In the past, Saint Nicholas brought modest gifts – dried fruits or nuts. Later also gingerbread and oranges, which were a specialty at this time. Children who were not well behaved throughout the year were punished with a rod. However, the punishment with the rod should not be thought of as a violent punishment. In popular belief, the rod was something magical. The rod brought health and vitality.

Saint Nicholas, bishop, lived in Asia Minor in the 4th century. He came from a wealthy family. He distributed his wealth to the poor and chose the priesthood. Soon after his death, around the year 350, his cult arose in the church because of his charity. Nicholas is one of the most famous saints in Christianity today.

In Slovenia, most churches are dedicated to Saint Mary, followed closely by Saint Nicholas.

Source

Saint Nicholas, today and past, https://tvlasko.si/2018/12/05/miklavzevanje-nekoc-in-danes/, 8.12.2023.