Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Quiz
Quiz: How much do you know about these Nicholases, Nicks, and maybe even a Nicky?
There’s a Nicola here as well.
IT’S NOT THE date we might normally associate with him here in Ireland, but this weekend marks Saint Nicholas Day, celebrated on either 5 or 6 December.
The legend of Saint Nicholas has evolved over the years, with the central character taking on new traits as the story merged with numerous folktales. The central core story traces its origins back to the 4th century bishop of Myra.
St Nick’s habit of gift giving seems to have started when he helped a father pay dowries for his three daughters – without which they would have been unable to marry, and likely sold into slavery or prostitution.
He was also involved in the rescue of three other children – but more on that in a second.
It is also important to stress at this juncture that despite some confusion over his origins, there is no doubt surrounding the actual existence of the man we now call Santy or Santa Claus and his gift-giving abilities.
Let’s get on with this quiz.
First up, the big one: St Nicholas. One of his reputed miracles was preventing three young children from being turned into...
... ham.
... gold.
... wine.
... more children.
St Nicholas saved these ham-destined children by...
... convincing their father to become a Christian.
... swapping them out with actual pigs on Christmas Eve.
... making the sign of the cross above their pickled remains, and in doing so resurrected them.
... convincing them that there was more to life than being ham.
When did Nicky Byrne represent Ireland at the Eurovision?
PA Images
2010
2011
2016
He has never represented Ireland at the Eurovision
Which Nicholas Cage film gave birth to this meme?
Vampire's Kiss
Face/Off
Con Air
The Wicker Man
Who did Kylie Minogue perform Where the Wild Roses Grow with?
Nick Drake
Nick Cave
Nick Jonas
Nicholas II (posthumously)
When was Nicolas Sarkozy first elected president of France?
PA Images
2001
2007
2012
1958
Nick Offerman plays which character in Parks and Recreation?
Ron Swinson
Ron Ludgate
Burlyman Libertarianson
Ron Swanson
Are we accepting people called Nicola here as well? I think yes. What was Nicola Sturgeon involved in before joining the Scottish National Party?
PA Images
The Labour Party
Free and Independent Scotland (FIS)
The Conservative Party
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
And finally, the author of this quiz is also Nicky - which is his favourite small garden bird?
Robin
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Chaffinch
Coal Tit
Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Green Finch
Dunnock
Wren
Siskin
Other
You scored out of !
You are Nicky Ryan, author of this quiz
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
You are this topless St Nick
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
You are this very jolly St Nick
Wikimedia
You scored out of !
You are this very Christian St Nick
You scored out of !
You are one of the children who were going to be turned into ham
have your say