In the German tradition, St Nicholas brings toys to children at the beginning of the Yuletide season. In the Russian tradition, he appears in spiritual songs (songs on religious motifs) next to Jesus Christ and Mary. He is the image of the kind and merciful helper. In his Vita (the official story of his life as saint), he performs acts of charity, often in secret. In the folk tradition, and unlike most saints, Nicholas does not punish, but he does instruct. He also brings gifts, often of money or food at the moment of greatest need. He is the embodiment of mercy. His name is often invoked in healing charms. He is also the protector of livestock, and in particular horses.

The spring feast of Saint Nicholas marks the beginning of night pasturing of horses in many areas. During the day, horses were kept in stables, but at night, as soon as the weather permitted (around this time of the year, the snow melted and the grass began to grow), boys began to take the village horses out to pasture near a river. They would watch while the horses grazed and tell scary stories (the writer Ivan Turgenev describes it in his short story Chevengur).

On May 9, the boys would mark the first night pasturing with a celebration around a bonfire, a special meal, and circle dances.

Beginning of night pasturing of horses in many areas. Young people (boys) celebrated occasion with bonfire, special meal, and circle dances.