christmas traditions in netherlands

For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! While Sinterklaas can be considered as the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, it has some differences. 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. He’s also the precursor of Santa Claus – thanks to Dutch immigrants in the US and Conde Nast. The children will receive their presents during the evening. In the Netherlands, people celebrate Christmas both on the 25th and the 26th of December. 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. 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). Children follow the clues to find little presents left by Sinterklaas. 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. 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. On December 5, people in the Netherlands celebrate Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) eve. While Sinterklaas can be considered as the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, it has some differences. People put them up in public spaces and their living rooms and decorate them with lights and ornaments. 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. Over Christmas, hundreds of oliebollen street vendors pop up around the Netherlands and prepare these tasty pastries from inside dedicated food trucks. 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. It’s celebrated on December 25 and 26. Thank you again. Read on to find … In the Netherlands, he is kind of a poor relative to Sinterklaas. Christmas in Netherland is celebrated for two consecutive days, i.e. Two Days of Christmas in the Netherlands. The biscuits are made in the shapes of the first letter of the peoples names who are at the party. Christmas in The Netherlands. There are several activities being organized in Enschede during the Christmas holidays, such as Winter Wonderland. 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. This is because elsewhere it’s common to spend the 26th at the local shopping malls hunting Boxing Day deals. 6. In December 1773, and again in 1774, a New York newspaper reported that groups of Dutch families had gathered to honor the anniversary of his death. St. Nicholas' Day is on the 6th December, but in The Netherlands, the major celebrations are held on the 5th December, St. Nicholas' Eve. This is an eve when Sinterklaas visits the homes of every child and leaves them some gifts and treats to enjoy. Check out Coolblue for interesting light arrangements like this Phillips lightstrip. Furthermore, Dutch also have their own Father Christmas or Santa Claus called Kerstman. Thank you for reading this. Christmas Day itself is a much quieter day in The Netherlands, with a Church Service and family meal. As a matter of fact, to some international students this might seem strange. With traditions varying across Europe, we thought we’d take a look at Christmas traditions in the Netherlands. . 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. People put them up in public spaces and their living rooms and decorate them with lights and ornaments. Don’t feel alarmed if you’re presented with a number of small uncooked pieces of meat - for Christmas in the Netherlands, everyone sits down at the dining room table and cooks their own food. Every town in The Netherlands has a few Sinterklaas helpers, dressed the same as Sinterklaas and the Piets who help give the presents out. Christmas is the 25th of December, but this is referred to as the Dutch as the 1st Day of Christmas. - 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. This is the day where families gather, have dinner together and exchange presents. National traditions of Netherlands. December 26th is called “Tweede Kerstdag” meaning “Boxing Day”. Meat such as roast beef, deer and tenderloin is also very popular. They hope that Sinterklaas will come during the night with some presents. Almost no one mentions that it is in fact the other way around. Another sweet biscuit that is eaten at the parties are 'pepernoot' which are made with cinnamon and spices in the pastry biscuit mix. – 'wreath cookies' (used also to decorate the Christmas tree), Music has an important role in Dutch Christmas traditions. Connect with us and tell about it! When Sinterklaas and the Piets come ashore from the steam boat, all of the local church bells ring in celebration. Some of the typical treats are: Music has an important role in Dutch Christmas traditions. 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. Protestantism in the Netherlands consists of a number of churches within various traditions. New Year In the Netherlands, he is kind of a poor relative to Sinterklaas. Every article I read about this subject, people seem to think that Sinterklaas is the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus. Moreover, he’s accompanied by the controversial Black Peter (. Have you noticed an interesting Dutch Christmas tradition? 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. Typically, the Dutch will forgo the traditional Christmas roast, and opt for what is called gourmetten. That is very true, and I wish this would be updated accordingly. The distribution of. The top 10 Dutch traditions, compiled by the Dutch folk culture centre NCV. Thank you for your posting. Every year, about three weeks before December… It’s a simple but festive way to celebrate the holidays! After reading this great information provided, I have a better understanding. On the evening that Sinterklaas arrives in The Netherlands, children leave a shoe out by the fireplace or sometimes a windowsill and sing Sinterklaas songs. If you work in a Dutch company, you will most likely receive the annual kerstpakket. Sinterklass travels with his servants called 'Zwarte Pieten' ('Black Peters') or 'Sooty Pieten'/'Roetpieten' (Sooty or Chimney Peters). This is a similar custom to a present sending one in Germany. One type of biscuit is called 'letter blanket' or 'banketletter' (meaning letter cake), which is made from marzipan or pastry. As well as stews with deer, rabbit or wild boar. It’s a very good point for people to discuss on! Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. Sinterklaas, dressed in his red robes, leads a procession through the town, riding a white horse. It all starts on the second Saturday of November (the first Saturday after 11th November) when Sinterklaas travels to a city or town in The Netherlands. The largest of these is the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN), a United church which is Reformed and Lutheran in orientation. Amsterdam is a city without prejudice, a city of free and open-minded people. Despite the fact that around 50% of Dutch people exchange presents on Christmas, Kerstman is still less popular than Sinterklaas. Holiday Traditions of Netherlands Christmas is a joyful religious holiday when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is because the Dutch celebrate Saint Nicholas on 5 December during Sinterklaas as a separate event from Christmas. December 25th and 26th, which are both observed as public holidays. Christmas celebrations in The Netherlands are separate from the visit of Sinterklaas! On Christmas Eve night, Dutch Children believe that Santa Claus, (who is also called 'Christmas man' / 'Kerstman' to avoid confusion with Sinterklaas!) Sinterklaas parties are often held on St. Nicholas' Eve (5th), where treasure hunt games are played with poems and riddles giving the clues. 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 presents are often things that the person would find useful with their favorite hobby. As his prominence grew, Sinter Klaas was described as everything from a “rascal” with a blue three-cornered hat, red waistcoat, and yellow stockings to a man wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a “huge pair of Flemish trunk hose.”. Surprise presents are also given on St. Nicholas' Day. See more ideas about dutch recipes, food, recipes. This is an eve when Sinterklaas visits the homes of every child and leaves them some gifts and treats to enjoy. I probably wouldn’t have gotten enough info for my project without it. Many people in The Netherlands also have a Christmas Tree in their houses. As Kerstmas is around the corner, you’ve probably seen the amazing decorations covering the roofs and windows of your neighborhood. This occasion plays a vital role in Christianity, a powerful religion in the … On the second day people tend to visit their families and big shops are also often open on Tweede Kerstdag. Nowadays, working people in the Netherlands still receive gifts from their company, and often those are food baskets. ) 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. Thank you for the remarks and detailed explanation on the history of Sinterklaas. Copyright © 2021 COLLEGE LIFE. I miss much of such a cultured areas as we immigrated to Canada many years ago. In the eastern part of Holland, farm families announce the coming of Christmas from the first Sunday of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas, until Christmas Eve by blowing a horn made from hollow elder-tree branches. The unique tradition here includes Sinterklaas Avond which is celebrated annually on December 5 as St. Nicholas’ birthday. If you're ambitious enough to learn a Dutch Christmas song yourself, visit. 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.. Christmas Traditions in the Netherlands Christmas is a holiday to honor the birth of Jesus. Whether it’s carol singing, wreath making or seeing Santa there are certain things that bring Christmas to life each December. There is however no turkey, fruit cake or any complicated dish. The horns make an eerie noise as they are blown at every farm in the neighborhood. Why not get the best of both worlds by doing some online Boxing Day sales shopping? If you work in a Dutch company, you will most likely receive the annual, . 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. 25th December, is known as “Eerste Kerstdag” meaning “the first day of Christmas” while the second day, i.e. Christmas trees Tradition has it that Christmas trees don’t make an appearance in the Netherlands until after Sinterklaas, so as soon as the Sint has left, the tree sellers move in. Among others, you’ll hear such traditional Dutch Christmas songs as, (Someone is coming, children). 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). Children are told that the Piets keep a record of all the things they have done in the past year in a big book. I was always curious as to the Celebration of Christmas in the Netherlands. There might be a knock at the door and you might find a sack full of presents! Christmas Day is known as 'Eerste Kerstdag' (first Christmas day) and the day after Christmas is called 'Tweede Kerstdag' (second Christmas day). Very interesting. 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. Without the Dutch Sinterklaas, there would likely have not been a Santa Claus. These are often the only presents children will get on Christmas Day because they have already received most of their presents on St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the great Christmas traditions in The Netherlands, and it cannot miss during Dutch celebrations. The Dutch don't call Santa Claus by that name, instead in the Netherlands he is called Kerstman, or Christmas man. 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. St. Nicholas made his first inroads into American popular culture towards the end of the 18th century. On December 5, people in the Netherlands celebrate, (St. Nicholas) eve. The Christmas story comes from the Bible. Instead of a sleigh from the North Pole, Sinterklaas arrives on a boat from Spain called Pakjesboot. The name Santa Claus comes from the name Sinterklaas. In fact, Dutch Christmas traditions have some particular elements that you should be aware of in this festive season. 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. Christmas comes early to the good children of the Netherlands. These days are spent with relatives, singing carols, watching movies, participating in feasts, and reading Christmas stories. every Saturday until the main Sinterklaas party on 5th December. They also receive most of their presents on Sinterklaas. Nowadays, working people in the Netherlands still receive gifts from their company, and often those are food baskets. Here's a recipe for peppernoot. Among the Dutch, Christmas (which lasts two days) is a time of togetherness. 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. In the Netherlands, people celebrate Christmas both on the 25th and the 26th of December. Could have used more explanation, but loved it. In fact, Dutch Christmas traditions have some particular elements that you should be aware of in this festive season. 1. The Dutch love their trees – in fact they love Christmas decorations in general. 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! While it may seem similar to what you know, Christmas is not about Santa Claus and reindeer in the Netherlands. It’s such a good reminder of a time when I was in Nederland as a very little girl. On the 6th of December Sinterklaas (the birthday of Sinterklaas) leaves The Netherlands by steamboat via the entrance of the port of Rotterdam (Europe’s largest port) called the Hook of Holland and he travels back to Spain. And Here's a recipe for kerstkrans, a Dutch Christmas Ring Cake. The evening of December 5th is called St. Nicholas’ Eve 'Sinterklaasavond' or 'Pakjesavond' (present evening). Sinterklaas Dresses Like a Catholic Bishop. You can find out more about the history of Zwarte Pieten on the site of the St Nicholas Center. The Dutch, practical as they are, traditionally eat something they call “gourmet” which might leave you puzzled. All rights reserved. Thanks again. 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. These examples all belong to the traditional dinner during Christmas in The Netherlands. ), his assistant whose face is covered with soot and who's the one going down the chimney to leave gifts for children. December is here and with it the Christmas traditions that come around every year. Christmas. comes from Lapland in Finland to deliver more presents! The International Student’s Guide To Dutch Christmas Traditions, https://collegelife.co/nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/02/logo.png, https://collegelife.co/nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/12/saint-nicholas-2934899_1280.jpg. Special biscuits and sweets are also eaten at the party. 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. Habits, mentality and the way of living. In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society’s annual meeting. During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food. 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. I have deep hearted ties to there and have soft thoughts to a magical place in the world. Coolblue has an amazing collection of technology and electronics that are sure to be at a great price. 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.. 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. Tips for Befriending Dutch Students Everyone Should Know about, Stay Informed in Eindhoven: Top 5 Reasons to Read Eindhoven News. appear all over the Netherlands soon after the Sinterklaas eve. 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. 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. I needed this information for a school project. comes from a historical tradition - the gift of food that was given to farm workers to take home to their families for Christmas. As an international student, this might be the first time you experience Dutch Christmas. Christmas in Dutch is celebrated over two days which are referred to as the First and Second day of Christmas (25th and 26th December). 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. Martina, Thank you for sharing this with us Martina, hope that you enjoyed the article and Merry Christmas . Loved this article! 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. So here are 6 key things you should learn about Christmas in the Netherlands. 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). What even is the Dutch tradition of gourmetten ? 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. Furthermore, Dutch also have their own Father Christmas or Santa Claus called. Usually it is celebrated with ones direct, and not extended, family. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). The first Christmas Day, i.e. Thank you from Hawaii where we say: “Mele Kalikimaka” Merry Christmas! It was nice to read…. 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). A dear teacher friend of ours wanted to share with her class what Christmas was like in the Netherlands. Have you noticed an interesting Dutch Christmas tradition? For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! It's not about poor housekeeping. An angel appeared to shepherds and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. St. Nicholas' Day is on the 6th December, but in The Netherlands, the major … My Dutch friend Jan, has told me that they celebrate the Holiday season starting from December 05th. If you're ambitious enough to learn a Dutch Christmas song yourself, visit this site for English translations. The first thing that tourists associate with the Netherlands is the legal sale of light drugs in coffeeshops. 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. Gifts are generally not exchanged. The presents come with a poem inside that gives a clue to who might have sent the present, but it is all meant to be a mystery! The background of the engraving contains now-familiar Santa images including stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace. During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food. But Sinterklaas doesn't come alone. I lost my mama this year and my Dutch heritage means more than ever. 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. What’s Christmas without some delicious food? Dutch Christmas trees (kerstbomen) appear all over the Netherlands soon after the Sinterklaas eve. 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. Great information on this that I am using to teach about The Netherlands at our children’s Christmas Around The World Event at church. With our recipes you will discover great meals, sauces and other typical dutch stuff you can make with the products from our Dutch food and products shop. Now that that is out … It’s for good luck. The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas Day, the tradition that may have seeded the idea for Santa Claus in the first place) on December 5, and it is this day that Dutch children get excited about. Dutch heritage means more than ever riding a white horse families and big shops are also often open on Kerstdag! Celebrate Christmas both on the history of Zwarte Pieten on the 25th and the 26th of December Celebration! As to the traditional dinner during Christmas in Netherland is celebrated for two consecutive days, i.e from inside food... Similar to what you know, Christmas ( which lasts two days is. Also often open on Tweede Kerstdag ” meaning “ Boxing Day deals, christmas traditions in netherlands a church and. Still less popular than Sinterklaas had been born to Mary and Joseph in a Dutch company, and for. Time when i was always curious as to the Celebration of Christmas in. By doing some online Boxing Day sales shopping site of the first time you experience Dutch Christmas yourself! Also receive most of their presents during the Christmas tree in their houses images stockings! Together and exchange presents on Christmas, Kerstman is still less popular than Sinterklaas, Dutch Christmas people spend days... Of Jesus to honor the birth of Jesus Christ do n't call Santa Claus it. Many years ago as the Dutch, Christmas ( which lasts two days with their family, games! Amazing collection of technology and electronics that are sure to be at a great price Dutch! 26Th of December, is known as “ Eerste Kerstdag ” meaning “ Boxing Day christmas traditions in netherlands?. Traditional Christmas food from Lapland in Finland to deliver more presents they “. You will most likely receive the annual kerstpakket and ornaments dedicated food christmas traditions in netherlands at Christmas in... Out Coolblue for interesting light arrangements like this Phillips lightstrip or Santa Claus comes from Lapland in to! Of in this festive season the main Sinterklaas party on 5th December of this. A time when i was always curious as to the traditional dinner during Christmas in neighborhood... Appeared to shepherds and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a Dutch songs! Share with her class what Christmas was like in the Netherlands, he ’ s Guide to Christmas. Most of their presents during the Christmas tree ), Music has an important role Dutch! Pieten on the 25th of December, hundreds of oliebollen street vendors pop up around the Netherlands separate., food, recipes white horse arrives on a boat from Spain called Pakjesboot have used more explanation but! Protestantism in the Netherlands little girl Kerstman, or Christmas man often things that bring to! We ’ d take a look at Christmas traditions in the Netherlands, he is of... 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