So in Luxembourg "Kleeschen" is accompanied by the "Houseker" a frightening helper wearing a brown monk's habit.
Although, half Dutch, we never celebrated "Sinterklaas" on December 5. Having an American Father and living in, Geneva where people did not celebrate St-Nicholas, Christmas seemed to be more important.
We now live in Luxembourg. All kids get presents on December 6. We decided it was important that Bhavishya also celebrates it like the other kids in her class. So we will give her a little something on December 6 with a plate fill with "goodies", tangarines, nuts, candy, cookies etc.
Maybe we will even celebrate with our good Dutch friends, Dolly & Yvonne?
My understanding is that the Dutch do celebrate it slightly differently than others North Europeans...the story goes..."Sinterklaas" arrives in Holland by steamboat from Spain a few days before his birthday. Kids sing special songs and put their shoes or clogs in front of the chimney or radiator...they remember to put in them a carot for "Amerigo" the horse of Santa. The next morning they find a small present in their shoe (chocolate coin, small toy...). On the evening of December 5, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child that has been good in the past year (all kids...). He usually leaves a bag with presents outide the house (someone is supposed to bangs on the door to indicate that he has come!).
As you can see on the picture St-Nicholas (the Luxembourg one and the Dutch one) wears a red bishop dress including a red mitre.
Here is a picture of Bhavishya meeting St-Nicholas at the local groccery store...Poor Darling, she was scared to death!
Here's a video...
No comments:
Post a Comment