The Dutch, practical as they are, traditionally eat something they call “gourmet” which might leave you puzzled. I was always curious as to the Celebration of Christmas in the Netherlands. Every year, about three weeks before December… December 25th and 26th, which are both observed as public holidays. During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food. I have deep hearted ties to there and have soft thoughts to a magical place in the world. In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society’s annual meeting. Good children will get presents from Sinterklaas, but bad children will be put in a sack and the Piets take them to Spain for a year to teach them how to behave! What even is the Dutch tradition of gourmetten ? It’s one of the great Christmas traditions in The Netherlands, and it cannot miss during Dutch celebrations. Moreover, he’s accompanied by the controversial Black Peter (. As an international student most likely you’ve noticed that Dutch Christmas songs are played on the radio, in the shopping malls and Christmas markets. While there are many Christmas traditions that are similar in more than one place, each country has its own variations and the Netherlands is not an exception. They're told that, during the night, Sinterklaas rides on the roofs on his horse and that a Piet will then climb down the chimney (or through a window) and put the presents and/or candy in their shoes. Dutch Christmas trees (kerstbomen) appear all over the Netherlands soon after the Sinterklaas eve. Copyright © 2021 COLLEGE LIFE. People put them up in public spaces and their living rooms and decorate them with lights and ornaments. Surprise presents are also given on St. Nicholas' Day. With traditions varying across Europe, we thought we’d take a look at Christmas traditions in the Netherlands. For instance, Sinterklaas is not a chubby man, he’s rather tall and slim, he wears a dark red robe and a hat that resembles a bishop’s attire. I probably wouldn’t have gotten enough info for my project without it. For instance, Sinterklaas is not a chubby man, he’s rather tall and slim, he wears a dark red robe and a hat that resembles a bishop’s attire. . As Kerstmas is around the corner, you’ve probably seen the amazing decorations covering the roofs and windows of your neighborhood. It's not about poor housekeeping. Many people in The Netherlands also have a Christmas Tree in their houses. this is a good site to find a lot of information thank you this is helpful for my project, thank you I need this for a school project we are learning about Christmas around he world, Thank you. Many people now don't like the use of 'Zwarte Piet', this is because the helpers who dress up as Zwarte Pieten are normally white people who wear black makeup as this is seen as racist. The Christmas story comes from the Bible. December is here and with it the Christmas traditions that come around every year. So now you will often see more 'Sooty Piet'/'Roetpiet' where people just have soot and dirt smudges on their face rather than being completely made up with black makeup. It’s a very good point for people to discuss on! So here are 6 key things you should learn about Christmas in the Netherlands. This is because the Dutch celebrate Saint Nicholas on 5 December during Sinterklaas as a separate event from Christmas. The name Santa Claus comes from the name Sinterklaas. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. Great information on this that I am using to teach about The Netherlands at our children’s Christmas Around The World Event at church. In the Netherlands, he is kind of a poor relative to Sinterklaas. Among others, you’ll hear such traditional Dutch Christmas songs as, (Someone is coming, children). New Year For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! Thank you again. In West-Frisian (Frysk) spoken in Friesland/Fryslân)it's 'Noflike Krystdagen' (Comfortable Christmas days); in Bildts spoken in Friesland it's 'Noflike Korsttydsdagen' (Comfortable Christmastide days). Habits, mentality and the way of living. All rights reserved. They also believe that if they leave some hay and carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas's horse, they will be left some sweets or small presents. comes from a historical tradition - the gift of food that was given to farm workers to take home to their families for Christmas. It’s a simple but festive way to celebrate the holidays! Christmas comes early to the good children of the Netherlands. Christmas traditions include a variety of customs, religious practices, rituals, and folklore associated with the celebration of Christmas.Many of these traditions vary by country or region, while others are universal and practiced in a virtually ubiquitous manner across the world.. I needed this information for a school project. Dutch tradition says that St. Nicholas lives in Madrid, Spain and every year he chooses a different harbour to arrive in The Netherlands, so as many children as possible get a chance to see him. Almost no one mentions that it is in fact the other way around. A Dutch Christmas is similar to the experience in other western, predominantly-Christian countries: Christmas in the Netherlands is typified by family gatherings, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the eating of fine food and drink and in some – but not all families – the arrival of Santa Claus (Kerstman in Dutch) and the giving of gifts. Have you noticed an interesting Dutch Christmas tradition? One type of biscuit is called 'letter blanket' or 'banketletter' (meaning letter cake), which is made from marzipan or pastry. Among the Dutch, Christmas (which lasts two days) is a time of togetherness. This is a Christmas gift box that bosses distribute to their staff shortly before Christmas as a traditional sign of gratification for the hard work performed in the past year. December 26th is called “Tweede Kerstdag” meaning “Boxing Day”. This is a similar custom to a present sending one in Germany. - www.whychristmas.com, You can find out more about the history of Zwarte Pieten on the site of the St Nicholas Center, Here's a recipe for kerstkrans, a Dutch Christmas Ring Cake, Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. Could have used more explanation, but loved it. In mid-November, St. Nicholas, known there as Sinterklaas, arrives via steamship from Spain for two weeks of celebrations leading up to the eve of his birthday, December 5, when Dutch families and friends exchange gifts.. The horns make an eerie noise as they are blown at every farm in the neighborhood. In the Netherlands, people celebrate Christmas both on the 25th and the 26th of December. Usually it is celebrated with ones direct, and not extended, family. Christmas Traditions in the Netherlands Christmas is a holiday to honor the birth of Jesus. The top 10 Dutch traditions, compiled by the Dutch folk culture centre NCV. Christmas Day itself is a much quieter day in The Netherlands, with a Church Service and family meal. While most Europeans begin celebrating Christmas on December 1st, the Dutch begin the first Saturday after November 11th when Sinterklaas arrives on a boat from Spain. 25th December, is known as “Eerste Kerstdag” meaning “the first day of Christmas” while the second day, i.e. On December 5, people in the Netherlands celebrate, (St. Nicholas) eve. The Dutch don't call Santa Claus by that name, instead in the Netherlands he is called Kerstman, or Christmas man. The children will receive their presents during the evening. Moreover, he’s accompanied by the controversial Black Peter (Zwarte Piet), his assistant whose face is covered with soot and who's the one going down the chimney to leave gifts for children. After reading this great information provided, I have a better understanding. Very interesting. What’s Christmas without some delicious food? I wish I could experience it as it’s not so commercialized as it is here in the USA, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance. Another sweet biscuit that is eaten at the parties are 'pepernoot' which are made with cinnamon and spices in the pastry biscuit mix. Christmas Day is known as 'Eerste Kerstdag' (first Christmas day) and the day after Christmas is called 'Tweede Kerstdag' (second Christmas day). The background of the engraving contains now-familiar Santa images including stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace. Christmas in The Netherlands. I lost my mama this year and my Dutch heritage means more than ever. St. Nicholas made his first inroads into American popular culture towards the end of the 18th century. In Dutch Happy/Merry Christmas can be said as 'Prettige Kerst' (Happy Christmas), 'Zalig Kerstfeest' or 'Zalig Kerstmis' (both mean Merry Christmas) or 'Vrolijk Kerstfeest' (Cheerful Christmas). The presents are often things that the person would find useful with their favorite hobby. The tradition has its origins in an old tale of a poor woman who couldn't afford to decorate her tree and woke on Christmas morning to discover a spider had covered it in a glorious, sparkling web. Christmas is the 25th of December, but this is referred to as the Dutch as the 1st Day of Christmas. It’s for good luck. The unique tradition here includes Sinterklaas Avond which is celebrated annually on December 5 as St. Nicholas’ birthday. The distribution of kerstpakketten comes from a historical tradition - the gift of food that was given to farm workers to take home to their families for Christmas. On the second day people tend to visit their families and big shops are also often open on Tweede Kerstdag. , this might be the first time you experience Dutch Christmas. Sinterklaas Sinterklaas is St Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors and many others as well. While Sinterklaas can be considered as the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, it has some differences. As an international student most likely you’ve noticed that Dutch Christmas songs are played on the radio, in the shopping malls and Christmas markets. Christmas. Christmas in Netherland is celebrated for two consecutive days, i.e. In the Netherlands, he is kind of a poor relative to Sinterklaas. Holiday Traditions of Netherlands Christmas is a joyful religious holiday when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Now that that is out … Check out Coolblue for interesting light arrangements like this Phillips lightstrip. Children are told that the Piets keep a record of all the things they have done in the past year in a big book. In the Netherlands, people celebrate Christmas both on the 25th and the 26th of December. Nov 24, 2012 - Christmas traditions in the Netherlands are a unique and meaningful celebration of both the secular and spiritual aspects of the Christmas holiday. Some of the typical treats are: Music has an important role in Dutch Christmas traditions. Martina, Thank you for sharing this with us Martina, hope that you enjoyed the article and Merry Christmas . When Sinterklaas and the Piets come ashore from the steam boat, all of the local church bells ring in celebration. While the Dutch don’t refer to the day after Christmas as Boxing Day, they do retain the tradition of the Christmas box or package (kerstpakket). Nowadays, working people in the Netherlands still receive gifts from their company, and often those are food baskets. ) If you work in a Dutch company, you will most likely receive the annual, . Thanks again. This is a Christmas gift box that bosses distribute to their staff shortly before Christmas as a traditional sign of gratification for the hard work performed in the past year. Meat such as roast beef, deer and tenderloin is also very popular. It was nice to read…. In 1809, Washington Irving helped to popularize the Sinter Klaas stories when he referred to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book, The History of New York. An angel appeared to shepherds and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Here's a recipe for peppernoot. There are several activities being organized in Enschede during the Christmas holidays, such as Winter Wonderland. He’s also the precursor of Santa Claus – thanks to Dutch immigrants in the US and Conde Nast. Furthermore, Dutch also have their own Father Christmas or Santa Claus called Kerstman. The traditional way to eat with the family is called 'gourmetten', which is a little stove that is put on the table and where everyone prepares their own meal while seated. Connect with us and tell about it! Thank you for the remarks and detailed explanation on the history of Sinterklaas. They hope that Sinterklaas will come during the night with some presents. Among others, you’ll hear such traditional Dutch Christmas songs as Sinterklaas, Goed Heilig Man (Saint Nicholas, Good Holy Man), Hoor de Wind Waait de Bomen (The wind keeps blowing), Hoor Wie Stapt Daar Kinderen (Someone is coming, children). appear all over the Netherlands soon after the Sinterklaas eve. During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food. Whether it’s carol singing, wreath making or seeing Santa there are certain things that bring Christmas to life each December. These examples all belong to the traditional dinner during Christmas in The Netherlands. Why not get the best of both worlds by doing some online Boxing Day sales shopping? The first thing that tourists associate with the Netherlands is the legal sale of light drugs in coffeeshops. Loved this article! I miss much of such a cultured areas as we immigrated to Canada many years ago. On December 5, people in the Netherlands celebrate Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) eve. Christmas in Dutch is celebrated over two days which are referred to as the First and Second day of Christmas (25th and 26th December). This is an eve when Sinterklaas visits the homes of every child and leaves them some gifts and treats to enjoy. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). Instead of a sleigh from the North Pole, Sinterklaas arrives on a boat from Spain called Pakjesboot. Sinterklaas, dressed in his red robes, leads a procession through the town, riding a white horse. As a matter of fact, to some international students this might seem strange. Nov 8, 2019 - Explore Cathy Smith's board "Dutch Christmas foods", followed by 164 people on Pinterest. Christmas traditions in Netherland is typically defined by celebration of birth of Jesus, family gatherings, good food and drinks, arrival of Santa and the exchange of gifts. That is very true, and I wish this would be updated accordingly. Children follow the clues to find little presents left by Sinterklaas. Thank you for reading this. The first Christmas Day, i.e. A dear teacher friend of ours wanted to share with her class what Christmas was like in the Netherlands. Christmas dinners in The Netherlands Yummy Dutch is a webshop with typical Dutch products.On this page you can read all our blog posts and recipes. While there are many Christmas traditions that are similar in more than one place, each country has its own variations and the Netherlands is not an exception. The tradition evolved here (as it did in the UK), from a gift of food for farm workers to take home to their families after Christmas, to an annual gift for tradesmen. As an international student, this might be the first time you experience Dutch Christmas. This occasion plays a vital role in Christianity, a powerful religion in the … Amsterdam is a city without prejudice, a city of free and open-minded people. Dutch Christmas treats are perfect for those who love sweets as they traditionally consist of such ingredients as spices, dried fruits, sugar, almonds and white flour. Typically, the Dutch will forgo the traditional Christmas roast, and opt for what is called gourmetten. In many families the children are told that Sinterklaas and a Piet make a weekly visit, so the children leave their shoe by the fireplace or window i.e. Read on to find … ), his assistant whose face is covered with soot and who's the one going down the chimney to leave gifts for children. In fact, Dutch Christmas traditions have some particular elements that you should be aware of in this festive season. Sinterklaas parties are often held on St. Nicholas' Eve (5th), where treasure hunt games are played with poems and riddles giving the clues. A custom at the Sinterklaas parties, often within classes at schools, is that everyone's name is put into a hat and everyone picks another person's name - then they have to make a surprise present for that person. – 'wreath cookies' (used also to decorate the Christmas tree), Music has an important role in Dutch Christmas traditions. If you're ambitious enough to learn a Dutch Christmas song yourself, visit this site for English translations. Sometimes there is a special Christmas Day 'Sunday School' in the afternoon at the church, where the Christmas Story and other traditional stories are told. Over Christmas, hundreds of oliebollen street vendors pop up around the Netherlands and prepare these tasty pastries from inside dedicated food trucks. Despite the fact that around 50% of Dutch people exchange presents on Christmas, Kerstman is still less popular than Sinterklaas. Gifts are generally not exchanged. © Copyright 2000 - 2021 James Cooper | About the site | Cookies & Privacy | Site Map | Other Links | Support | Website logistics by LetterBlock | Proud Affiliate of the Merry Network, whychristmas?com answers your Christmas questions! Obviously, these greasy treats are exceptionally calorific and should be approached with caution, as it is extremely easy to end up scoffing down a whole tray of oliebollen before even realizing it. comes from Lapland in Finland to deliver more presents! Furthermore, Dutch also have their own Father Christmas or Santa Claus called. If you work in a Dutch company, you will most likely receive the annual kerstpakket. But Sinterklaas doesn't come alone. While Sinterklaas can be considered as the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, it has some differences. 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