SAINT NICHOLAS IN RUHR
December 6 2023
Saint Nicholas Day, Nikolaustag, is traditionally celebrated on December 6 in honour of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. And also students, merchants, archers, sailors, fishermen, pawnbrokers, thieves and the falsely accused! Saint Nicholas was Bishop of Myra in southern Anatolia, and became well known for his good deeds in the fourth century AD.
Across the Ruhr Metropolis and the whole of Germany children place shoes, boots or a plate in front of their bedroom door late on the evening of December 5. A long and popular tradition tells us that if they have been kind or well behaved then sweets or small gifts will be left overnight by the mysterious Saint Nicholas.
In some catholic areas of Germany a man dressed as a bishop travels from house to house. Similar customs can also be found in US cities with strong German influence like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis or Columbus.
By Vincent Green, Jan 2 2022
MOVIES IN RUHR
Original language movies are popular among expats living across the Ruhr Metropolis. Films are screened regularly in English original with subtitles, known as OmU and without, portrayed as OV. A wide variety of cinemas or movie theatres can be found, both large and small.
