Meaning Greek "victory of the people" (nike + laos).
Figure Saint Nicholas of Myra; fourth-century bishop; the historical Saint Nicholas of Christmas tradition.
Feast day December 6 (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican)
Traditions CATHOLICORTHODOXANGLICANPROTESTANT
In the Christian tradition
Saint Nicholas of Myra is the fourth-century bishop in what is now southwestern Turkey whose gifts to poor children gave rise to the entire Western tradition of Christmas gift-giving in his name. Patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, and many countries (including Russia). The Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican calendars commemorate him on December 6.
Saint Nicholas of Myra (c. 270-343) is the historical figure behind every Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Sinterklaas, Père Noël, and the entire Western Christmas gift-giving tradition. The bishop of Myra in what is now southwestern Turkey, he is honored in particular for legendary acts of generosity: providing gold for the dowries of three impoverished sisters; restoring three young children to life; and patient bishop's work across his diocese. He is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, students, and (among many countries) of Russia. The Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican calendars commemorate him on December 6. The Saint Nicholas tradition (gifts in shoes or stockings on December 6 in many European countries; the conflation with the Christmas tradition in English-speaking countries to make Santa Claus) is one of the most widespread Christian feast-day customs. The name has been in continuous Christian use; modern English-speaking Christian families use it freely.