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Nicholas flourished in the 4th century as Bishop of Myra in Asia
Minor and is universally recognized as the model for our modern
day Santa Claus. He is a figure about which there are more legends
than facts. Patron saint of sailors, one legend tells of him
appearing to storm-tossed mariners who invoked his aid and were
brought safely to port. In the Low Countries of Europe, stories
of his generosity were legendary and gave rise to the custom
of exchanging gifts in his name. |