Holidays on 6th December

Finland Independence Day

This day celebrates the country’s independence in 1917 from Russia. The movement for Independence started after the revolutions in Russia, caused by Russia’s hardships during World War One. After several disagreements between the non-socialists and the social democrats over who should have power in Finland, they finally made a Declaration of Independence which was adopted by the Finnish parliament two days later. It is celebrated by people decorating their windows in Finnish colours. It is traditional for families to light two candles in each window of their home in the evening in a custom dating back to 1920. There is an annual military parade, and a torch cavalcade by students, and in the evening there is the Presidential Independence Day reception.

Spain Constitution Day

This day marks the approval of the Spanish Constitution by the Spanish people in 1978. As part of the Spanish transition to democracy after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, a general election took place to convene the Parliament for the purpose of drafting and approving a constitution. It was approved on 31st October 1978, and by the Spanish people in a referendum on 6th December 1978. It was promulgated on 27th December. The constitution set out how the government would be run, what powers they had and determined the governmental system that Spain would operate on. It has been a national holiday in 1983.

Saint Nicholas Day

This day is the feast of Nicholas of Myra with particular regard to his reputation as a bringer of gifts. It is observed either on the 5th or 6th in Western Christian countries. There are different traditions depending on the country. In Germany and Poland, boys traditionally dressed as bishops and begged aims for the poor. In Ukraine and Poland, children wait for St Nicholas to come and to put a present under their pillows provided that the children were good during the year. Children who behaved badly may expect to find a twig or a piece of coal under their pillows. In the Netherlands, Dutch children put out a clog filled with hay and a carrot for Saint Nicholas’ horse. On St Nicholas Day gifts are tagged with personal humorous rhymes written by the sender. In the United States one custom associated with Saint Nicholas Day is children leaving their shoes in the foyer on Saint Nicholas Eve in hope that Saint Nicholas will place some coins on the soles.