Is the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition finally dissipating?!
Almost a year ago today I posted about the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas and his band of merry helpers, the Zwarte Piets. I discussed the tradition and its inappropriate racial connotations in today’s multi-cultural Dutch society (in 2006, 20% of the Netherlands population was "non-Dutch").
To briefly summarize for those of you unfamiliar with the tradition, in Holland, Sinterklaas is celebrated on December 5th. On this evening, Dutch children put out their shoes for Sinterklaas to fill with treats. Sinterklaas live in Spain and ever December travels to Holland via ship. He then rides through the streets on horse-back accompnied by his helpers. Sounds like a nice litte story, eh? Well, it is, apart from the fact that SinterKlaas’s helpers are Zwarte Piets (Black Peters)--men depicted in jolly outfits, large red lips, curly afros, and very black skin. This image might be acceptable in a storybook setting (though I somehow even doubt that), but it is even more disturbing when re-enacted in the streets of Holland by White Dutch folk clad in afro wigs, red lipstick, and black face makeup.
BUT...this post isn’t another negative one, critizing this arachic tradition! No, this post is actually meant to celebrate that the times they might be a changin’ in Holland!! As reported by various Dutch new sources today, “The Sinterklaas tradition appears to be gradually fading in the multicultural Dutch society in the face of rising criticism to the saint's helpers, 'Zwarte Pieten'”.
Every year the Dutch public broadcaster, NOS, reports on the arrival of SinterKlaas to the Dutch cities. This year however, the NOS reported that “the steamboat sailed into a rainbow on the way to the Netherlands.[And] as a result, the Zwarte Pieten have blue, green, yellow and red faces this year.” (Link to the full article)
Could it be true? Might we be spared the shameful black-faces this year and instead be treated to a much more politically correct ensemble of Rainbow Piets???!
To those who made this decision: hats off!!
Catching Up
Me again :)
What can I say, its been a busy couple of weeks! The highlights?? I’d thought you’d never ask!
1. Last weekend we went to Copenhagen with some friends. The ride there was long (I think 11 hours in total), but definitely worth the effort. Denmark was great --the people were incredibly friendly, the city beautiful, and the coastline breathtaking!! We visited Hamlet’s castle, the Modern art museum "Louisiana" (saw a fabulous exhibition by artist Keith Tyson), tried our hand at the shooting gallery (and lost miserably), amongst other games, at Tivoli, and did a ton of great eating! Plus--who knew a ferry could be so much fun?! Me and the other 5- years-olds (also first-timers on a Ferry) were very excited :P
2. On Friday we went over to my friend Miranda’s for a Thanksgiving dinner (yes, a month late in Canadian terms. But better late than never!). I made my Grandma’s Thanksgiving coleslaw and Miranda prepared-- FROM SCRATCH-- an entire meal of turkey, stuffing, homemade pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, etc. for 9 hungry folks!! I marvelled at her skills, and contemplated the impossible-ness of one dish, let alone a dozen!
3. On Saturday I went to an Anouk concert for my friend and colleague Jami’s birthday. (Anouk is a very popular Dutch pop/rock star here in Holland). Jami’s husband works with Anouk (guitar specialist) so we scored VIP tickets to the sushi and alcohol filled backstage VIP lounge --definitely my kind of place. hihihi ;) She was great. Much better live than I would ever imagine. Am now an even bigger fan!
4. I have a "casting" this week to be a host for a Canadian game show being filmed in Amsterdam (and shown across Canada). Don’t ask!!! A friend recommended me, so I decided to give it a try for kicks! Truly hilarious, and if it happens, its going to be ridiculously funny!
5. The next month’s travel agenda is action packed (both work and personal trips). In the next month I’ll be in Paris, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and London. M and I have decided to go London for New Years Eve. I figured if I must (just kiddin’ Mo!) stay in Europe for the holidays, I might as well get some great shopping, greasy food and cheesy musicals crammed in there as well!
Alrighty. Got that off my chest!
Hugs,
xxoo
On Beauty...
Am lovin' the new Dove advertising campaign. (Love a campaign with a solid message).
Hmm....speaking of Dove.....maybe I need to buy myself some new Dove body wash...
Dammit!! Clever "advertising" wins again! (Advertising: 1 point, Colleen: Nil) ;)
UPDATE:
Just found out that this commercial is the brainchild of a Canadian based ad agency (in Toronto). Of course, now I love it even more!!!!!!
