This Is Holland #4 by wastl001

Photography • Historical • posted on Nov 13, 2005

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Description

Famous in our country and part of Belgium, but unknown to the rest of the world (at least in the way we know him): This is 'Sinterklaas' or 'Sint Nicolaas'!! A short explanation for the rest of the world: Born in the year 270 as son of wealthy parents in Patara (in Turkey nowadays). Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Nicholas became a priest. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Finally he died on december 6th AD 343. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. Because of his generosity we celebrate the anniversity of his death on St. Nicholas Day. In The Netherlands this means that he arrives in a boat, coming from Spain (why...that's another long story...) with numerous helpers which we call 'Zwarte Piet' (which can be translated as 'Black Peter', but it sounds silly to me...). During these 3 weeks he visits all children in our country to give them small presents. On december 5th it's real partytime for our children. On that day they get overloaded with presents and candy. And that's the reason why he is so popular and famous in our country. Every year Sinterklaas arrives in a different town in The Netherlands, and this event is broadcasted live on Dutch Television. And believe me: it is a really big event (it's even in the television news). After that, every town and city celebrates St. Nicholas with their own welcome-parade. And this means that the man in fact has lots of work to do... Above pic shows 'Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet' in a small town near my hometown. Since I'm a good old friend of Sinterklaas, I was able to do this shot. Maybe I'll tell you more about this celebration next time. Enjoy! Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my last upload, "Pre-Digital Era (for jcv2)" !!

Comments (11)

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RodolfoCiminelli

11:46AM | Sun, 13 November 2005

Wonderful and very creative picture.....!!! I like the beautiful saturation of colors......!!!!

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nongo

12:01PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

WoW, what a colorful image and a wonderful reminder of the history of St Nicolaas'!!!! excellent!!!!!! thanks!!! ;)

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marybelgium

12:13PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

St. Nicolas patron des oliers , apporte moi du sucre dans mes petits souliers , etc... nice capture and history !

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Elsina

12:58PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

They say when the first Dutch emigrated to the New World they brought this Sinterklaas with them and it developed into Santaclaus, with a raindeer instead of a white horse and elves instead of his morish helpers. I really miss this part of Dutch culture, having emigrated myself. Wishing you a great evening! Met chocolade letters, marsepein en pepernootjes :-)

amorales

1:25PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

Always hear about this story, but never saw a better picture than this one on the subject. Thanks for sharing.

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Hedepo

2:06PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

Where can I put my shoe?

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GiMi53

2:37PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

Excellent testimony of our Northern culture ! St Nicolas and his suite are very nicely dressed and the piture looks like it was not captured in the winter... Great work,Paul, thanks and groeten ! :~)

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jcv2

3:39PM | Sun, 13 November 2005

Ahhh, you're a friend of him!? Isn't he the friend of every decent Dutchman!? He he! Impressive work and explanation, it's our very own feast competing with Santa Claus! :)

Thefons

12:16PM | Mon, 14 November 2005

I think that I am a better friend of the good Holley man. But the picture is very nice en very collorful.

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Richardphotos

5:35AM | Sat, 19 November 2005

the man on the bottom left looks like Benny Hill. interesting story and the original tale of the priest may hold water better than the stuff I have heard before. excellent capture

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