National Pawnbroker Day is observed worldwide every December 6 to recognize the profession of pawnbrokers and dispel misconceptions about pawn shops. Established by the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA), this day coincides with the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of pawnbrokers. The history of pawnbroking dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of pawn shops in China as early as the 5th century and in ancient Greece and Rome. Pawn shops typically offer secured loans using personal property such as jewelry, electronics, and musical instruments as collateral. If the loan is not repaid within a specified time, the pawnbroker may sell the item to recover the loan value. In the U.S., there are around 10,000 pawn shops that contribute approximately $3 billion to the national economy, and they are regulated by local, state, and federal laws. National Pawnbroker Day also marks the beginning of National Pawnbroker Week, which features various in-person and virtual events.