Sinterklaas

"Sinterklaas en zijn helper Zwarte Piet" or "Saint Nicholas and his helper Black Pete" for the English speaking amongst you. In the Netherlands and Belgium, Saint Nicholas' Eve (5 December) is the primary occasion for gift-giving, when his reputed birthday is celebrated. In the days leading up to 5 December (starting when Saint Nicholas has arrived by steamboat around mid-November), young children put their shoes in front of the chimneys and sing Sinterklaas songs. Often they put a carrot or some hay in the shoes, as a gift to St. Nicholas' horse. The next morning they will find a small present in their shoes, ranging from sweets to marbles or some other small toy. On the evening of 5 December, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child who has behaved well in the past year (in practice, just as with Santa Claus, all children receive gifts without distinction). This is often done by placing a bag filled with presents outside the house or living room, after which a neighbour or parent bangs the door or window, pretending to be Sinterklaas' assistant. Another option is to hire or ask someone to dress up as Sinterklaas and deliver the presents personally. Sinterklaas is assisted by many mischievous helpers. These helpers are called 'Zwarte Pieten' ("Black Petes") The myth is that, if a child had been naughty, the Zwarte Pieten put all the naughty children in sacks, and Sinterklaas took them to Spain (it is believed that Sinterklaas comes from Spain, where he returns after 5 December). But of course every year there are no naughty children listen in the Great Book of Sinterklaas that need to be taken to Spain in a sack. Saint Nicholas' Eve is still much more important than Christmas over here in Belgium.

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6 december Black Pete Saint Nicholas Zwarte Piet sinterklaas

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