St. Nicholas Day (Birthday of Santa Claus)

Sinterklaasavond (Pakjesavond)Most of all, St. Nicholas Day (Sinterklaasavond) is loved by Dutch children. On the evening of December 5, people anonymously give each other beautifully packaged gifts, which are accompanied by poems about the addressee, allegedly written by Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas - Sinterklaas - dedicated to the city of Amsterdam. The guest arrives in the Netherlands on December 6 from the sea, through Rotterdam, and is greeted in the tiny fishing village of Monnikendam, located near the capital, not only by citizens, but also by authorities, including the mayor of the capital.

According to "Dutch mythology", Sinta - Sinterklaas - St. Nicholas - is a close relative of Santa Claus. In the past, the Dutch brought many of their customs to America, which have since been transformed. Natives of the Netherlands, who moved in the XVII century to New Amsterdam (future New York) in America, “took” with them the popular St. Nicholas, a protector from all adversity. The saint took root in his new homeland and transformed over time, absorbing elements of different cultures into Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas himself as a historical figure was born in the IV century AD in the territory of modern Turkey and was the bishop of the city of Myra. All the wealth he inherited from his parents was given to the poor. He was loved by the people, especially children, for whom he worked miracles. The bishop died on December 6, 343, and in 1089 his remains were transported to Italy. Since then, December 6 is considered its holiday and the holiday of children.

According to popular Dutch beliefs, Santa Claus is a patron saint with a white beard who comes from Spain (why exactly from Spain - no one knows). He is accompanied by servants called Zwarte Pieten. Black Pete is dressed like a medieval page with a feather hat on his head. In our time, it is believed that in addition to them there are still Blue and Green Pits. Together with the main characters, a numerous retinue descends to the pier. They are greeted with shots, fireworks, the ringing of bells at the town hall. On the embankment they are met by the real members of the city government - burgomaster, alderman, other officials. The saint is let down by a white horse, he skillfully climbs into the saddle, and the procession moves through the city. Servants-Moors give the procession a special flavor - all of them, except black Pete, are dressed in "supermodern" costumes and proudly sit on crackling mopeds. On the day of arrival, the procession moves along the main street of the city, then begins to visit children's institutions.

Near Christmas, Klaus and Pete appear in private homes. When the time of Santa’s arrival approaches, the parents try to keep the children busy, leaving them in the living room. The door opens, and a black hand seeps into it, which scatters sweets and fruits. As the children gather them, St. Nicholas comes in. He asks the children about their successes and behavior, and at the same time, as a true saint, already knows everything about them. He gives an assessment of the behavior and actions of the children, gives instructions and leaves, leaving the children in some doubt.