But before I get to Sinterklaas, I first want to say something else. Nelson Mandela has passed away. With him, the world has lost an icon and a great leader. Nelson Mandela led the battle against the apartheid in South Africa, which led to his imprisonment. After 27 years, he was released from prison and became president of South-Africa. He managed to put an end to apartheid. For his efforts in this, he was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1993. He received many other awards and prizes during his life. Throughout his life, Mandela fought for peace, justice and against racism, stating he would die for his beliefs in one of his most memorable speeches. Though he achieved so much in his life, the battle continues for people all over the world.
The world has lost a truly great man today. May he rest in peace. He earned it.
Alright, on to the happy part of the day.
Today, we celebrate the holiday of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas as he's sometimes referred to. This holiday's been in the news a lot recently, as some people perceived Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) as racist. In any case, this holiday means that kids get to put out their shoe, usually with a carrot or some sugar for Sinterklaas' horse, on the eve of December 5th. When they wake up on December 6th, Sinterklaas will have filled the shoe with candy and toys. But only if you've been nice! Otherwise, you may just get a birch rod. (please note that this is the way we celebrate Sinterklaas in Belgium, there are variances between the countries where this holiday is observed)
Sounds familiar? Well, that might be because Sinterklaas is one of the sources of inspiration for another holiday figure that brings toys and candy to nice children. Indeed, Santa. Of course, Sinterklaas himself might be partially inspired by Odin.
As it turns out, I've been a very good girl this year! I got loads of candy, and some gifts!
Those of you who regularly read my blog, may recognize the figure on the bottle and hoodie as Pintsize from Questionable Content.
Have you been nice this year? If so, what did you get from Sinterklaas?
For those of you wondering: yes, most of us celebrate Christmas as well. And Santa does visit!
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