Comments on: Sinterklaas is coming tonight

By: Nico

Nico — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 18:23:57 +0000

Well, some people were taught that Zwarte Piet’s skin is black because of the ashes in the chimney that he has to climb through to get the gifts into the people’s houses. Both traditions exist.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:44:23 +0000

Sinterklaas definitely has a racist history. Zwarte Piet as a black man originated as a slave back during Dutch (not sure to what extend the Flemish were involved in that though) slave trading days. That said, I think people do freak out a little too much about it sometimes.

Frankly, I find it more disturbing that Zwarte Piet will stuff you into Sinterklaas's bag and take you to Spain if you've been bad. Who thought that one up?

David Sedaris has a really funny essay in his "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" where he talks about Dutch, French and American Santa traditions.

By: Blips

Blips — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 05:34:47 +0000

Of course the neutrality is disputed. It is a colored picture of the old geezers for sure. If you don't believe in it you dispute, that must be the reason.

O heck what the crap we still celebrate.

Gefeliciteerd met de verjaardag van Sinterklaas.

By: Nico

Nico — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 03:53:41 +0000

Yeah! The one at Carrboro Plaza.. and it’s Lotus too. Well, actually, Biscoff (same thing). Nothing quite like Dandoy’s giant Sinterklaas speculoos though.

By: Guus

Guus — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 03:25:01 +0000

Food Lion sells speculaas? Really? Where? In Chapel Hill?