Monday, December 05, 2005

December 5th - Saint Nicholas Eve


Saint Nicholas Day is a festivity for children in much of Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American and British Santa Claus derives from this festivity, the name 'Santa Claus' being a degeneration of the Dutch word Sinterklaas.

In mid-November, Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) and his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) arrive in the Netherlands. In the following weeks before St. Nicholas Day, December 6, Sinterklaas goes about the country to determine if the children have been well-behaved. He and his Zwarte Piet helpers visit children in schools, hospitals, department stores, and even at home.

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