About PataraPatara Beach
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Saint Nicholas
One story tells of a poor man with three daughters.
In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands
something of value—a
dowry
. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman
would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely
to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore
destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different
occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed
dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said
to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry.
This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting
out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes
the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That
is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one
of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.
Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.
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The
true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during
the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey.
His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian,
died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus'
words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas
used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and
the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made
Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became
known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need,
his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Another
story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way
to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them,
hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that
Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this
very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned
the innkeeper. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys
were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told
of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured,
and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears and appeals
to God to return them to life and to their families. And so St.
Nicholas is the patron and protector of children