TT #18: Sinterklaas

Thirteen facts about Sinterklaas Sinterklaas or St. Nicolaas is an old Dutch holiday / tradition, celebrated on December 5th. Nicholas was born in the fourth century in the village of Patara, at that time in Greece but now situated in Turkey. When his parents died in an epidemic Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day. A few weeks before his feast day Sinterklaas arrives in The Netherlands with his steam ship. He is said to come from Spain (Madrid), but nobody knows exactly why he ended up there. His helpers are called "Zwarte Pieten" (Black Petes). When he has arrived Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for his white horse Amerigo with drawings for the saint. Sinterklaas rides his horse on the roofs of houses. Zwarte Pieten climb down the chimney to take the offerings and leave candy and small gifts instead. St. Nicholas' Day is celebrated on the evening of December 5th with the sharing of candies (thrown in the door), chocolate letters (everyone gets the first letter of their name in chocolate), gifts and riddles. It's been a long journey from the fourth century Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholas, who showed his devotion to God in extraordinary kindness and generosity, to America's jolly Santa Claus. However, if you peel back the accretions he is still Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose caring surprises continue to model true giving and faithfulness. You can read and hear traditional and new Sinterklaas songs here and English translations here. Dutch living abroad (and others of course!) can order Sinterklaas goodies and candy at The Dutch Market, the Sinterklaas Shop or HollandByMail. If you want to read more about Sinterklaas this is a website you can visit. ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Gattina ~*~ Laughing Muse ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Caylynn & Dragonheart ~*~ Chaotic Mom ~*~ Darla ~*~ Carmen ~*~ The Median Sib ~*~ Judy Callarman ~*~ Shannon ~*~ Missy ~*~ el-e-e ~*~ Stephanie ~*~ Susan Helene Gottfried ~*~ Chickadee ~*~ Bond ~*~ Chelle Y. ~*~ Leanne ~*~ peppylady ~*~ The Little Woman ~*~ Domestic Goddess ~*~ busy91 ~*~ Jenny Ryan ~*~ Kristarella ~*~ N. Mallory ~*~ Taconcubano ~*~ Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants