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Nikolaus |
Nikolaus gaining ground here but losing it in Vienna
By
the Austrian-American Council, WA
State
Posted
December 10, 2006
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Last week The Seattle Times carried an article by
The Associated Press about the cancellation of St.
Nikolaus visits to Kindergarten children in Vienna. Concerns by
municipal officials and the population range from possible
negative psychological effect on children to political
correctness. Once again reactions differ, just as opinions pro
and con have been voiced for a long time.
In the larger Seattle area, the traditional Nikolaus
custom as it is known in the Alpine regions, appears to be
gaining more ground. Some of us transplanted German-speaking
immigrants still nurture the child in us and treasure the memory
of a visit by Saint Nikolaus. The magic of it by far outweighed
the modest gift of apples, a few nuts, perhaps an orange, and
the traditional Nikolaus or Krampus Lebkuchen. Yes, I remember
reverence in the air - scented baked goods in the oven and
incense - and waiting with both, awe and joy. Especially the
noise of chains or bells announcing the appearance of the
Krampus, who might cower in a corner with his sack and his
swaths of birch branches as spanking tools, inspired fear. Yet,
the Nikolaus was so heavenly, so kind, he knew about some of my
flawed behavior patterns, but he praised the prayer or poem I
uttered. In my childhood days praise was not a given and thus a
heart-warming experience. The old custom has always centered on
good and evil, on reward and punishment. Good or bad, with
slight adaptations, the custom lasts. Some of us immigrants wish
to introduce our children or grandchildren to experience this
rarely encountered joy and magic. Most Austrian and many German
and Swiss organizations throughout the USA feature Nikolaus
visits.
In Seattle, only the Seattle German Language
School has featured a Nikolaus for many years. This year
marks the third traditional Nikolaus visit at the Eastside
German Language School in Issaquah with ca 80 students. Last
year a Spielgruppe in Seattle initiated such a visit, and
this year the Seattle Kinderstube on the Eastside also
arranged a visit at a Nikolaus Brunch. Visits in private
immigrant homes go back a long time. At our house the first
Nikolaus visit to our daughters dates back to 1967 in San
Francisco, and for our grandchildren, friends and neighbors in
Bellevue to 2001.
One added reason for the spreading interest could be
that the Austrian-American Council arrived at assembling a
fairly authentic costume, including a fancy tunic, a
great-looking mitra and an impressive bishop’s staff, and
occasionally loans it out. As one school reported: “It was the
best Nikolaus event ever!”
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