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The Feast of Sinterklaas


Sinterklaas is the traditional Dutch festival associated with Saint Nicholas. Learn more about how it is celebrated.


Most people associate Santa Claus with Saint Nicholas. However, in the Netherlands, the feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated separately. This feast falls on 6th December and is known as Sinterklaas. Although the festival is primarily a Dutch tradition, it is also celebrated in Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Poland, Romania, and the northern provinces of France.


History of Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas. He was the bishop of Myra, a place in Turkey, during the fourth century. He did many good deeds for the community including feeding starving children and rescuing poor maidens from slavery by giving them dowries. This enabled them to get married. In later years, sailors would pray to him to keep them safe while they were out at sea. Therefore, the saint came to be known as a protector of seamen.

To honour the saint, the Dutch city of Amsterdam built a church dedicated to him. They also declared him as the patron saint of the city. Saint Nicholas is especially famous for being kind to children. Hence, the celebrations are centred on young children.


Description of Saint Nicholas

Although Saint Nicholas is considered the precursor of Santa Claus, he has his own distinct characteristics. He is traditionally dressed in bishop's red robes and wears a red mitre (traditional bishop's hat) on his head. In one hand, he holds a 'crosier', which is a long, golden staff having a curly top. He also has a large book with him, in which the names of all the children are written along with a remark saying if they have been good or badly behaved during the previous year.

Saint Nicholas rides a white horse called Amerigo, as he visits homes. In Belgium, the horse is named 'Slechtweervandaag', which means 'bad weather today'. The story behind this name is that the Saint could not think of a name for his horse so he asked his helper to pick one. The helper misheard the saint and thought that he was asking for the day's weather forecast. The saint interpreted his reply as the name to be given to the horse.


Sinterklaas Celebrations

Spanish sailors first introduced Saint Nicholas to the Dutch people, when Spain ruled Holland, in the 16th century. In keeping with this tradition, a person representing Saint Nicholas arrives in a steamboat from Spain on November 17, each year.

The arrival of the saint is a very grand event. After his steamboat is docked in the harbour, the saint mounts his white horse and is paraded through the streets of the city. The parade itself is broadcast on television. Children sing traditional Sinterklaas songs to welcome Saint Nicholas. His helpers, called 'Zwarte Pieten' or 'Black Petes', also accompany him. They throw candy and gingerbread cookies to the crowd.

In the weeks between the arrival of the saint and the actual feast day, a special tradition is followed. Every evening, children keep a shoe with some hay in it and a glass of water at the entrance of the fireplace. These are refreshments for Sinterklaas' horse. Before going to bed, the children sing some Sinterklaas songs. During the night, the Zwarte Pieten are said to remove the hay and water and replace it with gifts. If the children have been good through the year, they will get sweets while bad children will get coal or a small bag of salt.

On the eve of Sinterklaas, the saint is said to visit all the homes and deliver gifts to the children in them. In Belgium, the children receive their gifts when they wake up the next day. However, in Holland, the gifts are 'delivered' in the evening itself. Each gift is accompanied by a poem, which is usually about the child to whom the gift is addressed. Alternatively, the poem may give a clue about the contents of the gift.

The Sinterklaas also visits children in hospitals and schools. In each school, children up to the second grade receive a small toy. On December 6, the Sinterklaas goes back to Spain in his steamboat. This day is not a holiday though children get a few hours to play with their new toys before going to school later in the day.

The Different Origins of Santa Claus


Santa Claus is an integral part of Christmas celebrations. Find out about the origins of this much-loved figure.


At Christmas time, children all over the world wait for Santa Claus. He is the man who brings gifts to children, if they have been good during the rest of the year. However, the origins of this mythical character are not very well known. The character of Santa Claus is based on different persons depending on which region you are in. Here are some of the popular origins.


Christian Origins

According to early Christian literature, the inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas. He was the bishop of Myra, which is now a part of modern-day Turkey. He lived during the fourth century A.D. and devoted his entire life to the service of the less fortunate. Saint Nicholas was well known for his propensity to give poor people gifts. One of the most famous stories is about how he gave dowries to three daughters of a poor yet devout Christian. These dowries enabled the women to prevent themselves from being condemned to a life of slavery.

Saint Nicholas is also known as the patron saint of merchants, children, seamen, etc. His remains are housed in a basilica in Southern Italy, which is a pilgrimage site. Besides Saint Nicholas, few other saints are also considered as the original Santa Claus. For example, Greeks consider Saint Basil as the original Santa Claus. For the French, it is Saint Martin of Tours.


North European Origins

Before embracing Christianity, people in Northern Europe worshipped traditional Norse gods. In this region, Santa Claus is said to have originated from the chief god, Odin. Every year, at Christmas time, Odin had a hunting party for the other gods, who lived in his kingdom. Odin's mount is a flying horse called Sleipnir. During the night of the hunt, children would fill their boots with straw, carrots, and sugar and place them near the fireplace in the home. This was meant to be food for Sleipnir. Odin was said to reward the children for their good deeds by replacing the horse's food with sweets or gifts. This practice has continued in Belgium and Germany and is now associated with Santa Claus.

There is also another folk tale associated with Santa Claus in this region. A terrible demon called Krampus would enter people's homes through the chimney and kill the children who lived there. A holy man (usually Saint Nicholas) managed to trick the demon and bound it with magical chains. Thus, the demon was trapped and forced to obey the saint's orders. As punishment for his crimes, the demon was ordered to go back to homes and deliver gifts instead.

The origins of Santa Claus from this tale are still unclear. One version says that the demon's punishment lasted for eternity and he still has to deliver presents every year. Another story says that the demon was so disgusted by doing such a good deed that he demanded to be sent back to Hell, leaving this task to the holy man. A third version says that the punishment reformed the demon, who evolved into the modern-day Santa Claus. He went on to recruit imps and elves to help him in his work.


Dutch Origins

In the Netherlands too, Santa Claus is associated with Saint Nicholas, though the story surrounding him is different. In this country, Saint Nicholas is also known as Sinterklaas, who is referred to as 'De Goede Sint' or the friendly saint. A helper, who is called 'Zwarte Piet' or Black Peter, usually accompanies him. The helper is said to be an Ethiopian slave boy named Peter. Saint Nicholas freed him from slavery and the boy was so grateful that he decided to stay with the saint and help in his work.


No matter what the origin, there is no denying that Santa Claus is one of the most popular figures in the world. On Christmas Eve, children go to sleep knowing that when the morning comes, they will wake up to find the gifts he has brought for them.

Yule Celebrations


Yule is synonymous with Christmas but is actually a different festival. Learn more about its celebrations.


Yule is a traditional winter festival in Northern Europe. This festival was celebrated even before Christianity came into existence. Yule was generally celebrated in late December or early January. This date was determined according to the lunar calendar.

As Christianity started to gain prominence in the region, the Julian calendar replaced the lunar calendar. As per this calendar, Yule was given a specific date i.e. December 25. This was to ensure that it coincided with the Christian celebrations, which was later called Christmas. This is why Yule and Christmas are often used interchangeably, even though they are different festivals.


Yule Celebrations in Ancient Times

Traditionally, the Yule festival marks the winter solstice (shortest day of the year). Most literature on Yule celebrations has been lost and not much is known about the festive practices. Yule was generally celebrated with great feasts. This is largely because no agricultural work was carried out during the coldest of the winter months, leaving people time to make elaborate preparations. Yule celebrations involved thanking the gods for a good harvest and praying for good farming conditions in the coming season.

With the introduction of Christianity, its advocates found it easier to reinterpret traditional festivals such as Yule, as per the Christian faith. Therefore, instead of suppressing the celebrations, they were given a Christian feel. This is why many Yule traditions are now a part of Christmas celebrations. This includes practices like displaying the Christmas tree, burning the Yule log, hanging mistletoe and holly, consuming Christmas ham, etc.


Yule Celebrations in Modern Times

Most North European countries still celebrate Yule. The date for Yule may either be December 25 or the winter solstice date, which is generally December 22. The official date for Yule in most countries is December 25, since the majority follow the Christian faith. Winter solstice celebrations are mainly unofficial, though this is the major festival for people who follow other religions. Across north European countries, Yule celebrations have many common characteristics. At the same time, each country also has its own unique traditions.


Finland

In Finland, Yule is referred to as 'Joulu'. On the eve of Yule, the Joulupukki visits homes, to give gifts to the children. He is the Finnish version of Santa Claus and his name literally means Yule Goat. He is named after people called nuuttipukkis, who wore clothing made of goat hides. These people would visit homes after Joulu, to eat whatever food was left over.

The Joulupukki, however, is more closely related to the modern Santa Claus. He wears warm, red-coloured clothing and carries a walking stick with him. He will knock on the door of the house, on the previous evening. When he enters the home, he will call out 'Are there any good children here?' When the children respond, he will distribute gifts to them, which are usually opened immediately.

A variety of dishes is prepared during Yule. These include ham, preparations containing root vegetables, beetroot salad, plum pastries, and gingerbread. In Finland, it is also customary for people to visit a sauna on Christmas day.


Norway

In Norway, Yule is called as 'Jul'. For Norwegians, the main celebrations are on December 24. On the evening of this day, a grand meal is served and gifts are exchanged. Breweries in Norway make a special beer, called juleol, and a type of soda known as julebrus. In every house, the mother bakes seven types of julekaker or cookies for the feast.

Norway has another tradition called Julebukk. Every evening between December 24 and December 31, children dress up in fancy clothes and visit their neighbour's homes. Here, they are given candy, chocolates, and nuts. Later on, adults too dress up and visit houses, though they are served alcoholic beverages, rather than sweets.


Denmark

In Denmark too, Yule is called Jul. On the eve of Yule, a feast dinner is eaten, comprising roast pork or goose, red cabbage, and gravy. Dessert consists of a rice pudding, which contains an almond hidden in it. Whoever finds the almond receives a present. After the dinner, family members gather around the Christmas tree to sing carols. Then, family members distribute gifts to one another.


Because of its connection with Christmas, Yule festivities are gradually becoming popular in other parts of the world. It is to be expected, since Yule and Christmas are already considered one festival.

For Christians and Catholics, Christmas is really the highlight for all those festivals. It's considered the most important celebration of the year especially to a Christian country.