Eliot's Travels

Sinterklaas is coming

The short story: Sinterklaas (St Nicholaas) travels from Spain to Holland a few weeks before his birthday (Dec 6). He brings his Zwarte Piet (literally black Peter) helpers with him. They load up a stoomboot with presents and bring his white horse and the all-important big red book. The book has the names of all boys and girls, what they want, if they have been good or bad, where they will be on St Nicholaas eve, and any other things Sint needs to know to deliver his gifts. He lands in a different spot each year - this year it is Middelburg in Zeeland. During the time leading up to Dec 5, you leave him poems, pictures and a carrot for a horse and he brings small gifts and candies. He lands in the other Holland cities the weekend after arriving in Holland. The big day is December 5th, the eve of his feast day when he brings a load of presents in a burlap sack for the family. The childrens gifts are toys and treats. The adult's gifts tend to be more practical items but the real fun is the original poem that is to accompany each gift and the packaging - usually an elaborate process to get to the not-as-exciting gift. Read more about the tradition at: http://www.thehollandring.com/sinterklaas.shtml (may need editing for the believers ears).

For a bit of adult humor: check out this youtube audio of David Sedaris' essay 6 to 8 Black Men with some great images across Holland during this Sinterklaas season. http://youtube.com/watch?v=UCUHTDrca4s&feature=PlayList&p=79D30B6633C2EBFD&index=7 You can also check out the pure audio at http://www.thislife.org/ Episode 201 on 12/7/01.

Today is the first report on Sinterklaas' journey from Spain to Holland. Each weeknight there will be a live report at 17:40 as to his progress. There's always drama when he comes and something envariably goes wrong. It's all part of the adventure of his coming. http://sinterklaasjournaal.nps.nl/journaal_alle.php Today's report: the Groote Piet Huis is not ready ready (where the piets will sleep) reported by the Bob Vila of Holland; the boat is loaded up with presents but they've had a bit of rain and the book got wet; Middelburg is preparing for his arrival.

We'll report more on this cultural experience as we live it.

posted by Whitney @ 1:03 AM