Many of us remember the traditional stocking that often featured an orange and some coins! Putting coins in our stockings dates all the way back to the fourth century.
The Bishop of Myrab – also known as Saint Nicholas – was a man known for his kindness and warmth. When he became aware of a poor family trapped in sad circumstances, he felt compelled to offer his assistance. A husband had been left as a widower, leaving him with three daughters but no dowry for them.
Saint Nicholas knew he must find a way to provide help, but when the man refused charity, he turned to an unconventional method. Noticing that the daughters would hang their stockings upon the ledge of their chimney each night, Saint Nicholas decided to climb down and hide a bag of coins inside the eldest daughter’s stocking. He repeated this secret act of kindness the following two nights, until all three daughters had dowries of their own and were able to marry.
When news of Saint Nicholas’ generosity spread, everyone began to hang their stockings by their chimneys in the hope that he would pay them a visit, and a tradition was born. Centuries later, no Christmas scene is complete without a stocking on the fireplace, and whether the coins are silver, gold or chocolate, the spirit of Saint Nicholas’ generosity remains.
