The evening of December the 5th is the traditional celebrating of "Sinterklaas" or more formally Sint-Nicolaas. The Goedheiligman ( the Good Holy Man) is a bishop from Spain who brings presents to the children assisted by many helpers with black faces and Moorish dresses, These helpers are called "Zwarte Pieten" (Black Petes). This photo I made when Sinterklaas had arrived in our village two weeks ago and Black Pete greeted me. In previous posts I have written about this celebration you can read here.
Great picture. Seems I remember that instead of cookies for Santa...children left carrots in their shoes for SinterKlass's horse.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGoodness me Marianne, you weren't kidding when you said our two Santa's were different, this is what makes the world such an interesting place oui!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI have read about your tradition – it is lovely. I am sure children wait for this day impatiently. But adults may also as many adults are still children at heart, no?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI knew that Sinterklaas was celebrated early in Dec. but I did not know about the black faces. You have this guy in a very colorful setting.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYep the Dutch Saint Nicholas has done his job for the year again and his helpers went down and up many a chimney and got all black from the soot...
We only have our chocolate letters as Dutch tradition and we ordered them as well for all our friends as they love them.
Looking at your previous post it made me shudder when looking at the cold environment for Saint Nicholas' arrival. That is too bad it is so cold. Hope his helpers don't catch a cold by dressing up like that!
Hugs,
Mariette
I think I would be afraid of this guy if I were a little boy. He kind of falls into the same category as clowns...scary.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenha ha, zelfde idee !
BeantwoordenVerwijdereni spent so many hours as a kid singing in front of the fireplace, hoping to get many presents... :D
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