SAINT NICHOLAS’ BELEAGUERED BLACK COMPANION(S): A STUDY OF THE CONTESTED NATURE AND LATE ANTIQUE HISTORY OF SANTA’S HELPERS IN THE DUTCH SAINT NICHOLAS FEAST

The Netherlands has a long history of celebrating Saint NicholasDay. On the eve of the 5th of December, the Dutch commemorate the date of death of the popular bishop from Myra, who protected citizens and sailors and gave his money to the poor. Bishop Nicholas, who came from a well-to-do Christian merchant family of Greek descent, lived in Asia Minor during the fourth century CE. Today, during the European winter months, a version of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) features prominently in Dutch public spaces, especially in shopping malls and bakeries. Most often the saint is accompanied by one or... Mehr ...