The Holiday Season Comes Early to the Netherlands
November 12, 2009 | Krista Stryker
Sinterklaas with Zwarte Piet by his side
It’s the arrival of Sinterklaas this weekend in the Netherlands and some parts of Belgium.
No, Sinterklaas is not exactly the Dutch version of Santa Claus. Though he may have some definite resemblance – he’s plump, has a long white beard, and is dressed in red and white – this Saint Nicholas figure looks more like a cross between the Pope and the American Santa Claus than the traditional Hallmark version we’re all so used to.
Sinterklaas traditionally arrives on the third Sunday of November, and in Amsterdam, he naturally comes by boat. The folklore here is that he comes by ferry from Spain, and tours several of the bigger Amsterdam canals before riding around the city on his white horse. All the while he is accompanied by his merry helpers, called Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes), who throw cookies and candies at giddy children waiting with candy bags wide open.
The Black Petes, as you may imagine, are a source for controversy among non-Dutch natives (see photo if you’re wondering why). While the official story is that Pete fell down a chimney, therefore covering his face with soot, one can’t help but think of slavery when looking at him and considering his “helper” status. It’s also fairly unsettling to see children painted in black face while walking down the street with their white Dutch parents. Mention anything about it to the Dutch and they will tell you it’s a harmless tradition with nothing racist about it – but that’s up for you to decide.
The holiday season in the Netherlands lasts until December 5th, known as Sinterklaasavond or Feast Day, when Sinterklaas leaves a sack of gifts (traditionally in a wooden shoe) on the doorstep for the children. There’s also a gift exchange among adults, Christmas-style, but with one catch – the gift giver must write a clever and funny poem to accompany his recipients’ gifts.
So get your poems ready and grab a handful of pepernoten (bite sized ginger cookies), and celebrate this early holiday season Sinterklaas-style!
Odd and interesting! It would feel a little weird to walk amongst all this.