St. Nicholas Around the World

By Jordan Whiteko
Multimedia Content Manager
The Catholic Accent

World-renowned artist Pipka Ulvilden has created drawings, paintings and inspired sculptures of cultural St. Nicholases from around the world. Many of these remarkable works will be showcased at the St. Nicholas Breakfast at Queen of Angels Catholic School, sponsored by St. Agnes Parish, North Huntingdon, and The Catholic Accent, on Dec. 7. To register, click here. 

ITALY: Babbo Natale

In Italy, St. Nicholas is known as Babbo Natale, or “Father Christmas.” Dressed in a red tunic and cape trimmed with white fur, he carries an episcopal cross, symbolizing his origins as Bishop of Myra. Babbo Natale also holds a presepi, or Nativity scene, a tradition popularized by St. Francis of Assisi. His basket of treasures includes traditional items that represent Italy’s rich cultural heritage during the holiday season, items like puppets and fireworks, as well as a doll of La Befana, the Good Witch of Epiphany, who delivers gifts to children on the Eve of Epiphany.

SLOVAKIA: Svety Mikulas

In Slovakia, Santa is known as Svety Mikulas, or St. Nicholas. Dressed in a red coat trimmed with roses, he carries a tree symbolizing hope and renewal. His staff connects him to the shepherding tradition, emphasizing his role as a protector, while a Nativity underscores the religious significance of Christmas in Slovakia. Together, these elements create a meaningful portrayal of Svety Mikulas as a spiritual and cultural figure in Slovak traditions.

RUSSIA: Ded Moroz

In Russia, Santa is called Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost. He wears a light blue coat adorned with snowflakes, and is often accompanied by a brown bear, reflecting Russia’s wildlife. Ded Moroz carries a ripidion, a liturgical fan honoring angels. He brings joy to children on Christmas Eve with gifts like sleds and Russian nesting dolls. As families gather for a 12-course supper, representing the apostles, Ded Moroz’s role is both festive and deeply rooted in Russian cultural traditions.

BAVARIA: Father Winter

Bavarian Father Winter embodies Germany’s rich Christmas traditions. With a crown of holly leaves and a lighted Christmas tree, he reflects the significance of evergreen trees brought into homes during the Middle Ages, symbolizing the arrival of the baby Jesus. The evergreen branches signify immortality, connecting to Christ’s birth and resurrection. Father Winter carries a hand-carved walking stick for hiking through Bavaria’s mountains. His significance is enhanced in the Diocese of Greensburg, the homeland of Boniface Wimmer, founder of Saint Vincent Archabbey, who arrived from Bavaria in 1846 to minister to immigrants.

IRELAND: Daidina Nollag

The Irish Santa, Daidina Nollag, wears a vibrant green coat symbolizing Ireland’s lush hills and life. He carries an accordion decorated with a shamrock, representing the Holy Trinity. A holly wreath adorns his arm, symbolizing protection and eternity. His pockets are filled with potatoes, reflecting the resilience of Irish farmers. Daidina Nollag brings gifts like books, a castle, soft wool yarn, and a thatched-roof Nativity set.

GREENSBURG: The Diocese of Greensburg Gift-Bringer

Designed and painted by Pipka Ulvilden in 2023, the Gift-Bringer wears a reddish-brown coat trimmed with green, embodying generosity and community. On a dark winter’s Christmas Eve in Southwestern Pennsylvania, a star shines over Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, illuminating the coal miners villages, or “patches.” The Gift-Bringer carries gifts for children, including pilgrimage cookies, which symbolize the Holy Family’s journey, and Tinker Toys. Accompanied by two boys from the mines—representing faith and works—he carries items for blessing by the Bishop, including a canary in a cage, symbolizing hope and safety for miners. Alongside the canary are a hand-carved crèche and a hobby horse for baby Jesus. Leading the way is a glowing girl with a basket of oranges and apples, guiding them toward the Christ Child, echoing Isaiah’s proclamation that “a little child shall guide them.”