⁣⁢Saint Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Myra, is celebrated on December 6th, in eastern France, in Lorraine and Alsace, and also in other European countries (Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands). His legend is known by everyone in these regions!⁤⁣

The Legend of Saint Nicholas

⁣⁢Legend has it that 3 children went gleaning in the fields and got lost. They found a lit house and asked for hospitality; The butcher who was there agreed, and as soon as they entered, the 3 children were killed by the butcher and put in the brine tub.⁤⁣

⁣⁢Later, Saint Nicholas, passing through the fields, asked the same butcher for hospitality. The butcher agreed, and Saint Nicholas asked to taste the salted meat; The butcher, realizing he had been discovered, fled. Saint Nicholas approached the brine tub and resurrected the 3 children within.⁤⁣

⁣⁢To punish the butcher, Saint Nicholas chained him to an ass, dressed him in black, and he became Père Fouettard (Father Whipper), who is known today for punishing disobedient children.⁤⁣

The Saint Nicholas Tradition in France

⁣⁢Each year, several towns in Eastern France like Nancy, Metz, Strasbourg, Colmar, ... celebrate Saint Nicholas during the first weekend of December with festivities, float parades, where Saint Nicholas walks with Père Fouettard, to distribute candies, gingerbread, and other sweets to good children. ⁤⁣

⁣⁢In Lorraine, thebishop of Myra is also celebrated with a grand torchlight procession in the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port.⁤⁣