Atmosphere exciting expectations, seasoned with flavors of mystery. Yes, the annual arrival of Nicholas accompanied by somewhat erratic devil is in the Czech and Moravian regions, one of the finest tradition. And who would at least once a year nezavzpom�nal what it was during his childhood?

As with curiosity and a slight chill in the back expecting a visit to a fairy tale. Worthy and gifts dealer Nicholas, kind of an angel, but also chain-rattling devil who could arrange that instead of sweets get a piece of coal. If, however, we did not regret his mischief enough. They're coming? It was and still is the most common question children on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas, ie on December 5.

Nicholas with the devil not only have fun. Their characters also carry the educational element, because personify two opposites: good and evil. The symbolism penetrates into the mind of a child, and suggests that the good is paying off.

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Santa Claus tradition in the Czech Republic survived from the 14th century. Often, however, forget that figure with the bishop's miter on his head and a scepter in his hand, has real historical origin. It was the Saint Nicholas, who around the year 300 he became bishop in ancient Myra. The ruins of this once we found the exhibition center on the southern coast of Turkey in Antalya province today. Saint known for generosity, held unjustly prosecuted and the propagator of faith. At the time of the persecution of Christians also tasted the hardships of prison.

Nicholas died around the middle of the 4th century, according to legend, just 6 December. He was buried in Myra, originally, in 1087, however, his remains were transferred to Bari Italian sailors, to protect them from Muslim conquerors decaying Byzantine Empire. The relic is located in the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in southern Italy.

Nicholas Czechification name is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos. To the west is the cult of St. Nicholas gradually spread mainly from Russia, whose patron saint is and where he was worshiped as early as the eighth century.