Choice News

DECEMBER 2011

sinterklaas
Traditionally when you order parts in the end of November/ beginning December,
you will find little cookies in your shipment. These cookies, called pepernoten are
part of a typical Dutch Tradition, named Sinterklaas. The name is a contraction of
Saint Nicolas, a bishop who spend his life giving away money to the poor and doing
good deeds.
Though originated a Catholic Saint, we Dutch merely tend to see him as a kind, old
man. Therefor Sinterklaas is celebrated by Dutch people of all ages and beliefs,
without any religious ground.

Every year mid-November he arrives on a boat from

Spain in a Dutch harbour. Accompanied by his
white horse and Zwarte Pieten, little helpers with
dark skin and colourful clothes.
Sinterklaas is welcomed by the mayor and a large
crowd; the event is broadcasted widely on Dutch TV.

The following weeks are spent to go around the country and check the behaviour of
the children during the past year. Reading a big book, Sinterklaas can tell if they
have been naughty or nice.
On the eve of 5 December children will put shoes under the chimney and place a
carrot as a reward for the horse. Sinterklaas stops at the roof of the houses and sends
a Piet down the chimney to put a gift in the shoes
for the children that have been good. Naughty
children, on the other hand, go straight into the
sack and have to go back to Spain with Sinterklaas.

The celebration of Sinterklaas is foremost for

children and families, but some friends also
celebrate with giving each other gifts. Short
humorous rhymes or poems are attached to the gifts and they often have a
personal touch.

Many connections are made with the American Santa Claus, which can be brought
back to the Dutch people introducing Sinterklaas when they settled in New Amster-
dam (present-day New York) in the 17th century.