Monthly meeting of translators and interpreters from Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

All welcome – whether you are here on holiday/business or live in Scotland all year round!

Saint Nicholas Day - The Tradition

On the 6th of December, Saint Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag) is celebrated in Germany as well as in other countries. Saint Nicholas is traditionally accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht (Krampus in Austria), a servant with a rod. Well-behaved children would receive gingerbread, nuts, oranges and other small gifts from Saint Nicholas whereas misbehaving children ran the risk of being caned by Knecht Ruprecht's rod instead...pretty barbaric, if you ask me.

Traditionally, children in Germany find a platter full of goodies with a chocolate St Nicholas as a centrepiece in the morning. Many primary schools and nurseries are visited by St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht around this time and the associated tales create an atmosphere of excitement and mild fear as the children wonder whether they have been good throughout the year.

Saint Nicholas Day Stammtisch

7 pm: Kick-off with a Glühwein at the German Christmas market on Princes Street (closes at 8 pm)

8 pm: The Cumberland Bar, 1-3 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh EH3 6RT, http://www.cumberlandbar.co.uk/

Please bring something 'xmassy' from your own country and some xmas decorations for the table in the pub, e.g. some candles, small xmas tree branches, a bit of tinsel, that sort of thing.