英语六级必读美文014：圣诞老人_大学英语阅读

英语六级必读美文014：圣诞老人

　　按照传统的说法，公元270年，尼古拉出生于小亚细亚(现在的土耳其)。年轻时，他曾经到巴勒斯坦和埃及旅行。不久以后他成为了一名主教。

　　During the Roman emperor Diocletians bloody persecution of Christians in 303, Nicholas was imprisoned. Howeve r, when Constantine the Great became emperor in 306, he legalized Christianity and made it the officalreligion of the Roman Empire. Nicholas was freed

　　公元3 03年，在罗马皇帝戴克里血腥迫害基督徒期间，尼古拉被捕入狱。然而，公元306年君士坦丁大帝登基称帝，他使基督教合法化，并

　　使之成为罗马帝国的国教，尼古拉也获释放。

　　The scribes tell us that Nicholass prayers and leadership during the great tribulation led many to become Christians, Nicholas continued to serve as bishop for many years. On December 6, 343, Nicholas the man died, and Saint Nicholas the legend was born.

　　据史书记载，尼古拉在受难期间的祈祷和领导让很多人皈依成为基督教徒，(出狱后)尼古拉继续担任主教多年。公元343年12月6日，真人尼古拉去世，然而圣人尼古拉的传说诞生了。

　　During his lifetime, Nicholass reputation for generosity and kindness gave rise to stories of miracles he performed for the poor, the weak and children. After his death, devotion to Nicholas extended to all parts of Europe. His feast day was celebrated on December 6, but his reputation as a gift-giver later became attached to the celebration of Christmas on December 25.