Dutch St.Nicholas
By
Gypsy Joy.
Today I watched the chimney sweeper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyzrKJAu9Rk
It brought St.Nicholas and his happy knights to mind
Humming a St.Nicholas song I was reminded
About pleasant November and December nights
When St.Nicholas songs can be heard
From the day the Saint arrives from Spain
Till the day his ship steams away.
After St. Nicholas and his entourage have arrived
The Dutch welcome the Saint riding his steed
With a grand traditional parade*
The Saint’s knights hand out goodies
The knights and the steed make everyone laugh
Young and old love this winter tradition called Sinterklaas.
On and before St.Nicholas Eve Dutch children put
Beneath the fireplace their boots or shoes
And dream who will get sweets and gifts
And who will receive a rod or coal
When the Saint’s knights slide down the chimneys
In the darkness of the night guided by the moon.
On the Eve of St.Nicholas
adults and teenagers have a gift-giving exchange.
Presents are hidden in a handmade concoction
with a hilarious rhyme being read aloud.
The younger children asleep find their gifts
from St.Nicholas early morning on December 6th.
Christmas
has been for ages a religious family festivity in The Netherlands.
Only in recent years have a great number of Dutch families
made a switch to the more lavish
North American Santa gift-giving at Christmas.
Why do the Dutch call the Saint’s knights “Zwarte Piet” Black Pete?
Simply, because Saint’s noble knights are going down the Dutch chimney’s
to fill the children’s boots and shoes with toys and goodies.
Just as in the olden days, chimneys are blackened by soot.
The knights appearance and the help they give St.Nicholas
is not a demonstration of who is higher and mightier.
Or de-gracing of other people.
Nor ridicule.
But a festivity to honour the deeds of a Saint
and a pleasant Dutch winter tradition.
When a cold, wet or warm season is upon us
and traditions are celebrated
it should not make anyone suspicious or weary.
Innocent traditions should warm the heart
and bring a smile to young and old as in*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5KgiBH7FPI
Wishing the Dutch who celebrate “Sinterklaas”
wherever they may be
an enjoyable and peaceful St.Nicholas.
