Sinterklaas or Santa Clause?

This weekend in Holland is all about a man named Sinterklaas. There are many similarities between Sinterklaas and Santa Clause, so many, that in fact it's obvious they are meant to be one in the same.

Our American version of Santa Clause is derived from a real man named Saint Nicholas of Myra. Nicholas was raised in a Christian family and when his parents passed away, he took his wealth and distributed it among the poor. A famous story includes one where Nicholas gives 3 women a large inheritance, so they do not have to become prostitutes. He was then given the title of saint and bishop because of the miracles that were performed through his prayers. Here in Holland Sinterklaas is still portrayed as a Saint/Bishop; with his staff, bishops hat, robe, and all. In America, Santa Claus is not viewed as a Bishop (although the character is modeled after Saint Nicholas as well) but instead a very happy, round man who delivers gifts to children late at night on Christmas Eve (December 24th). This American view of Santa Clause is credited to a cartoonist named Thomas Nast, and the man who wrote "The Night Before Christmas", Clement Clarke Moore.

Some differences are that Sinterklaas rides a white horse (no reindeer here), and lives in Spain! One striking difference between the two "Santas" are their helpers. In America, Santa has elves, many small elves, with pointed shoes and pointed ears. Here in Holland, Santa's helper is man by the name of "Zwarte Piet", translated in English to mean Black Pete. This is definitely the most controversial aspect of the Dutch Sinterklaas. People will paint their faces black, and place afro wigs on their heads to dress up as Zwarte Piet. From an outsiders perspective (us being outsiders) this is quite the shock. Whats going on here?

I've spoken to many different Dutch people about Zwarte Piet's origins, and many don't know. Some say the origins come from slavery, others say he is black because he is dirty from climbing up and down chimneys. The story that makes the most sense to me (considering who Saint Nicholas was as a person) is a story saying that Piet was at one time an Ethiopian slave. He was liberated from a slave market by Saint Nicholas himself, and the boy was so incredibly grateful to Saint Nicholas that he vowed to stay by his side for the rest of his life. What is the truth? No one seems to know. I've been told by quite a few Dutch that it's definitely not something meant as racial or degrading. They say the American's come here to Holland and see it as racial, when its not meant to be. Zwarte Piet is adored by all the children. "We don't see color," I was told, "Everyone is equal here."

What I find to be really neat is that Sinterklaas is separated from Christmas. Sinterklaas celebrations start on December 5th with gift and poem exchanges, and continues on through December 6th with a feast. Christmas is a separate holiday , celebrated December 25th like us, but is a time to be with family and for those that are Christian to remember Christ. This is so refreshing! It think it would be wonderful to have Santa Clause completely separated from Christmas. It is, by all means, a celebration of Christ and should be remembered as such.

We're so blessed to be able to take part in and learn the new culture, festivities, and holidays here in the Netherlands. Happy Sinterklaas!!