By Irene Rooks, primary Dutch Language Acquisition teacher
Who is Sinterklaas?
Sinterklaas is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas. He is an elderly and elegant man with white curly hair and a long beard. He is clothed in a white garment, wrapped in red robes and wears a red and gold ‘mijter’ on his head. In one hand he carries a long, metal, golden staff and in the other hand a book of names. This book is called ‘het Grote Boek’, it contains information about every child and what they have experienced and achieved throughout the year.
Sinterklaas is accompanied by the 'Pieten', who at night travel up and down chimneys to deliver gifts and sweets to children.
The arrival of Sinterklaas and how is it celebrated?
The Sinterklaas celebrations officially start when the Sint arrives in the Netherlands by boat. This year he will arrive on 16 November in Vijfherenlanden. This official arrival or 'intocht' in Dutch is always broadcast live on television. Sinterklaas also arrives, unofficially, in most towns and cities across the Netherlands on the same date or another date close to the official arrival. In Utrecht, this will be on 17 November. More information can be found on this website:http://www.intochtutrecht.nl
Schoen zetten & Pakjesavond
In the weeks between the arrival of Sinterklaas and the official celebration on 5 December, Dutch children put out their shoes near a chimney, door, or window in their homes. They will put hay and a carrot in their shoes for Sinterklaas' horse. The next morning they will find a small gift or some treats in their shoes.
Sinterklaas is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on ‘pakjesavond’ also known as ‘Sinterklaasavond’ (St. Nicholas' Eve) on 5 December.
Typically children receive presents during this evening. There might be a mysterious knock at the door and upon opening it, you would see a a sack full of presents left by Sinterklaas and his Pieten!
How do we celebrate Sinterklaas at ISU?
The primary students will learn about the celebration and the related traditions during their Dutch lessons. We will practice the songs and will watch some of the children’s news episodes of the ‘Sinterklaas Journaal’. The school will be decorated for the Sinterklaas celebration.
One day in November the primary students will put out a shoe (a craft shoe or inside shoe) at school, before going home. Hopefully they will be filled with special treats from Sinterklaas and his Pieten when the children come to school the next day.
Sinterklaas will be celebrated on 5 December. We will welcome Sinterklaas by singing songs and there will be an assembly. During the rest of the day each class, up to grade 4, will visit Sinterklaas in person and the students will do all kinds of art work and activities related to Sinterklaas.