What cookies to bake on December 6 and why you shouldn’t be sad: signs and prohibitions on St. Nicholas the Wonderworker’s Day
December 6, according to the new church calendar, honors Saint Nicholas, one of the most revered saints. This day is popularly known as Nicholas’ Day.
Other names for the holiday include “St. Nicholas Day”, “Nikolay”, “Nikolay the Frosty”, and “Zymnik”. In the Orthodox tradition, this day marks the end of a three-day festive cycle that includes Varvara’s Day, Savin’s Day, and Nikol’s Day.
Divine services are held in all churches, so believers can visit the church in the morning, drink three sips of holy water, and eat prosphora. Since the Christmas fast is still in progress, lunch should be planned modestly.
In the tradition of this holiday, children leave gifts under their pillows at night. Usually, these are toys and sweets, but in the modern world, gifts can be diverse. Schools often arrange surprises with treats, and those who have committed a crime are recommended to put a stick under their pillow, which will serve as a reminder from the saint about their deeds.
The traditional dish of this day is mykolayki – cookies made from lean dough. Pies with cabbage, mushrooms, and potatoes, vareniki, and borscht are also prepared, and pickles should be on the table. In the past, young people would organize festivities, sing songs, and wish for health, receiving sweets and money in return.
Everyone has the opportunity to do at least one good deed, helping needy or large families. This is also a time to prepare for the New Year and Christmas: choose gifts, decorate the house, and maintain order.
On this day, you can also ask St. Nicholas to fulfill your wishes: it is essential to really want him to help.
What not to do today
According to church traditions, on the holiday of December 6, it is not customary to curse, quarrel, gossip, be greedy, or be envious. You should not insult children, the elderly, and the innocent, and also refuse help.
According to folk signs, you should not be sad during this holiday, as this can lead to severe frosts. It is believed that Saint Nicholas will punish those who violate the prohibitions of this holiday.
Do not forget about the Christmas fast of 2025: what you can eat and how not to break down during the 40 days before the holiday, as well as the categories of prohibitions for this period.
