WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
St. Nicholas / His Legend and His Rôle in the Christmas Celebration and Other Popular Customs cover

St. Nicholas / His Legend and His Rôle in the Christmas Celebration and Other Popular Customs

By George Harley McKnight
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - OtherHistory - Religious

About This Book

The book surveys the life story and accumulated legends surrounding St. Nicholas, combining biographical sketches with popular miracle tales and devotional episodes. It traces how his charitable acts and symbolic roles became woven into regional festivals and winter customs, exploring variants such as gift-bringing figures and boy-bishop rituals. Attention is given to his patronage associations, supposed interventions, and possible pre-Christian influences, as well as to artistic representations and stained-glass and fresco imagery that shaped popular memory. Chapters compile folklore, liturgical observance, and visual materials to explain the saint's role in the development of modern Christmas traditions.

About the Author

McKnight, George Harley portrait

George Harley McKnight

George Harley McKnight was an author known for his exploration of cultural traditions, particularly those surrounding Christmas. His notable work, "St. Nicholas / His Legend and His Rôle in the Christmas Celebration and Other Popular Customs," delves into the history and significance of St. Nicholas, examining how this figure has influenced modern holiday customs. McKnight's writing reflects a blend of folklore and cultural analysis, contributing to the understanding of festive practices and their origins. Through his work, he invites readers to appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions that shape contemporary celebrations.

You May Also Like

6 picks
The Book of the Feet: A History of Boots and Shoes cover The Book of the Feet: A History of Boots and Shoes by Joseph Sparkes Hall Oppikirja suomalaisen kirjallisuuden historiassa cover Oppikirja suomalaisen kirjallisuuden historiassa by B. F. Godenhjelm Memoir of Rev. Joseph Badger / Fourth Edition cover Memoir of Rev. Joseph Badger / Fourth Edition by E. G. Holland A History of the Cambridge University Press, 1521-1921 cover A History of the Cambridge University Press, 1521-1921 by S. C. Roberts Stonehenge, a Temple Restor'd to the British Druids cover Stonehenge, a Temple Restor'd to the British Druids by William Stukeley The Historical Nights' Entertainment: Second Series cover The Historical Nights' Entertainment: Second Series by Rafael Sabatini