December 05, 2011

Saint Nicolas - Sinterklaas



Many bloggers are already in the Christmas spirit but here in Belgium (and in the Netherlands as well as in Northern France) we are first celebrating Saint Nicolas or Sinterklaas on December 6.
Last weekend, the Sint was meeting the young children to inquire about their wishes. 
Every year, the Sint arrives on a steamboat from Spain with his helpers. He goes from house to house on his white horse to deliver the presents to the children, but only if they have been good this past year.  On the night of December 5, the children put a shoe in front of the fireplace.   A carrot, a sugar cube, an apple  etc. is put in the shoe as a treat for Sinterklaas' horse. The next morning the carrot is gone and the children find candy or presents in their shoes. Drawings made by the children are put into the shoes as a present to Sinterklaas. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas

13 comments:

  1. I haven't seen a real Sinterklaas this year, thanks for the pictures.

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  2. Happy Sinterklaas Day for tomorrow!

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  3. Wat een mooi moment om te delen vandaag, hij heeft er geen mooi weer bij maar zo te zien gaat hij wel gewoon onderweg, gelukkig al die lieve kindertjes kijken er naar uit! Groetjes Cristien.

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  4. Very beautiful custom and photos!
    And I believe much in Agios Nikolaos and gifts!
    In Greece, Saint Nicholas is considered the protector of sailors.
    many greetings

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  5. "Every year, the Sint arrives on a steamboat from Spain with his helpers."--> I heard about this recently and I found really fun and unexpected. Although I suppose that is the same as the Spanish belief that Santa Claus comes from Lapland.

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  6. What fun and a great custom. Diane

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  7. Great post...I have put a link to your blog as I have an icon of St. Nicholas which I always like to put up on the fifth....tomorrow. Thankyou!

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  8. A very Happy Sinterklass Day, Anni! What a delightful post and such colorful photos! Thanks for the history of the custom, I really enjoyed! Hope your week is off to a great, fun start!

    Sylvia

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  9. Fijne sinterklaas !! ...liefs van mij...xxx..

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  10. Toch mooi hé, Anni, zolang we 't geloven...
    Lie(f)s.

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  11. What a delightful post!

    «Louis» thanks you for your visit to San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

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  12. honeybeeandmeonline.netDecember 6, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I love the belgium....
    They have the most amazing designers in the world..



    xoxo
    m

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