not to be confused with santa claus. the dutch also have the kerrsman which is the americanised santa.
Sinterklaas is a man who comes from spain with his african helpers- the zwarte pieten. Sinterklaas rides his white horse- a symbol of importance in the dutch culture (the king also has one). He wears an outfit similar to that of the pope. but red, and without the conspirital/boy loving stigma attatched to it. Like the American Santa he has a book full of the names of children, and wether they have been goed or stout; Good or Naughty. The Zwarte pieten carry the sacks full of presents and they also have a cat of ninetails that they whip the naughty children with. sick haha.
Traditionally the children sing songs before bed everynight and they place their shoes next to the fireplace with carrots inside for Sinterklaas' horse. in the morning the carrot is gone, replaced by a small present. This continues for the three weeks between Sinterklass' arrival in Holland on his steamboat and the actual evening( December 5th).
This saturday was Sinterklaas' arrival in the Netherlands. We watched the sinterklaas journaal ( a fake news program for kids that charts sinterklaas' doings, has interesting facts and a forecast of the rooftop conditions for when sinterklaas drops the presents down the chimney.
We also sang the sinterklaas songs and played dressups with costumes and puppets while waiting for his arrival on Tv.
It was nice to feel some kiddie christmas cheer :) especially when its completely different to what im used to back home.
I cant wait till they start putting their shoes out and writing wish lists. what fun!
