Community Forum

crimms · 11-15-2011, 08:18 PM

When were in Aruba at the donkey sanctuary last December we ran into Saint Nicholas and Swerta Pete. Was told some cool stories how a tradition in parts of Aruba is to bang on your neighbors door and throw some candy in. Also to put straw in the shoes left outside. It was so cool to see them. Is this when Aruba celebrates the Dutch Christmas? Is there a place between Dec. 4th and Dec. 11th we can se them again? We would love to see them again. Great costume on St. Nic - Swerta Pete was kinda scarey to run into.
Thanks Sean and Susan

*Andrea J.* · 11-15-2011, 08:58 PM

maybe one of our aruban forum friends can post some information!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimms

When were in Aruba at the donkey sanctuary last December we ran into Saint Nicholas and Swerta Pete. Was told some cool stories how a tradition in parts of Aruba is to bang on your neighbors door and throw some candy in. Also to put straw in the shoes left outside. It was so cool to see them. Is this when Aruba celebrates the Dutch Christmas? Is there a place between Dec. 4th and Dec. 11th we can se them again? We would love to see them again. Great costume on St. Nic - Swerta Pete was kinda scarey to run into.
Thanks Sean and Susan

Mr. Ratt · 11-16-2011, 10:28 PM

Saint Nicholas and Swerta Pete...
AKA Santa Claus and (BOO!) the Krampus.
For those that may not know, the Krampus is the antithesis of Santa.
Kinda the dark side of Yule. Santa, or Saint Nick goes out on Dec. 6, Saint Nicholas day. The kindly happy old guy with the gifts and the gold coins and candies.
However, the night before, December 5, is known in Germany and that part of the world as Krampussnacht, the Night of the Krampus. Big, tall, hairy, usually black stinky fur, horns on his head of red or green, a tail, and a tongue of bright red that's 11 inches or longer.
In western Yule traditions, if a little one is naughty, they get a lump of coal.
Originally that coal was given on Dec. 5 by the Krampus, accompanied by a switching with willow switches, and if the recipient was really bad, they were dumped into the Krampus' big black sack and carried off to be punished for the night, until St. Nick shows up to make all better.

I can't imagine wearing a traditional Krampus, or Black Peter, or Swerta Pete costume in that amazing Aruba heat, but then, I've been known to wear all black on the beach...

And, if anyone has photos of this event, please, by all means, POST 'EM!!!!
That would be cool to see.

crimms · 11-18-2011, 07:00 PM

Thanks Mr Rat., We will be on the look out Dec. 6th as noted. We did see Swerta Pete last year. All black and kinda scarey looking. Love seeing different traditions when we travel. It was also cool to travel around at night in out rental and see so many christmas lights. We appreciate the local back ground info.
Thanks Sean and Susan

11-15-2011, 08:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
crimms Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 85	Saint Nicholas and Swetra Pete in Dec? When were in Aruba at the donkey sanctuary last December we ran into Saint Nicholas and Swerta Pete. Was told some cool stories how a tradition in parts of Aruba is to bang on your neighbors door and throw some candy in. Also to put straw in the shoes left outside. It was so cool to see them. Is this when Aruba celebrates the Dutch Christmas? Is there a place between Dec. 4th and Dec. 11th we can se them again? We would love to see them again. Great costume on St. Nic - Swerta Pete was kinda scarey to run into. Thanks Sean and Susan Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook Last edited by crimms; 11-15-2011 at 08:21 PM.

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11-16-2011, 10:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mr. Ratt Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Druif Beach, Rooftop of the Coconuts Bar (what a view!), Santa Ana church and graveyard in Noord, Lourdes/San Nicholas, Alto Vista Peace Labyrinth, Rancho La Ponderosa, Rat Land Posts: 402 Images: 19	Saint Nicholas and Swerta Pete... AKA Santa Claus and (BOO!) the Krampus. For those that may not know, the Krampus is the antithesis of Santa. Kinda the dark side of Yule. Santa, or Saint Nick goes out on Dec. 6, Saint Nicholas day. The kindly happy old guy with the gifts and the gold coins and candies. However, the night before, December 5, is known in Germany and that part of the world as Krampussnacht, the Night of the Krampus. Big, tall, hairy, usually black stinky fur, horns on his head of red or green, a tail, and a tongue of bright red that's 11 inches or longer. In western Yule traditions, if a little one is naughty, they get a lump of coal. Originally that coal was given on Dec. 5 by the Krampus, accompanied by a switching with willow switches, and if the recipient was really bad, they were dumped into the Krampus' big black sack and carried off to be punished for the night, until St. Nick shows up to make all better. I can't imagine wearing a traditional Krampus, or Black Peter, or Swerta Pete costume in that amazing Aruba heat, but then, I've been known to wear all black on the beach... And, if anyone has photos of this event, please, by all means, POST 'EM!!!! That would be cool to see. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Mr. Ratt www.heyoka-healing.com It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got... Back to Paradise in

11-18-2011, 07:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
crimms Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 85	Thanks Mr Rat., We will be on the look out Dec. 6th as noted. We did see Swerta Pete last year. All black and kinda scarey looking. Love seeing different traditions when we travel. It was also cool to travel around at night in out rental and see so many christmas lights. We appreciate the local back ground info. Thanks Sean and Susan Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook