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Every year on the 7th of December for the last 28 years Miss Maud has been celebrating the coming of Saint Nicholas.
But you may wonder what this wonderful Dutch celebration is all about.
Sinterklaas! What mystery and magic surround the arrival of this white-bearded, robe wearing spirit of goodness? In the Netherlands he is the herald of winter merriment.
He is the answer to the many Dutch hearts yearning for his appearance all year long
St Nicholas, as Sinterklaas is also known, arrives well before his feast day. Mid November finds his steamer chugging through the canals of the Netherlands. Also aboard is the saints swarthy companion, Zwarte Piet-Black Pete-a Moor. A fully costumed crew and the saint’s famous white horse complete the group.
They are said to have journeyed all the way from far-off Spain to prepare for St. Nicholas Eve. Called Sinterklaasavond, it is the most celebrated night of the year for the Dutch. Although Sinterclaas wears the robes of a Bishop the event is without religious overtones. Tradition has transformed him into a universal benefactor. It is everyone’s pleasure to welcome the Saint to the Netherlands.
As Sinterclaas and Pete arrive the contrast between them is obvious. The Saint is stately and all forgiving. He has a white beard and wears bishop’s clothes. He is elegant in his white robe, crimson mantle and tall red mitre as a headdress. His gloved hands are often adorned with jewelled rings, and he always carries a golden crosier, or staff like a shepherds crook.
Pete, on the other hand is a mischievous, grinning character dressed somewhat like a 16th-century Spanish page. He paints a comical picture in his long stockings; short, puffed britches, tight-fitting jacket, pleated collar, and plumed beret tipped over one ear.
In the weeks leading up to the eve of December 7th the saint and his helper ride across the country gathering information on which children deserve rewards for obedience. At night time during these weeks children place their clogs under the hearth filled with carrots or hay for the Saints horse. Pete descends the chimney to pick up the horses snacks and often leaves goodies behind for young children.
Song
Nicholas, I beg of you,
Drop into my little red shoe,
Something sweet or sweeter,
Thankyou, Saint and Peter.
On Saint Nicholas Eve the Saint formally visits all Dutch homes. The arrival of the pair is heralded by a great deal of singing.
Song
Look there is the steamer from faraway lands.
It brings us St. Nicholas; he’s waving his hands.
His horse is prancing on deck, up and down,
The banners are waving in village and town
Pete has his sackful of goodies and gifts ready to go. He tosses handfuls of pepernoten all over the room. The children dive to the ground, vying to claim the treats. Pete loves the confusion and urges the children on. Sinterclaas may need to scold Pete a little to cool his excitement.
But now the time arrives for Sinterclaas to open his big red book. Pete stands nearby, a few Birch rods in his hands. Gathered around the Saint, the children listen carefully for their names. Did he see? How did he know that? Of course Sinterclaas knows everything. If you’ve been a little naughty you may get smacked gently by Pete with his Birch rod but if you’ve been really naughty you may even end up in his sack.
In Holland on this night the family exchange small gifts with one another. The gift is always accompanied with a rhyme or poem, which points out the habits or quirks of the recipient.
As Saint Nicholas leaves everyone sings.
Song
Da Sinterclaas Da Sinterclaas.
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At Miss Maud Saint Nicholas Eve is a wonderful night for singing and eating and especially for enjoying the company of family and good friends.
Some of the traditional dishes enjoyed on the night include:
Bitter balan
Red cabbage
Creamed spinach
Smoked sausage
Pea and ham soup.
Miss Maud would like to thank Nel Ottenhof in particular for the great work she has done in organizing Saint Nicolas Eve for the past 28 years. Nel is an amazing woman who is well known and respected in the Dutch community for her tireless work.
Thankyou Nell for helping to keep a wonderful part of Dutch culture alive in Australia. This photo taken in 1993 shows Nel, her daughter Monique and two of Monique’s daughters Achelle and Teneeka celebrating St Nicholas Eve at Miss Maud. Three generations of St Nicholas at Miss Maud.
See you on December 7!
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