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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.

Dutch Sinterklaas - Learn about this Dutch tradition

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

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.

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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