Saint Nicholas, the most popular saint in Transylvania.

The Celebration of Saint Nicholas in Transylvania

Few of us may know, but the celebration of Saint Nicholas is more popular in Transylvania than in other regions of the country. This is because the people of Transylvania say that on the day of his feast, Saint Nicholas brings winter and the first snow by shaking his beard. In Transylvania, Saint Nicholas is also known as *Sân Nicoară*, and if you travel from one village to another, you are sure to hear the most diverse legends and traditions related to this celebration.

Traditions and Customs

Thus, in some villages, the tradition of caroling is still preserved:

• Young people gather in the morning and choose a leader.
• In the evening, they go to the houses where a Nicholas lives to sing carols.

The Custom of Little Boots

The most well-known custom is undoubtedly that of the little boots. It is said that for Santa Nicholas to bring gifts to the children, they must clean their little boots, and those children who do not clean them will receive a twig instead of presents.