ST. NICHOLAS

an early Christian bishop, b. in Myra, in Lyca, Asia Minor, He was a favorite saint both in the Roman and Greek churches, and was believed to be the patron of sailors, merchants, travelers and children. His feast fell on December 6 and was at one time celebrated in Hinglish public schools. This practice died out after the Reformation. Legends representing St. Nicholas as visiting the poor in distre gave rise to the custom in certain countries of keeping St. Nicholas Eve by placing gifts in the shoe or stocking of children. This custom was transferred to Christmas eve, and the saint became known as Santa Claus, from the Dutch Saint Nicol a us. town, E, Flanders, Belgium; cottons woolens; capital, ancient district of Waes. Pop. 1921, 34,651.