Child's drawing - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 1983 - 3 Shilling

In Patara, the former sea and commercial city in Lycia in Asia Minor was born around 290 Nicholas, later Bishop of Myra. The year of his death is the year 350. Many legends entwine around this episcopal figure. Even in Myra, Nicholas was revered as patron of the poor, the Caritas, the sailor and the merchants. In 1073, the Turks conquered Syria and Asia Minor. They destroyed Christian places of worship, many relics being lost. Therefore, Italian sailors abducted the remaining remains of St. Nicholas of Myra in the newly built Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, where they are since May 1087. As a result, the worship of Nicholas spread throughout Europe. Every year in St. Nikola / Pram, a special post office has been set up for Saint Nicholas Day since 1973. Since that time, there was also the desire for a St. Nicholas brand. Thus, in autumn 1981, a competition was held at the Volksschule and Hauptschule in Pram, from which the motive of the Christmas brand 1983 emerged victorious. The original painting, after which this child's drawing was created, is the high altarpiece of the Filialkirche St. Nikola / Pram.