When we hear “St Nicholas”, the figure of a white-bearded stout man, clothed in a vibrant red robe with a sack of toys on his back, instantly springs to mind. But who is St. Nicholas and how did he become associated with Santa Claus or is he the same person?
St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop during the Roman Empire hailing from Myra, a city in what is now modern-day Turkey. Born into a wealthy family, Nicholas was known for his acts of kindness and generosity from a young age. One of the most famous stories about him tells of his secret gift-giving, where he provided dowries to three impoverished sisters, saving them from a life of destitution. This act of benevolence earned him a reputation as the protector of children, sailors, merchants, the poor, and even the thieves and pawnbrokers.
The association between St. Nicholas and gift-giving continued to grow over the centuries, especially in European countries where his feast day is widely celebrated on December 6. The Dutch, for example, embraced the tradition of Sinterklaas, a figure based on St. Nicholas, who brought gifts to children on the eve of his feast day. The Dutch settlers brought this tradition to America, where Sinterklaas eventually transformed into the iconic Santa Claus.
St Nicholas on Coins and Banknote
In 2016, the National Bank of Ukraine issued a 5-hryvnia coin to commemorate the St. Nicholas Day, featuring the saint’s image above a rainbow of toys with Ukraine’s coat of arms on the obverse. The reverse depicts happy children with toys in their hands.
A 1-ruble nickel plated steel coin was also issued by Transnistria in 2015, highlighting the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tiraspol on its reverse. The commemorative coin is part of the Orthodox Monasteries and Churches series and displays the state emblem of Transnistria on the obverse..
Saint Nicholas is also depicted on the Roman bronze coin of Nicaea which is included in the All Saints coin collection, showing notable saints of Catholicism..
On the back of the Rusia 10,000 Ruble banknote is the Saint Nicholas Tower or NIkolskaya which is named after St Nicholas, the protector of sailors. The tower stands at the entryway to the Port of La Rochelle along with the Lantern Tower and the Chain Tower. The reverse of the note also shows the Savior’s Tower, the Senate Tower, and the Corner Arsenal Tower while the obverse displays the Senate Tower.
