Sinterklaas is a celebration that has been cherished for generations in the Netherlands and Belgium. Dutch and Belgian children are familiar with the image of the saintly figure riding his horse, dressed in a red cloak with his staff, and, of course, the steamboat filled with gifts. But the origins of Sinterklaas are much older. From a Turkish bishop to a Spanish patron saint, let’s explore where Sinterklaas comes from and how his story lives on in different languages and cultures.
The legend of Sinterklaas begins with Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop who lived in the 4th century in what is now Turkey. During his lifetime, he was known as a protector of the poor and children. The most famous story about Saint Nicholas tells of three sisters who were too poor to afford a dowry and, therefore, couldn’t marry. Their father decided he had no choice but to force them into prostitution. Recognizing their plight, Nicholas secretly provided them with gold by throwing coins through their window at night. This act of kindness is likely the origin of the tradition of leaving out shoes to be filled with gifts during Sinterklaas.
Interestingly, in addition to being a friend to children, Saint Nicholas is officially the patron saint of prostitutes.
He is also credited with performing several miracles. One such tale recounts how he revived three students who had been murdered and hidden in barrels of brine by a corrupt innkeeper. In later retellings, the students became younger and younger until they were described as children.
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After his death at the hands of the Romans, Saint Nicholas became an important figure in the Catholic Church. His feast day, December 6th, was celebrated throughout Europe. When Spanish sailors transported his relics to the trading city of Bari in Italy, then under Spanish rule, his influence spread even further. In Spain, he became known as San Nicolás, the patron saint of sailors. It’s perhaps no coincidence that Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by steamboat.
During the Middle Ages, the traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas grew in popularity. In the Netherlands and Belgium, his feast day became a significant children’s celebration. It was during this period that he took on the appearance we recognize today: a kind old man with a bishop’s mitre and staff, distributing gifts. The idea that Sinterklaas “comes from Spain” likely arose due to trade with Spain and his association with Bari’s harbor.
The Protestant Reformation saw Saint Nicholas disappear from many Protestant countries, but he remained a beloved figure in the Netherlands. Over time, his feast day gradually evolved from a religious observance to a secular celebration, though the idea of anonymous giving remained central to his story.
Meanwhile, Dutch immigrants brought the tradition of Sinterklaas to America. There, he eventually became the inspiration for Santa Claus, complete with reindeer and a North Pole address.
As a translation agency, we often see how different cultures interpret Sinterklaas in their own unique ways. In Turkey, he is more commonly seen as a historical figure, while in Spain his name is synonymous with religious traditions. Translating texts about Sinterklaas requires an understanding of these cultural contexts. A literal translation doesn’t suffice, as Sinterklaas holds different meanings in every culture.
For example, when translating a Dutch text about Sinterklaas into Turkish, you might need to explain the role of gift-giving and shoe-filling traditions, which are less familiar there. For a Spanish translation, it makes sense to emphasize the connection to San Nicolás and highlight religious aspects that resonate more closely with their traditions.
