Discover Santa Claus Traditions in the Czech Republic
Svatý Mikuláš, the Czech St. Nick, typically dons the white robes of a bishop and wears a majestic white beard. Accompanied by an angel (who has lowered St. Nicholas to Earth from the heavens in a basket borne aloft by a golden rope) and a devil, Svatý Mikuláš brings gifts to children on the Eve of St. Nicholas, celebrated on December 5. The angel represents the good children, while the devil symbolizes the naughty ones. As a result, children get both the joy of receiving gifts and the thrill of a friendly scare.