traditionally dutch! Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas is one of the most famous Dutch traditions and is celebrated on the evening of 5 December. However, many Sinterklaas traditions begin several weeks earlier in November. For many Dutch children, it is one of the most exciting celebrations of the year.
From an international perspective, Sinterklaas may look similar to Christmas. However, Sinterklaas is definitely not Santa Claus.
The Dutch Sinterklaas tradition is based on Saint Nicholas and similar celebrations can also be found in countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Italy, Greece and the Czech Republic. Sinterklaas is also celebrated in Suriname and several former Dutch colonies.
Today, Sinterklaas remains one of the most important and recognisable traditions in Dutch culture.
WHO IS SINTERKLAAS?
Sinterklaas is an elderly man who arrives in the Netherlands from Spain every year on a steamship. He has white hair, a long white beard and wears a red bishop's robe and mitre. He rides a white horse and carries a golden staff.
The Dutch Sinterklaas is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Greek bishop who was born in Lycia, in present-day Turkey. He died on 6 December in the year 342. During the thirteenth century, the Catholic Church declared 6 December to be Saint Nicholas Day.
Like many saints, Saint Nicholas became famous for helping the poor and secretly giving gifts to children. According to tradition, he would place coins in shoes that children had left outside their homes.
During the Middle Ages, Saint Nicholas visited monastery schools and rewarded hardworking students while punishing lazy ones. Children would also leave their shoes in churches on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, hoping to receive a small gift.
Dutch children continue this tradition today. They place their shoes near the fireplace or front door and sing Sinterklaas songs. If they have behaved well, Sinterklaas and his helpers leave sweets or small presents in their shoes.
Woordenschat
To help you prepare for Sinterklaas you should learn the below words!
Nederlands |
Engels |
| Het feest | The celebrations |
| De mijter | The mitre |
| De rode mantel | The red cloak |
| De lange baard | The long beard |
| De gouden staf | The golden staff |
| Het witte paard | The white horse |
| Spanje | Spain |
| De stoomboot | The steam boat |
| De knecht | The servant |
| Het cadeautje | The present / Gift |
| De open haard | The fire place |
| De schoen | The shoe |
| Het liedje | The song |
| Het gedicht | The poem |
| De liedjes | The songs |
| Het snoepgoed | The sweets / candy |
GET YOUR OWN!
Whether you’re still faithfully leaving a carrot in your shoe, secretly hoping Sinterklaas will stop by, or simply love celebrating one of the Netherlands’s most cherished traditions, this cosy personalised hoodie is guaranteed to bring smiles. Add any name to create a one-of-a-kind gift that’s perfect for Sinterklaas fans of all ages. It is a fun, festive way to show everyone that someone loves and believes in Sinterklaas—because some traditions are simply too special to outgrow!
Product Features
- A heavy blend hoodie. Crafted from a soft blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
- Features a double-lined hood with a matching drawstring.
- The fabric’s air jet yarn offers a softer feel and reduces pilling.
- Seamless design for a sleek and attractive look.
- Adjustable drawstring hood for a perfect fit.
- Includes a spacious front pouch pocket and rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex.
- Ethically made with environmentally friendly practices.
Care Instructions
- Tumble dry: medium
- Iron, steam or dry: low heat
- Do not dry-clean
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
Get ready for the holiday season with a hilarious twist on a classic Dutch tradition! Our 'Take Me to Spain - I've Been Naughty' Sinterklaas T-shirt is the perfect conversation starter for anyone who knows that being whisked away to Spain is the ultimate consequence for naughty behaviour. Featuring a relaxed, sun-loving Sinterklaas lounging on a sandy beach, this design brings a playful, modern vibe to a beloved historical celebration. Product Features - Heavyweight cotton construction for comfort and durability - High stitch density for a smooth print surface - Double-needle collar, sleeves, and bottom hem - Seamless tubular construction to reduce twisting - Taped neck and shoulders for added durability - Tear-away label for extra comfort - Solid colours: 100% ring-spun cotton - Heather colours: 35% cotton, 65% polyester - Unisex sizing Care Instructions • Machine wash cold, inside out recommended • Tumble dry low • Do not iron directly on the printed design • Do not dry clean
Whether you’re still faithfully leaving a carrot in your shoe, secretly hoping Sinterklaas will stop by, or simply love celebrating one of the Netherlands’’s most cherished traditions, this subtle Sinterklaas T-shirt is guaranteed to bring smiles. Add any name to create a one-of-a-kind gift that’s perfect for Sinterklaas fans of all ages. It’s a fun, festive way to show everyone that someone loves and believes in Sinterklaas—because some traditions are too special to outgrow!
Product Features
- A heavy blend hoodie. Crafted from a soft blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
- Features a double-lined hood with a matching drawstring.
- The fabric’s air jet yarn offers a softer feel and reduces pilling.
- Seamless design for a sleek and attractive look.
- Adjustable drawstring hood for a perfect fit.
- Includes a spacious front pouch pocket and rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex.
- Ethically made with environmentally friendly practices.
Care Instructions
- Tumble dry: medium
- Iron, steam or dry: low heat
- Do not dry-clean
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
Whether you're still faithfully leaving a carrot in your shoe, secretly hoping Sinterklaas will stop by, or simply love celebrating one of the Netherlands' most cherished traditions, this cosy personalised T-shirt is guaranteed to bring smiles. Add any name to create a one-of-a-kind gift that's perfect for Sinterklaas fans of all ages. It's a fun, festive way to show everyone that someone loves and believes in Sinterklaas—because some traditions are simply too special to outgrow! 🧡
Product Features - Heavyweight cotton construction for comfort and durability - High stitch density for a smooth print surface - Double-needle collar, sleeves, and bottom hem - Seamless tubular construction to reduce twisting - Taped neck and shoulders for added durability - Tear-away label for extra comfort - Solid colours: 100% ring-spun cotton - Heather colours: 35% cotton, 65% polyester - Unisex sizing Care Instructions - Machine wash cold, inside out recommended - Tumble dry low - Do not iron directly on the printed design - Do not dry clean
SINTERKLAAS WAS NOT ALWAYS KIND
Originally, Sinterklaas was a Catholic celebration. However, the Netherlands gradually became a predominantly Protestant country during the Reformation.
As Catholic traditions became less popular, Sinterklaas also began to change. In some parts of the Netherlands, the celebration was even banned during the seventeenth century.
Instead of being seen as a kind saint, Sinterklaas became a frightening figure used to scare children. His red robes turned black, he carried chains and bells, and children were warned that he would come for them if they misbehaved.
In parts of Germany and the Czech Republic, Saint Nicholas is still sometimes accompanied by frightening figures that punish naughty children.
Despite attempts to suppress the celebration, Sinterklaas remained popular and never completely disappeared.
In 1850, a Dutch schoolteacher published an illustrated children's book about Sinterklaas. This book became the foundation of the modern Sinterklaas tradition. It transformed Sinterklaas back into a kind and generous figure dressed in red robes and also introduced his helper, Zwarte Piet.
Some historians believe that the earlier dark version of Sinterklaas may have influenced the creation of Zwarte Piet.
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the story of sinterklaas (english story book)
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Sinterklaas voor grote kinderen (dutch story book)
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daar is sinterklaas! (dutch story book)
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SINTERKLAAS VS SANTA CLAUS
Are Sinterklaas and Santa Claus the same person?
The answer is both yes and no.
As you now know, Sinterklaas is based on Saint Nicholas and is celebrated on 5 December rather than at Christmas. However, Sinterklaas also played an important role in the origin of Santa Claus.
When Dutch settlers moved to North America, they brought their Sinterklaas traditions with them. British settlers brought their own tradition of Father Christmas.
Over time, the Dutch Sinterklaas and the British Father Christmas gradually merged together and became associated with Christmas. Eventually, this figure evolved into the modern Santa Claus that we know today.
During the twentieth century, advertising campaigns, including famous Coca-Cola advertisements, helped create the modern image of Santa Claus with his red suit and white beard.
Today, Dutch people also celebrate Christmas and know Santa Claus, who is called de Kerstman in Dutch. You can find him on Christmas cards, wrapping paper and in films. However, Santa Claus is still far less important in the Netherlands than Sinterklaas.
Although Sinterklaas and Santa Claus are not exactly the same figure, it is easy to see how the two traditions are connected.
What similarities between Sinterklaas and Santa Claus have you noticed?
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The Sinterklaas Mystery (English Story Book)
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Jip & Janneke: Sinterklaas Komt