Tradition and Celebration in the Netherlands and Belgium
Sinterklaas is one of the most traditional and beloved celebrations in the Netherlands and Belgium, marking the beginning of the Christmas season in these regions. This holiday, celebrated on December 5th, is one of the most important and anticipated of the year, especially for children. Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is the central figure of this celebration, and his story goes back to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness.
The Context of the Celebration
The origins of Sinterklaas are linked to the Christian tradition of Saint Nicholas, a saint venerated for his support of the needy. The figure of Sinterklaas became a popular tradition in Northern Europe and was consolidated in the Netherlands in the 19th century, where the figure of Sinterklaas was associated with the arrival of gifts and acts of kindness. In 1823, the legend of Sinterklaas was brought to America by Dutch immigrants and evolved into the modern figure of Santa Claus.
How Sinterklaas is Celebrated
The celebration of Sinterklaas officially begins on the night of December 5th, when Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Piet, visit homes to deliver gifts and sweets to children. This holiday is characterized by the exchange of mainly handmade gifts, organizing games, and writing sinternklaasgedichten or humorous poems that accompany the presents. These poems, often jokes or friendly critiques, add a personal touch to the gift-giving.
December 5th is known as Sinterklaasavond (Sinterklaas evening), and it is traditional for families to gather for dinner and enjoy the opening of gifts. It is also common for children to leave their shoes near the door, where Sinterklaas and his helpers place sweets and surprises during the night, such as small toys and chocolates. Children can leave carrots or hay for Sinterklaas’s horse in exchange for gifts.
Traditional Sweets and Food
Food and sweets play a key role in the celebration of Sinterklaas. Among the most popular treats are speculaas (spiced gingerbread cookies), pepernoten (small ginger cookies), and kruidnoten (similar spiced cookies). Taaitaai is another traditional sweet, made from honey and spices and shaped like Sinterklaas and his helpers.
The Celebration Today
The Sinterklaas celebration has evolved to adapt to modern times. The figure of Zwarte Piet has been a topic of debate in recent decades due to its controversial and racist representation. In response, some have chosen to alter his appearance to Roetveeg Piet, a less stigmatized version where the helpers have soot stains as if they had come down the chimneys to deliver the gifts, in an effort to avoid any association with racism.
Sinterklaas remains a highly anticipated holiday that marks the beginning of Christmas in these countries, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement among young and old alike. The tradition has also extended its influence outside of Europe, serving as inspiration for the modern figure of Santa Claus and his Christmas customs. However, the essence of Sinterklaas remains in family gatherings, fun poems, and the joy of receiving and giving gifts.