St. Nicholas: a dutch tradition

 

December 5
In November his steamer from Spain arrives in Holland where thousands of children and parents are waiting to welcome him.

Nowhere in the world the birthday of St. Nicholas is celebrated as extensively as in Holland. Long before 5 December it's on everyone's mind, the Dutch vigorously prepare for St. Nicholas' birthday. In November the steamship, carrying St. Nicholas and his Black Peters to Holland, arrives. A huge audience of parents and children welcomes them. His entry is broadcasted live on national television and shop-windows are decorated with special sweets and presents. The small children who believe in the existence of St. Nicholas, put their shoes in front of the fireplace (or next to the radiator!) before they go to bed, they write poems for the Saint and sing songs asking him to come by while they are asleep. Hopefully the next morning, the children's shoes will be filled with small presents and traditional sweets (gingerbread men, spiced biscuits and chocolate letters) .

Originally a feast for children, it has gradually become an occasion for the whole family. On the evening of the 5th of December, his actual birthday, St. Nicholas brings the larger presents which are left in large burlap bags on the front porch. The whole family gathers together to exchange the gifts, which are usually accompanied by rhymes that mildly tease the recipient.

Surprises
St. Nicholas for grown-ups means a party of giving and receiving gifts, much like on Christmas, but now the presents are called "surprises" (pronounce as "sir-preeze-us"). A surprise is a gift hidden within a product of tinkering, aimed at giving the gift the appearance of something completely different, accompanied by a poem. It serves to tease the addressee by reminding him/her of some embarrassing moments in the past year, or to point out a general failure of character in a mocking way. It is the day to get even with anybody for anything, but it is mostly played with family and/or friends.

The history of st. Nicholas
St. Nicholas is a renowned national saint about whom there is no reliable historic information. He is dressed like a bishop and has a golden (shepherd) staff in his hand. He also carries a large leather bound book with golden print, listing the children who have been good or bad. St. Nicolas is thought to have been Bishop of Myra (Turkey) in the fourth century. Nicholas is the patron saint of students, children, cities and countries. Since the 9th century St. Nicholas has been worshipped in Italy. In the legends which circulated about him in Holland, Spain replaced Italy. The roots of 'Zwarte Piet' (Black Pete) are somewhat unclear as well. Some say they represent medieval Italian chimney sweeps. The throwing of presents down chimneys seems to be evidence for the 'Italian chimney sweep' theory. Their skin is pitch black and they wear medieval clothes.