Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas)

Every country has its own traditions and important holidays. In the Netherlands, one of the most important happenings of the year - certainly for anybody with children - is "Sinterklaas".

"Nikolaus" is also celebrated in Germany, but in a much more subdued and rather different tradition. In fact, this is where the American Santa Clause originated from; An old, bearded saint who comes by sleigh from the forests up north and fills children's shoes with candy and small presents on the night before December 6th. (The christmas presents in Germany are brought by "Christkindle" (= "Christ child") with his angels from heaven, to celebrate Jesus' birthday.)

Historically, St Nicholas was a bishop who lived in Turkey and was rumored to be particularly kind to children and on occasion anonymously leave gold coins at the house of the poor. He was later sainted and became the patron of children and sailors. In the middle ages, a group of French nones took up on the tradition by leaving fruits & sweets on the doors of poor children in honor of St. Nicholas.

Somehow, from these humble beginnings, a very elaborate and rather strange tradition evolved in the Netherlands:

The dutch Sinterklaas supposedly resides in Spain, with a host of black servants called "Zwarte Pieten". Once a year, in the middle of November, Sinterklaas sets sail on a steam boat for the Netherlands. His progress is reported on the national news, and his arrival in the Netherlands is celebrated with a huge party in the entire country. For several weeks he and his helpers roam through the country, causing mischief and distributing lots of sweets, culminating in "Pakjesavond" on the evening of December 5th, when the children get loaded with presents. On December 6th, the boat returns to Spain and the country returns to some form of normality.

My dutch friends assure me that the 'black helpers' of Sinterklaas have nothing to do with the former dutch slave trade, but rather with the former Moorish rulers of Spain. Nevertheless, the entire setup gives me the shivers!

Luckily it's almost over again ... until next year ...