It's Fun to Know: Why We Hang Stockings on the Mantle for Christmas

Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, a 4th century bishop in what is now Turkey who was persecuted for his Christian beliefs by the emperor Diocletian. That's what's in the historical record. The legend takes over from there.

St. Nicholas's reputation as a gift giver - and our tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace - comes from a story (there are several variations) in which he helps the three daughters of a poor man. Without a dowry, the trio were doomed to slavery or prostitution. So St. Nick tossed bags of gold down their chimney. Luckily, the girls had hung their stockings to dry by the fire, and the gold landed safely inside them. With their newfound riches, they were able to marry.

(Source: Catholic Encyclopedia and St. Nicholas Center)

Word to the Wise: Sacrosanct

Something that's "sacrosanct" (SAK-roh-sangkt) - from the Latin - is extremely sacred or inviolable; above or beyond criticism, change, or interference.

Example (as used by Dawn Drzal in a New York Times review of Immoveable Feast by John Baxter): "How the boy from a town in New South Wales where olive oil was sold only in pharmacies became the man who now cooks the sacrosanct Christmas dinner for a clan of fastidious Parisians is as important a part of this book as the annual dinner itself."

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2548, 12-25-08], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.