Yesterday was 5th December, a big day in the Netherlands. The occasion is Sinterklaas, which is the eve of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. The name Sinterklaas is a contraction of Sint Nicolaas.
Sinterklaas also provides the basis for the North American figure of Santa Claus, although that personage is distinct in Dutch culture and is known as de Kerstman.
The celebration of Sinterklaas is still much more popular than Christmas in this country. Many more people give presents on Sinterklaas than at Christmas, although more and more are giving presents on both occasions these days.
Sinterklaas is assisted in his giving duties by Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), a colourfully dressed figure with a black face. Opinions differ on whether this historically represents a person of African origin (originally, it was intended as a depiction of the devil). Some of those who believe it does read further into the role of Zwarte Piet as the servant of Sinterklaas and find unacceptable racial stereotyping. I find this reading to be naïse and largely the product of oversensitivity to the modern plague of political correctness.
Anyway, Eloïse’s playschool obviously celebrates this nice tradition and so we snapped a few photos when we went to pick her up.
Pepernoten, taaitaai decorated by the children with hagelslag, toddlers made up as Zwarte Piet and wearing colourful costumes, presents galore; it was all there.
Sinterklaas has now returned to Spain on his steamboat, but he’ll be back again next year.
Before he went, he found time to ring the doorbell of the house yesterday evening and deposit a few more presents in Eloïse’s boot. Papa also wrote a poem about Eloïse, which he read to her great disinterest after dinner.
A phone conversation with Opa rounded out the day and Eloïse went to bed, a very tired little girl.
Today, Eloïse has been talking about the presents that Sinterklaas gave her. It’s clearly made a big impression on her and it’s a joy to see her imagination working overtime.