Figure 1.--Here is a photograph of a children's cermony at the Bascilica of St Nicholas in Bari, Italy. |
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The Italian port of Bari became involved in the Nicholas story. His legend had become well known throughout Italy. Bari is a port that was located across the Aegean grom Myra. Anatolioa including Myra was part of the long term struggle between the Byzantine Empire and Muslim invaders. The Seljuk Turks threatened the port. Just before they entered the city, Italian sailors from Bari carried off the the relics of Saint Nicholas. Most accounts say this was over the objections of the monks caring for them. In medieval Europe, these relics had both religious and economic importance. Important relics lent prestige to a church and drew pilgrims which meant money to a church and town. The Italian sailors arrived in Bari with the relics (1087). And they soon brought visitors and pilgrims to Bari desiring to see the relics of Saint Nicholas. The Basilica di San Nicola was founded to house the relics. Bari is today a major Italian urban center, exceded only by Naples in southern Italy. The main feast day is Saint Nicholas Day (December 6).
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