Let me introduce someone to you: Sinterklaas.
Today, 5 december, we're celebrating 'Sinterklaasavond' (The evening of Sinterklaas)
Let me tell you something about the weirdest Dutch tradition...
Who is Sinterklaas?
Sinterklaas is a holy priest who lived in Turkey almost 2000 years ago. He was a good man who gave a lot of presents to poor people and children.
Dutch Tradition
So, in the Netherlands we're celebrating this man's life for many years on the 5th of december.
Halfway november Sinterklaas is already entering our country by boat. Young and old people are all welcoming Sinterklaas by singing songs and giving him drawings.
He's always accompanied by his white horse: americo. He brings a lot of gifts with him.
In the weeks up to the 5th of december the kids can place their shoe nearby the chimney hoping Sinterklaas is coming by that night, filling the shoe with candy and presents.
So on the 5th of december grown up men are dressed up like 'Sinterklaas'. They're wearing a white dress with a red overcoat and a red head. Sinterklaas also has long white hear and a big white beard.
We buy our kids a lot of presents and tell them that Sinterklaas bought it especially for them. (yes, it's really ungrateful as a parent, but it's the only time you can spoil your kid to death without feeling bad about it...)
So far so good
But that's not all..
Sinterklaas is also accompanied by 'Zwarte Pieten'. The Zwarte Pieten are helping Sinterklaas to hand out the presents and the 'pepernoten'. (really small sort of cookies. They also come with chocolat. Love it!)
'Zwarte' means: Black. The pieten are painted black. They're wearing nice coloured outfits and they're wearing golden earrings.
Now, since a couple of years we have a little problem in our little country..
We all just love Sinterklaas. The grown ups have great memories of Sinterklaas from since they were little. The kids love to be spoiled obviously. It's our tradition!
But
Some people are not so happy with this whole Sinterklaas-thing.. The Zwarte Pieten remind them of slavery, of racism, and that is not something to be proud of..
So now all the Dutch people are arguing: 'It's our tradition!' 'No, stop painting the Pieten black because it's racism!' 'Shut your mouth, it's not racism, we just want our kids to have the same fun as we did in our younger years!' 'Give the Pieten a different colour, then the problem is solved, racists' And so on...
SOS! We really need your help!! What do you think about this whole thing??