Free Printable Saint Nicholas Colouring Page

In this post I will be sharing my free printable Saint Nicholas colouring page in English and Latin.

Who was Saint Nicholas?

St. Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Myra, was an early Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century in Myra, a Greek city in what is now modern-day Turkey. He was known for his saintly generosity, and many stories have been told about his life and works.

One of the most famous stories about St. Nicholas involves him secretly providing dowries for three poor sisters, saving them from a life of poverty or prostitution. This act of charity is often cited as the inspiration for the modern-day tradition of gift-giving during the Christmas season.

St. Nicholas is also the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, and more. He is venerated by Christians around the world. His feast day is celebrated on December 6th, and he is often depicted as a jolly old man with a white beard and red robes, similar to the modern-day image of Santa Claus.

In the 19th century, the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” helped to popularize the image of St. Nicholas as a gift-giving figure and contributed to the development of the modern-day Santa Claus tradition.

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What is St Nicholas the patron of?

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of many things, including:

Children: He is often invoked for the protection and well-being of children.
Sailors and seafarers: As a bishop of a coastal town, St. Nicholas is said to have protected sailors and seafarers from storms and other dangers at sea.
Merchants and traders: St. Nicholas is also the patron saint of merchants and traders, and he is often invoked for success in business.
Students: St. Nicholas is sometimes invoked by students seeking guidance and wisdom in their studies.
Repentant thieves and prisoners: Due to his reputation for mercy and compassion, St. Nicholas is also the patron saint of repentant thieves and prisoners.
The falsely accused: St. Nicholas is said to have intervened on behalf of those who were falsely accused or unjustly imprisoned, and he is sometimes invoked for justice in legal matters.
Russia and Greece: St. Nicholas is also the patron saint of Russia and Greece, and he is widely venerated in those countries.

How do we celebrate the feast of Saint Nicholas?

One major way we celebrate the feast of St Nicholas is by children putting out their shoes on the eve of his feast.

The tradition of putting out shoes on the night of December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, is a modern adaptation of older European customs. In many countries, children would leave their shoes outside their door, by the fireplace, or under the Christmas tree in anticipation of St. Nicholas’ arrival.

According to legend, St. Nicholas would come during the night and leave small gifts or treats in the shoes of good children.

In some cultures, children would also leave out carrots or hay for St. Nicholas’ horse or donkey, similar to the tradition of leaving out milk and cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

In some countries, like Germany, children may receive small gifts of fruit, nuts, or chocolates from St. Nicholas, while in others, they may receive more elaborate gifts, such as toys or books.

The tradition of putting out shoes for St. Nicholas has evolved over time, and today it is a popular way for families to celebrate the spirit of generosity and kindness that St. Nicholas represents.

Books about Saint Nicholas