Companions of Saint Nicholas from all over Europe
Starting of here with some basic information about the different companions of Saint Nicholas in various parts of Europe. The companion is often known as the dark or threatening companion. This dark figure represents different things: Winter, Night, Dark stemming from pagan history. In christian times also Evil was associated with this companion by the church, but he wasn't: pagan is not an equivalent of Evil!. It is furthermore very important not to see him as the evil one but essentially as the one to bring the evil to the surface and punish it so good can come forth. Saint Nicholas represents Summer, Day, Light and Good. This is visible in his long white hair and beard and his white Alb. (Albe in Dutch) In essence Sint and Black Pete can be played by everyone who wishes to play them regardless of their own skincolour. The white and black Sint and Black Pete symbolize doesn't have anything to do with skincolour even though Black Pete puts soot on his face. This soot is a cheap form of masquerade as old as humanity and this is not limited to Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). It's use is known from other rituals in the Netherlands as well.
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