Hitting Send

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, today is Winter Solstice, (the first day of Winter) and I for one, am ready for a return to light! Since the Summer Solstice, the Sun has been making a decreasing arc across the Southern sky, making last night the longest of the year. But at 4:04am PST this morning, the Sun ceased to decline in the sky, which means that the length of daylight shall now stay the same for a minimum of three days, during which the Sun does not move on the horizon. After this time, the Sun begins its ascent into the northern sky and the days grow longer. Thus the interpretation by many cultures of a Sun reborn and a return to light. What? That sounds familiar to you, too? *giggle*

Yes, the concept of death/rebirth, light conquering darkness, good over evil, goes back to the very beginning, because our existence as human beings was dependent upon it. As the growing season had ended and the tribe was living off of stored food, the life-giving Sun’s return was a blessed gift. Evidence of the importance of solstices can be found in most ancient cultures around the globe, with countless stone structures set up to detect the solstice/equinox changes. This important date has been restructured, molded, shaped into different celebrations, including the Christian Christmas (Christ Mass), for which many of us are in deep preparation.

As a research nerd with a fascination for the subject of religion, I easily found myself getting lost down many rabbit holes in researching this subject, but then I thought back to my early Christmas memories in Amsterdam, with Sinterklaas (Saint Nikolaas), from which our American Santa Claus is based. This benevolent, all-knowing fellow wears a long red cape, a white bishop’s dress and red mitre (bishop’s hat), and holds a crosier, a long gold coloured staff with a fancy curled top and arrives on a big white horse. Yes! He is Quite the impressive figure! And, so he should be, as he historically represents the (Sun) God, who has been born, or rather, reborn, and for which we *should* rejoice, for He is the Life-giver for which we are so grateful. Now that is not to say that the beloved Nicholas did not exist. In fact, there is documentation which shows that there was a Nicholas, in the fourth century, who resided in the little port of Myra in the southwest of what is now called Turkey. Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas was brought up as a devout Christian. When his parents died of an epidemic, he distributed his wealth among the poor (known for his kindness towards children and women, the latter of which not being held in high regards in those times) and became a priest. Later he became Archbishop of Myra, and it is from here that the fame of his good deeds began to spread across the Mediterranean. It’s interesting to me that, because any record of the birth of Yeshua of Nazareth (later known as Jesus Christ) had been destroyed, it was also in the fourth century that Christians chose a day to celebrate Yeshua’s birthday. The western church leaders selected 25 December because this was the date already recognized throughout the Roman Empire as the birthday of various Pagan gods. Hmmm…

Sinterklaas is not alone though, as his trusty companion Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) is always by his side. Zwarte Piet is said to be either a Turkish orphan or chimney sweep that travels with Sinterklaas as his helper. Zwarte Piet is depicted in bright Turkish garb with bright red lips and a gold earring. Going back down the rabbit hole for a sec, one could easily find evidence that Black Pete, is very similar to another figure seen opposite the Saint Nick character, which is that of the horned monkey, also representative of the devil. Once again, light versus dark, good versus evil. The Dutch Zwarte Piet with whom I grew up is known as a trickster, who will not only hide your presents and leave coal in your shoe, but carries a switch, and is also known for stealing naughty children away in his bag. Yeah! Fun! But, don’t worry! You were good, so you shall be given cookies, chocolate and candy!

The Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet of today are quite lovely! They arrive in the Netherlands by boat from their home in Spain each beginning of November. They then parade through the streets, welcomed by cheering and singing children, the event being broadcast live on national television in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Sinterklass rides through the streets on his white horse, “Schimmel”, while many Zwarte Piets assist by throwing candy and small, round, ginger bread-like cookies, either “kruidnoten” or “pepernoten,” into the crowd. In the following weeks they are everywhere! They visit stores, schools, hospitals, and orphanages, spreading good cheer. They also visit all of the children at night!

Every night from the time of “intocht van Sinterklaas” (arrival of Sinterklaas) and 5 December, which is Saint Nicholas’ Eve, Sinterklaas travels by sleigh from home to home giving out treats. Before going to bed children put their shoes next to the chimney of the coal fired stove or fireplace, or, in modern times, next to the central heating, with a carrot or some hay in it and a bowl of water “for Sinterklaas’s horse,” and then they sing a Sinterklaas song. Ohh, I do Love Sinterklaas songs! The next day children find some candy, usually chocolate letters for the first letter of your name, marzipan, or cookies, or sometimes a small present in their shoes, supposedly thrown down the chimney by Zwarte Piet or Sinterklaas himself. The Feast of Sinterklaas, (St. Nicholas’ Feast Day) is 6th December, which is the celebration of St. Nick’s birthday, although there is evidence that it was in fact the date of his death. Regardless, the Dutch celebrate it on 5 December, which is when the big presents are exchanged. And, this is where the Real meaning takes place! Family, Joy, Happiness, Together in Celebration! For the Sun/Son has returned, however you wish to view it historically/religiously, for it is what has meaning for you. For me, it is about Love. Love and appreciation for life, family, all that is, and all that ever was and will be. May it be a most Blessed Celebration for you, dear reader.