instructions or encouragement and hand out treats.
Both the North American Santa Claus and the British Father Christmas are legendary figures whose attributes derive from the myths surrounding Saint Nicholas. The name Santa Claus evolved from Saint Nicholas’ Dutch nickname, ‘Sinterklaas’, a shortened form of Saint Nikolas.
The way the festive period is celebrated around the world can significantly influence international business. Showing an awareness of the cultural traditions that form part of these festive celebrations around the world will help you to make a positive impression when working effectively across cultures and build better relationships with your international counterparts.
Make sure you understand and respect the festive traditions of the country you are working in as this will reduce the risk of frustration and misunderstandings with your colleagues and help you to build better relationships.
Season’s Greetings!
© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2012
© admin for Communicaid Blog | Cross Cultural Training and International Communication Skills, 2012. |
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Post tags: Christmas, festive season, France, Germany, holiday, Italy, Netherlands, Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Working effectively across cultures
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