In the Netherlands, Christmas gifts are brought by a kindly Bishop called Sinter Klaas and his servant Zwarte Piet(Black Peter). Sinter Klaas is very closely associated with the legend of St. Nicholas, a bishop that died around 564 A.D. There are many stories about the good deeds of this patron saint. One of the most famous tales involves the three daugh- ters of a poor merchant. The merchant had no dowry money for his daughters to get married. St. Nicholas heard of their plight and dropped three bags of gold down their chimney as a gift. For this reason Sinter Klaas is often depicted carrying three golden balls to symbolize his gifts to the three maidens. In Holland, Sinter Klaas comes to town on December 6th. He arrives on a boat from Spain and rides a white horse. He is a tall, thin, stately old gent with flowing bishop's robe and a long staff Sinter Klaas is accompanied by a servant named Black Peter, a devilish character with horns and a soot covered face. Black Peter carries a big book listing the names of good and bad children. At Sinter Klaas' bidding, Black Peter drops gifts down the chimney's of good children and bundles of twigs down the chimney's of naughty children. On St. Nicholas Eve, Dutch children leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace filled with hay or carrots for Sinter Klaas' horse. In the morning, sweets and small presents are left in the shoes in exchange. BACK-LIMITED EDITIONS
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