Thursday, November 5, 2009

Beloved Legend Of The Christmas Stocking

" The Stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St.Nicholas soon would be there"

The legend of the Christmas Stocking....... The custom was founded by a most influential figure in the shaping of today's Santa, St. Nicholas of Myrna, a forth century bishop who was know for his charity and wisdom.... According to legend, a poor Italian father was faced with selling on of his daughters into slavery in order to afford the dowries needed for others to marry... On night the daughters had washed out their stockings and hung them over the fireplace to dry... Having heard of the family misfortune, the good saint decided to pay them a visit... Late that night, in the darkness, riding his faithful steed he stopped by their house and saw the stockings through the window. He secretly tossed three bags filled with gold coins down the chimney... The coins from the bags fell into the stockings that were hanging by the fire... His kind-hearted gift made it possible for all the maiden's to marry... A variation of this story is he tossed the bags through window into the stockings to account for the homes without chimneys....


Through his life St. Nicholas tried to help others while inspiring them to do the same.. Legends of his unselfish giving spread all over the northern Europe.. Like so many other traditions in our country, the legends were introduced by immigrants whom brought their beliefs when they crossed the Atlantic... Remember Christmas stocking packed with love makes dreams come true and memories to last a lifetime.....





2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story.....Nice post!
Have a Wonderful Day!
Love,
Marilyn

blushing rose said...

Hadn't heard this version before, but I love all the stories of 'how' Christmas history & giving began.

Popover for our TRIPLE GIVEAWAY if you haven't already. Have a lovely eve. TTFN ~Marydon