Everyone knows that much of the Santa Claus legend is based on Fourth Century Turkish Bishop, Nicholas.  In previous years I’ve written about some of the stories and miracles attributed to the saint (including raising children who had been carved up and stored in brine from the dead), but even after he died, St. Nicholas captured the capitalist spirit of the holiday.  Not to mention, INTRIGUING to SAY THE LEAST!!  I normally wouldn't feature ANYTHING about St Nic here.. But it being purported that the REAL Saint Nic was a devout Christian, and sincere man of God.. It met the worthiness!!

​

The bodies of holy men and women after they were deceased were carefully watched for signs of sanctity.  Some bodies were incorruptible; some bones periodically oozed blood.  The bones of St. Nicholas were claimed by the monks of Myra in Turkey to secrete a rose-scented liquid called Manna or Myrrh.  A corpse that was identified as showing signs of sanctity was extremely valuable, as such remains were seen as direct contact to the Almighty and were capable of healing the sick or performing other miracles.