TRIVIA BITS … SINTER KLAAS
When Dutch settlers arrived in New York - once called New Amsterdam – they took with them their traditions of St Nicholas. On one of the early ships that crossed from Holland was a craved figure representing the saint. Instead of wearing long robes and a bishop’s mitre, the figure was dressed in breeches and had on a wide brimmed hat. He was also smoking a long Dutch pipe.
Settlers in New York from other countries were fascinated by Saint Nicholas and the festivities the Dutch people held in his honor on December 6th. Children tried to pronounce the name for the saint - SINTER KLAAS.
Gradually the saintly bishop took on a new form. He was described as being a jolly, chubby fellow driving across the sky pulled by reindeer.
In 1822, Clement C Moore’s poem A Visit from St Nicholas gave the saint all the characteristics that were associated with Santa Claus. A picture by Thomas Nast in Harper’s Magazine portrayed Santa Claus as the old gentlemen with the red robe and white beard that every one recognizes today.
Settlers in New York from other countries were fascinated by Saint Nicholas and the festivities the Dutch people held in his honor on December 6th. Children tried to pronounce the name for the saint - SINTER KLAAS.
Gradually the saintly bishop took on a new form. He was described as being a jolly, chubby fellow driving across the sky pulled by reindeer.
In 1822, Clement C Moore’s poem A Visit from St Nicholas gave the saint all the characteristics that were associated with Santa Claus. A picture by Thomas Nast in Harper’s Magazine portrayed Santa Claus as the old gentlemen with the red robe and white beard that every one recognizes today.
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