Join Elmhurst Harmonie for ‘A Visit from St. Nikoluas’ Dec. 6 and 8
Christmas time is such a magic time for children of all ages around the world. But traditions and customs are amazingly different from one country to the other.
For almost four decades now the children of Elmhurst have heard about the legendary Nikolaus — and once again have a chance to meet him. Back in 1986, as the city celebrated its sesquicentennial, the idea to introduce the community to one of the legends of their German founders was born. Dr. Virginia Stewart, director of the Elmhurst Historical Museum, enlisted the help of the city’s oldest organizations, Elmhurst Men’s and Ladies’ Choruses (going back to 1894/1936 — now Elmhurst Harmonie) — and the first “Visit from St. Nikolaus” was held that year at the historic Glos Mansion.
Who is this Nikolaus and how is he similar yet different from America’s beloved Santa Claus? First of all, good old Nick comes in early Advent, not on Christmas Eve — that’s what Germans have the Christkindl for. And no, he does not come down the chimney — but seemingly also can walk through closed doors! Nikolaus shows up, either alone or with one of his helpers on Dec. 6.
But mostly he leaves small presents in shoes or boots that the kids place outside the front door on Nikolaus Eve. And while Santa lives at the North Pole, the permanent address of Nikolaus is unlisted, maybe he dwells with Knecht Ruprecht, one of his helpers, somewhere in the woods during the year, who knows?
Poor Nick does not have any elves at his disposal, either. I guess he uses his magic powers to create bags of gifts every year because none of his many rather “interesting” companions, neither Ruprecht nor Krampus, neither the Schmutzlies nor the Zwarte Piets (yes, there can be several of them) seem to have the skills to assist him with that — it shall remain a mystery!
Talking about his transportation, no flying sleigh pulled by reindeer here. He walks on foot, sometimes rides a white horse, pulls a sled or comes in a carriage — or, as we keep hearing about the Dutch Sinterklaas, by steamboat, moped or helicopter! Wow!
The legendary Greek Orthodox Bishop of Myra, ancestor and inspiration for all the Klauses, was often depicted in a blue bishop’s robe (blue being the official color of Greece as well as the color of Advent). Strangely enough, these days we find Nikolaus and his European counterparts mostly dressed in red — obviously inspired by Santa Claus and the marketing geniuses of Coca-Cola — go figure!
But to be true to tradition, the Elmhurst Nikolaus will be dressed in a blue robe and miter, carrying a crosier. And his Knecht Ruprecht, who’s pulling the sled, is dressed in a fur trimmed brown robe with hood, carrying a big stick — or maybe even a lump of coal for those who don’t behave. Coincidentally, Nikolaus is portrayed by the group’s very own Rev. Mark Bussert.
Just as traditional as the appearance of Nikolaus during that night in Advent are the beloved songs the members of the Elmhurst Harmonie and director Glen Sorgatz have been working on for a few weeks now. Many of those were written by famous German or Austrian composers or poets, pastors or teachers, often dating back centuries.
In addition, the chorus’s very own songwriter has put together a 36-page booklet with many of those songs, the original scores and background stories, side-by side with time honored or new English translations. And you can read all about the legend of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the different traditions of Nikolaus, Sinterklaas and their various companions, as well as, of course, Santa Claus!
After 1986, the event has been held on and off at area churches, either sponsored by the Elmhurst Historical Society or lately by the Elmhurst Harmonie directly.
This year’s “A Visit from Saint Nikolaus” will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Peter’s Church of Christ, 125 W. Church St. in Elmhurst and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 7214 S. Cass Ave. in Darien.
Admission is free, there are jingle bells, small toys and goody bags for the children as well as cookies and hot chocolate for all after the performance. For information, visit www.elmhurstharmonie.com.