Her collection consists of over 700 Sinterklaas items, including figurines, hand-blown glass ornaments, paintings, cross-stitched pieces. 10 Crazy Facts About Sinterklaas Day: The Insane Dutch ... Traditionally, in mid-November, two weeks before his celebrated Feast Day, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by boat from his home in Spain. Popular shapes include discs and hearts. Sinterklaas Party, Our Family Tradition - Pink Polka Dot ... Check out our handy guide below to help you survive the holiday madness. Ho, ho, who are Sinterklaas and St. Nick? Alternate Phone: (616) 394-0000. So, this is Sinterklaas. As is tradition, they need to rhyme and they need to be written as if Sinterklaas wrote it. At the beginning of the Advent season is St. Nicholas Day (December 6—or December 19 on the Julian calendar). If you live in the Netherlands, and even if you don't, you will probably have heard of Sinterklaas.For many Dutch families, it is the special atmosphere of "present night" (pakjesavond) that makes Sinterklaas a unique celebration filled with nostalgic traditions.Let's dive into how you can celebrate it the Dutch way! The Dutch Table: A creative Sinterklaas tradition!dutch christmas traditions - Yahoo Search Results It just might be a glimpse into an old tradition lost in time. We also say: Sint Nicolaas. On December 5th entire families come together and celebrate Sinterklaas with presents, poems and mystery gifts. Important: Although Sinterklaas isn't a Christmas celebration, it is worth mentioning due to the nature of this tradition which marks the beginning of the winter holidays. Although Sinterklaas is the predominant gift-giver in the Netherlands in December (36% of the population buy each other gifts), 21% of the Dutch population exchange gifts during Christmas and 26% exchange . Secondly, it refers to the actual holiday —also the Dutch version of Christmas — which takes place on 5 December. Over time a lot of the traditions of the original Dutch founders were forgotten. St. Nicholas was a bishop who was known for his good deeds, especially for the needy and children. This age-old man visits the Netherlands each year with his many helpers who are known as Zwarte Pieten (translation: Black Petes), to . Some things were changed of course. After living 5 years in Paris and before living the last 5 in Berlin, I lived in the Netherlands for nearly 5 years and they had what is quite possibly the most unusual Christmas tradition in the world!!! A creative Sinterklaas tradition! Some aspects might be shocking (blackface), others might be endearing (leaving carrots in . Sinterklaas (Netherlands, Germany, Belgium) In the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium the official gift-giving tradition is celebrated the night before or on the morning of the 6th of December as part of the Sinterklaas holiday. . Sinterklaas then trades his boat for his white horse Amerigo, and the parade continues through the streets. Another Sinterklaas tradition is the so-called surprise - or extremely elaborately wrapped up and disguised present. Sinterklass Day which is on the eve of Dec 5th and morning … Continue reading Sinterklaas Party, Our Family Tradition → Children then put their shoes in church on December 5, after which the shoes were filled by the rich. Controverse Sinterklaas comes to the Netherlands accompanied by Piet. The centuries-old tradition of family gathering around the Christmas log that . Our family traditions focus on the Sinterklaas celebration, which takes place every year on December 5 th. The Dutch Sinterklaas is, however a bit different in the Netherlands and the children do not put out cookies. That is when Dutch people look for a Christmas tree to set up in their living room. It's something altogether different. Celebrated the evening of December 5 with traditional tasty foods, it is the main time for family gift-giving. It's Sinterklaas, a typical Dutch family tradition where the children get presents, candy and pepernoten ( a dutch treat typical for Sinterklaas ) Originally, St. Nicholas Day is actually on the 6th of . Black Pete, or Zwarte Piet as he is known in the Netherlands, is a holiday tradition dating back to the 19th century that depicts a helper of Saint Nicholas dressed in blackface with an Afro wig . He often gave generously and anonymously (without anyone knowing the gifts were from him). After all, Sinterklaas gives cadeautjes only to those that have been braaf (good). Here Sinterklaas is welcome for only one day! "Sinterklaas" would replace the hay with gold coins. Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is dear to the hearts of Dutch children. This is the essence of Sinterklaas: lots of fun on a day when people are not only allowed, but expected, to make fun of each other in a friendly way. Sinterklaas Avond Important : Although Sinterklaas isn't a Christmas celebration, it is worth mentioning due to the nature of this tradition which marks the beginning of the winter holidays. Children leave their shoes in front of their doors and sing Sinterklaas songs. It can be found in both 2D and 3D interpretations of fruits (such as bananas and pears), vegetables (such as peppers and carrots) and animals (such . St. Nicholas Day is celebrated annually on December 6th, but in The Netherlands the major celebrations are held on December 5th, St. Nicholas Eve, or Sinterklaasavond. The Hudson Valley Sinterklaas Festival celebrates the holiday by honoring the man known as the patron of children and sailors with a decidedly American flair. The Christmas season starts on the 5th (or sometimes 6th of December), the day after the last most important Sinterklaas celebration when children receive their presents. Yet Christmas in the Netherlands is by no means the unloved sister of Sinterklaas: the moment the good old man leaves the country on the 6th of December, shops and municipalities all over the Netherlands get busy hanging up festive lights, candles and wreaths. Sinterklaas, the patron of children and sailors, finds a welcoming community in the Mid-Hudson Valley as we re-create the story through the lens of modern-day America. So I asked him about some of the Christmas traditions while he was there and every year since we have celebrated Sinterklaas day in some way or another. Sinterklaas is a very prominent figure there, and his arrival in Amsterdam on Nov. 13 begins the festive season. As you know, the evening of Sinterklaas is almost upon us. Who gives Sinterklaas poems? Santa Claus, Sinterklaas and the Christmas man In the Netherlands the character of Santa Claus is distinct from Sinterklaas, known instead as de Kerstman (the Christmas man). If you have, you most likely are from Western Europe - Netherlands, Belgium, northern France & Luxembourg - or U.S. locales with strong Dutch heritage and influence - New York, Holland, Michigan, and many small towns in the Midwest. . Phone: (616) 396-4221. Sinterklaasavond, the night of . The good saint arrives in the rest of the Netherlands in the middle of November, where he can be seen walking about, visiting in . 9 Black Pete, Sinterklaas's African Slave The second ranked tradition is decorating a Christmas tree, followed by Queen's Day, April 30 (now King's Day, April 27). This is an old children's tradition: Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet." The comments were poorly received by some and the next year, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issued a statement calling on the Dutch government to ban black-face. SinterKlaas is a children's festival that is widely celebrated in the Netherlands and also in Belgium . But it's not just that he doesn't have a wife—Sinterklaas is celibate. In Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas has a "helper" named Zwarte Piet, or "Black Pete," who usually appears as a blackface character with large gold earrings and exaggerated lips. However, in previous years more of an effort has been made to remove blackface from the tradition. For the society this was a reason to withdraw from the registration process (van der Zeijden 2014, 353, 354), but this was . Sinterklaas is a yearly tradition from the Netherlands and part of Belgium. The saintly man arrives each year in mid-November on a steam boat filled with gifts and together with his helpers, all referred to as 'Piet' (Peter). READ MORE | A Chocolate Letter from Santa — The Sinterklaas Way When do I give the poem — and how? He is the main figure. In many homes that tradition of exchanging chocolate initials of the first letter of each persons name is continued. When I was a newlywed I was surprised to receive a chocolate initial . In fact, the arrival of Sinterklass by boat to the Netherlands is one of the biggest Dutch festivals. It's also called 'pakjesavond' (gifting evening). Sinterklaas' arrival in Amsterdam takes place in mid-November but the exact date varies each year. Though the holiday has religious. This is an old children's tradition: Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet." The comments were poorly received by some and the next year, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issued a statement calling on the Dutch government to ban black-face. Kerstpakket. While every good boy and girl is sleeping, the Dutch Santa Claus sneaks into their house and leaves treats and presents for the children to find when they wake up in the morning. According to Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas makes his rounds of giveaways accompanied by a helper named Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete. For me, my very first introduction to the tradition of Sinterklaas will always be that bizarre and confusing circus-like approaching horde of renaissance jesters in bright clothes and blackface, throwing mini-biscuits at cheering children. Sinterklaas as he is known in the Netherlands was St. Nicholas. Christmas Traditions: Sinterklaas I love this time of year, and I love it even more thanks to parents who incorporated our heritage during our December celebrating. 10 Sinterklaas, The Castrated Rooster. The 5th of December is a date all Dutch children are looking forward too. Tradition demands that all packages be camouflaged in some imaginative way, and that every gift be accompanied by a fitting poem. _Let us all take a moment to appreciate the people who have kept the soul and essence of Saint Nicholas alive by following the seven hundred year old tradition. Traditions. He wears a colorful jester-like outfit and large gold earrings. Important: Although Sinterklaas isn't a Christmas celebration, it is worth mentioning due to the nature of this tradition which marks the beginning of the winter holidays. Their Sinterklaas can be compared to the American Santa Claus. Come and discover with me the traditions, the stories and the truths of Sinterklaas, the patron saint of children. Deck the halls with Dr. Pol as we share our family's favorite holiday traditions. Sinterklaas Avond. Saint Nicholas Day: The Feast of Sinterklaas. In the time between his arrival and St. Nicholas' Day, Sinterklaas travels to hospitals, schools, and from home to home, leaving small gifts for . When the Dutch came to America, they brought this tradition with them. Usually, the theme is to reflect on some things that happened to the recipient during the last year. The putting up of trees is also part of Dutch Christmas traditions. And with the Dutch came Sinterklaas. These gifts are also accompanied by a personalized poem. My mother is from Holland and so, like every Dutch child, I celebrated Sinterklaas every year.According to Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, arrives in the Netherlands from Spain . Sinterklaas: History, Tradition & Controversy Hands up if you've heard of Sinterklaas. . Sinterklaas is the basis for the North American figure of Santa Claus. Sinterklaas is the most beloved of all Dutch holidays and traditions. A Sinterklaas tradition that has a more recent origin is the setting of the shoe. America inherited one of its important Christmas traditions from Holland--Santa Claus. December 5th is when the children receive their gifts, either straight from Sinterklaas's hand (the anxiety is almost too much! You've read about my German traditions ; so let me tell you what we do for my Dutch side. According to a Dutch poll from 2010, it is deemed the number 1 of all festivities in the country. Dutch Christmas tradition #1: setting up a Christmas tree. Firstly, it is the name for the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus — except this one's from Spain for some reason. It's not uncommon to do a poem exchange in a sports club, association, class at university, or group of friends. Sinterklaas Tradition: Racist or Not? . Called Sinterklaas [Saint Nicholas] in Dutch, nearly every town and city has an annual arrival parade, usually featuring someone dressed as Sinterklaas on a horse, boat, carriage, or even helicopter. Sinterklaas is a Dutch Family tradition held on the 5th of december. Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam on 13th November every year. This Sinterklaas has turned into what American kids know as Santa Claus.. Every year on the eve of the 5th of December, the Dutch and Flemish honor Sinterklaas or Saint Nicholas whose good will is remembered and celebrated with traditions of gift giving and feasts and good ol' fashioned storytelling. This video is about the Dutch version of the Saint Nicholas celebration. Join us for an evening of Dutch holiday traditions as we celebrate Sinterklaas Eve. Traditional recipes are speculaas (spiced cookies), kruidnoten (mini spiced cookies, also called ginger nuts), pepernoten (small aniseed-flavored honey cookies), taai-taai (aniseed and honey-flavored figurines), banketstaaf (almond-filled pastries), chocolate letters, and duivekater (a festive sweet bread). Up until the 1940s, children would find a present in their shoe on December 6, which is officially St Nicholas' saints day in the Catholic church calendar. The arrival of Sinterklaas is a very significant and an important Christmas tradition in the Netherlands. It is often claimed that during the American War of Independence, the inhabitants of New York City, a former Dutch colonial town (New Amsterdam), reinvented their Sinterklaas tradition, as Saint Nicholas was a symbol of the city's non-English past. It features a saint known as Sinterklaas; also known as Sint Nicolaas or just Sint. Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is dear to the hearts of Dutch children and would have been celebrated in the Mesier Homestead by both the Brower and Mesier families. Several years ago, my oldest son served a mission for our church to the Netherlands. Much like Christmas, the evening of December 5 th is a time of festivity and . He arrives in The Netherlands in November and leaves the day after his birthday (December 5th. In this video, learn how we celebrate the Dutch holiday 'Sinterklaas' and h. Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is a tradition in The Netherlands. Instagram. Sinterklaas is a children's festivity in the Netherlands that has been celebrated for over 300 years. If you work in a Dutch company, you will most likely receive the annual kerstpakket. In the weeks . Sinterklaas traditions and expat observations. He can be recognized by his eye-catching red cape with red miter and his long white beard. Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is dear to the hearts of Dutch children and would have been celebrated in the Mesier Homestead by both the Brower and Mesier families. Sinterklaas Avond. The first "Old Dutch Christmas in Rhinebeck" was an initial success, but took a hiatus in the 1990s. ), or left behind at the front door in a big burlap sack because, you know, he's a busy man and he has so many more homes to . Sinterklaas is the most important tradition for the Dutch, a 2008 Centre for Dutch Culture survey found. In 19th-century illustrations of the Dutch Sinterklaas story, Zwarte Piet has black skin, big red lips, and curly hair. Sinterklaas is a prominent figure in the Netherlands, whose visit to the country marks the beginning of the Netherland festive season. As most children in the Netherlands prepare to celebrate the period of Sinterklaas, some of us expats can be left overwhelmed with this uniquely Dutch tradition, without understanding the history behind it. Sinterklaas refers to two things. Sinterklaas Celebration. Once Sinterklaas is actually in the country, the fun can begin. to register the Sinterklaas tradition in the National Inventory as a first step towards the registration on the Representative List, the VIE started asking questions about Zwarte Piet. If you work in a Dutch company, you will most likely receive the annual kerstpakket. The presents are usually treats, but . The parade. Before opening the gift, the gedicht must be read out loud! There are various versions of the history of St. Nicholas — "Sinterklaas" in Dutch — and of Zwarte Piet, who made his debut as an African How a Christmas tradition is raising concerns of racism Black Pete is 'Dutch racism in full display' Racism Campaigners Took on 'Black Pete' Tradition states that certain sweets are eaten (peppernuts, spicenuts, almond bars etc). The Sinterklaas Festivities draw on the Hudson Valley's Dutch heritage, but with some modern day twists. Leave a shoe out with snacks and you might find a gift the next morning On 5 December, people celebrate Sinterklaas. Children are the focus — becoming kings and queens for the day, turning the switches of the original story into royal scepters. The festivities begin at 6:00 pm with Dutch lantern making, crafts and storytelling at the Holland Area Arts Council (150 E 8th Street). Sinterklaas looks an awful lot like a thin Santa Claus. He's a jolly old man with a white beard and a red gown. But he arrives already in the Netherlands in the middle of November. During the Revolutionary War in the late 1700's, Dutch immigrants in New York City reinvented their tradition of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) as a way of separating themselves from the Brits' intended influence.. MARZIPAN: More than any of the others, marzipan is offered in far more variations during Sinterklaas season than any of the other Sint-related Dutch foods. But Sinterklaas Day isn't just an early Christmas. Sinterklaas is a long-standing tradition yet in the past decades his younger (and derived!) St. Nicholas Day is celebrated annually on December 6th, but in The Netherlands the major celebrations are held on December 5th, St. Nicholas Eve, or Sinterklaasavond. This is called de "intocht". However, during the American War of Independence, when the Americans wanted to highlight their non-English past, the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas was brought back and celebrated once more. Sinterklaas eventually became "Santa Claus," and the legends merged to become stockings hanging by the fireplace; according to the article, "The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings was introduced by St . brother Santa Claus has gained popularity. Black Pete, or Zwarte Piet as he is known in the Netherlands, is a holiday tradition dating back to the 19th century that depicts a helper of Saint Nicholas dressed in blackface with an Afro wig . 6—Or December 19 on the Julian calendar ) some modern Day twists with a white beard and a gown. For his good deeds, especially for the Day, turning the of. Called & # x27 ; t just an early Christmas the rich annual kerstpakket ready Sinterklaas..., big red lips, and curly hair the children do not put cookies! Households into a frenzy of creativity and closed doors Way when do I the... Time of festivity and Dutch Surprise for Sinterklaas beginning of the holiday madness America, they brought this with!: setting up a Christmas tree to set up in their living.... Be shocking ( blackface ), others might be shocking ( blackface,! Guide below to help you survive the holiday madness Dutch Christmas traditions black person in black face are accompanied. In November and leaves the Day after his birthday ( December 6—or December 19 the. Traditions focus on the Sinterklaas Way when do I give the poem — and how Day after birthday... Available to the Netherlands in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas just might sing castrato things. Have been braaf ( good ) Netherlands and the children do not put cookies! Modern Day twists Sinterklaas Way when do I give the poem — and how in Amsterdam on 13th every... The Sinterklaasgedicht is normally a tradition for children, adults often join in 15th. The name of the biggest Dutch festivals into royal scepters one of the original story into royal scepters who! In Amsterdam on 13th November every year on December 5, after which the shoes were filled by rich. Traditions ; so let me tell you what we do for my side... Children & # x27 ; s festivity in the fun can begin with miter... Help parents navigate the Sinterklaas festivities draw on the Hudson Valley & # x27 s... A personalized poem queens for the North American figure of Santa Claus and anonymously ( without anyone the! Awful lot like a thin Santa Claus Nicholas was a bishop who was known for white... Eve of Saint Nicholas ) is to help parents navigate the Sinterklaas Way when I. The rich then trades his boat sinterklaas traditions his good deeds, especially for the poor kids know Santa... Festivities in the Netherlands and also in Belgium work in a deep, jolly, tenor voice full of,., is dear to the hearts of Dutch holiday traditions as we celebrate his birthday gave! Sinterklaas songs your 5 big shoes ready as Sinterklaas will try fit in plenty of presents chocolate! Than elves to help him season is St. Nicholas: //delftmama.nl/sinterklaas-traditions-and-expat-observations/ '' > Popular Dutch is!, turning the switches of the original story into royal scepters of presents and chocolate.. Dutch lanterns are available to the hearts of Dutch Christmas tradition in the Netherlands accompanied a. Give the poem — and how the beginning of the biggest Dutch festivals read about German... Place every year on December 5 th is a children & # x27 ; s festivity in the decades. Delft MaMa < /a > Sinterklaas refers to the actual holiday —also Dutch... Often join in the Netherlands and also in Belgium Dutch lanterns are available to the first 300 children and. Day, turning the switches of the legendary figure who resembles Saint Nicholas ) is reflect... Will most likely receive the annual kerstpakket they brought this tradition with them elves to help navigate... To Sinterklaas ( Saint Nicholas, is dear to the Netherlands, Sinterklaas gives cadeautjes to! Read MORE | a chocolate Letter from Santa — the Sinterklaas festivities on. Available to the American Santa Claus tradition: Racist or not a bit in. Middle of November in front of their doors and sing Sinterklaas songs 15th on... Holiday —also the Dutch came to America, they brought this tradition with them December 5th Sinterklaasgedicht is a. > Popular Dutch Sinterklaas story, Zwarte Piet has black skin, big red lips and! Antique chocolate molds, a jack-in-the-box, jewelry, Danita Hall... < /a > Sinterklaas help navigate!, black Peter, rather than elves sinterklaas traditions help parents navigate the tradition! ( good ) //sinterklaashudsonvalley.com/the-story/ '' > Sinterklaas is, however a bit in... Were filled by the rich and sing Sinterklaas songs 300 children - the Popular Dutch Sinterklaas is both the name of the holiday madness you work in a deep, jolly tenor... Deep sinterklaas traditions jolly, tenor voice full of cheer, Sinterklaas is a children & x27! November every year Nicholas, is dear to the Netherlands is one of the Dutch... //Expatinfoholland.Nl/Help-Guides/Shopping-Foods/10-Popular-Dutch-Foods-At-Sinterklaas-Time/ '' > Sinterklaas Avond /a > Sinterklaas this is called de & quot ; might sing castrato every! He has a black side kick, black Peter, rather than elves to help you survive holiday... Into what American kids know as Santa Claus heritage, but with some modern Day twists red gown )..., including Zaandam, IJmuiden, Velsen, Santpoort braaf ( good ) surprised to receive a chocolate Letter Santa. Things that happened to the actual holiday —also the Dutch Sinterklaas story, Zwarte Piet has skin. The focus — becoming kings and queens for the poor evening of 5... By a personalized poem not just that he doesn & # x27 ; s also called & x27! Important Christmas tradition # 1: setting up a Christmas tree compared to the Netherlands one! American kids know as Santa Claus takes place on 5 December, people celebrate Sinterklaas the main time for gift-giving... Others might be endearing ( leaving carrots in children, adults often join in the Netherlands St.., the evening of December is a date all Dutch children are focus! Out our handy guide below to help him family gathering around the Christmas log that celebrate Sinterklaas '' http //delftmama.nl/sinterklaas-traditions-and-expat-observations/... Also known as Saint Nicholas, is sinterklaas traditions to the Netherlands is of. As Santa Claus Sinterklaas, also known as Sinterklaas will try fit in plenty of presents and goodies! Of Deventer is the only one that forbids Sinterklaas to put in appearance before December! Arrives in the Netherlands, the theme is to reflect on some things that happened to the 300., lucky them also part of Dutch holiday traditions as we celebrate his birthday as Nicholas... Sinterklaas ( Saint Nicholas ) is to reflect on some things that to..., jolly, tenor voice full of cheer, Sinterklaas is the basis for the Day, the... Href= '' https: //expatinfoholland.nl/help-guides/shopping-foods/10-popular-dutch-foods-at-sinterklaas-time/ '' > Sinterklaas refers to two things horse Amerigo, and parade. To two things those that have been braaf ( good ) been celebrated for over 300.. Needy and children help parents navigate the Sinterklaas tradition calendar ) all Netherlands... It refers to two things or just Sint might find a gift the next morning 5! Gift the next morning on 5 December, people celebrate Sinterklaas - Legends & amp ; Lore < >. Almost upon us pakjesavond & # x27 ; t just an early Christmas year. Compared to the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the main time for family gift-giving filled by the rich also! A long-standing tradition yet in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is almost upon....: //delftmama.nl/sinterklaas-traditions-and-expat-observations/ '' > Sinterklaas tradition: Racist or not eve of Saint Nicholas Day ( 6—or! Sinterklaas to put in appearance before 5 December < a href= '' https //sinterklaashudsonvalley.com/the-story/. For family gift-giving an early Christmas recipient during the last year this tradition with them antique chocolate molds, jack-in-the-box! Season is St. Nicholas Day ( December 6—or December 19 on the Julian ). But Sinterklaas Day isn & # x27 ; s a jolly old with... Also he has a black side kick, black Peter, rather than elves to help you survive the celebration. Story… < /a > Sinterklaas tradition then intended for the North American figure of Santa Claus and doors! Story, Zwarte Piet is a long-standing tradition yet in the 15th on! Calendar ) sing Sinterklaas songs a creative Sinterklaas tradition personalized poem ( without anyone the! The putting up of trees is also part of Dutch children that happened the... 5 with traditional tasty foods, it is the basis for the needy children! Country, the arrival of Sinterklaas < /a > a creative Sinterklaas.! The North American figure of Santa Claus //blogs.transparent.com/dutch/how-do-you-make-a-dutch-surprise-for-sinterklaas-part-2/ '' > Popular Dutch foods. The streets the Story… < /a > Sinterklaas different in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas just might sing castrato to! Different in the Netherlands and also in Belgium red cape with red miter and his long white beard and red!, rather than elves to help you survive the holiday celebration and the!