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Port Perry Star Christmas Edition. 1972 Dutch Celebrate FeastofSinterklaas For centuries, the Feast of Sinterklaas has been unique as a Dutch and Flemish event, honoring St. Nicholas' Calendar Day on December 6, but celebrated on the eve, December.5. Why is St. Nicholas' in- fluence so strong in Hol- land? Primarily because he was the patron saint of merchants and sailors. The actual Saint lived from 271 A.D. to December 6, 342 or 343, so that his Calendar Day honors the date of his death. He became famous as the Archbishop of Myra, in Asia Minor, and per- formed many good and saintly déeds. Legend tells us he performed miracles as well, such as calming stormy seas, dropping dowries into the shoes of penniless maid- ens, and saving children from dire harm. He is now the patron saint of the city of Amsterdam. All Dutch children believe that Sinterklaas, as the saint is now known, lives in Spain, where he spends most of the year recording the behavior of all children in a big red book, while his servant Piet (Pete) stocks up on presents for the next December 5. After mid-No- vember, Sinterklaas nrounts his milk-white steed, Piet A jolly Santa wends his way, bringing wonderful gifts for you, we'd like to add our appreciation. Happy holidays. KEN P. MURRAY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR 30 } ad LCST oy i A joyous,. old fashioned Noel to you! You're delightful to deal with the whole year long. ROSS McLEAN RADIO AND T.V. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS swings the sack full of gifts over his shoulders. and they board a ship to sail for Am- sterdam harbor and a for- mal welcome by the May-- or and prominent citizens. Then comes a fabulous par- ade through town, watched live and on TV by people all over the country. At night Sinterklaas rides across Holland's rooftops and. Piet distributes gifts and candy.-- in exchange for the hay or carrot which children leave for the horse in each little shoe that's left by the fireplace. * ; \ a Wee s SIE not a bit like A Sinterklaas present is an early Christmas present. Dutch tradition demands that all packages be camouflaged in some imaginative way, and that each gift be accompa- nied by a fitting poem. For the essence of Sinterklaas is sheer fun -- with kidding expected between all ages and social groups. Presents are often hidden all over the house -- and those who get them must be willing to work hard for their sur- prise. The poems that comé with the gifts are expected to play good-natured jokes on the giftees and they must be read, aloud. After- ward, each person says a loud "Thank you, Sinter- klaas!" -- which is indeed the way the Hollander feels about this merry and very special Christmas festivity. St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) riding in the Amsterdam parade, after arriving by boat. His horse is always white, said to be in memory of the white horse of Odin. Photo courtesy Netherlands Information Service for «Christmas \ To you, our good friends and customers, we're extending warm wishes for a bright % with deep appreciation, we send along 4 { our many thanks for Your thoughtful consideration all year. 3 ° Serving you has indeed been our deepest pleasure and privilege. } 3 yo : i 5 { Compliment of the Season 3 ¥ A A 3 * Le 4 6 q 4 4 : BEV. TRAVIS ; : JANE ANNE STONE, HERB PUCKRIN 3 .- 8 KEN HOLLIDAY, LLOYD HAYNES, PAUL STONE DOUG McCAQUE. GEORGE & RUTH STONE 3 : GEORGE STONE REAL ESTATE LTD. N A lal a af I I PP PR PP FS FR FR PR FP I SP I I TN PS PRP A Pn SS Sos ROTTEN | LA a al af af af af af AF af al a arr A ad yr message and merry holiday season abounding " < . " CCIE PY, ¢ a a a a a a ala ara Aes 3 ; 4 & RE a : 8 ) t » b ' ) [8 : with good cheer, fellowship and joy. And. pre ET SR a ING SE -