The image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the traditional culture of the Belarusian people

The article is devoted to the study of the image of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker of Mirliki, which has developed in the traditional culture of the Belarusian people. The canonical image of the saint in the popular mind was folklorized and absorbed the features of pagan ideas about patron spirits, capable of both helping people in case of observing certain rules of behavior, and punishing them for violating traditionally established prohibitions.The veneration of Saint Nicholas the Pleasant found its expression in various rituals, customs and beliefs, a special attitude towards icons depicting the saint, veneration of water sources and stones-tracers consecrated in his honor. The popular understanding of the character and appearance of St. Nicholas, his attitude towards people can be traced in the texts of Belarusian legends, folk prayers, spiritual poems, conspiracies, fairy tales, calendar songs, sayings and signs.