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This ornament is about 3½ inches long and 3 inches tall. Jolly Old St. Nick is wearing his traditional suits as he sits at the controls of a brown Helicopter with blue trim and white windows, with red and white propeller blades. The blades spin around and St. Nick is sitting on a spring so he bounces around as the Helicopter zooms from town to town. Select this link to view our Santa Ornaments.
The Legend of Saint Nikolaus
In German speaking countries and Holland and Belgium as well, December 6th is the most distinctive children's festival of the year. St. Nikolaus Eve is a time of festive stir, it is a time of whispers and giggles, and of heavy steps on the stairs. Shops are full of many shaped biscuits, gilt gingerbreads, sugar images, toys and other little gifts. Select this link to view our Santa Driving Antique Car.
It is not easy to uncover the historic facts about Saintt Nikolaus, the fourth century Greek bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, who died on December 6th, 343. In Eastern Europe, Southern Italy and among the Greeks, he is revered most of all as the patron saint of seafaring men. Select this link to view our Santa Driving a Steam Engine.
In many regions, the festivities originally attributed to the gift giving St. Nikolaus have been transferred to Christmas, yet in Western and Southern Germany, in Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries, December 6 remains a day of joy for children. Select this link to view our Old World Santa on an Antique Tricycle.
When evening comes, St. Nikolaus, a reverend grey haired figure with flowing beard, will knock on doors and enquire about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will deliver a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in some countries. Select this link to view our St. Nick on a Motorcycle.
St. Nikolaus traditions vary as widely from region to region as his guise and name. He appears as Ruhklas, Pelznickel, Klasbur, etc. He is afoot or astride a white horse, a mule, or even a goat. Select this link to view our Flying Father Christmas.
St. Nikolaus also appears together with St. Peter, an angel, and the Christ child. As the splendor of the candle lit Christmas tree and emphasis on the birth of Christ, began to shift the function of the gift giving St. Nikolaus, Knecht Ruprecht became the servant and companion of the Christchild. In this role Ruprecht became the patron saint of Christmas and was called "Weihnachtsmann," literally Christmas Man, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Select this link to view our Gambling Santa Ornaments.
The Christmas Tree.
The Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 1800’s. For many it is the focal point of their Christmas decorations and festivities. Originally in the Old World, Europeans adorned their trees with cookies, fruits, and candles. In the 1850’s, German craftsmen perfected the art of glass blown ornaments, and soon Christmas trees shimmered with beautiful glass ornaments. Today’s modern Christmas tree holds lights and ornaments of all varieties and all colors of the spectrum while beneath it are wondrous gifts. A symbol of triumph over winter’s bitter cold, the Christmas evergreen has long inspired hope in the hearts of man. Select this link to view our People and Profession Tree Ornaments.