Zwarte Piet

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20191129 oude ijsselstreek roetveegpiet

Intocht van Sinterklaas in Schiedam 2009 (4103582848) (2)

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Strooigoed

08 St. Nikolaas bij een Snoeper

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Piet-editions

Cover book Mee in den Zak, 1940

Zwarte Piet (English: Black Pete) is a character that is part of the annual feast of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) in the Netherlands, Belgium, and some parts of Germany, among other places. Traditionally, Zwarte Piet is depicted as the helper or companion of Saint Nicholas, with the festivities starting on the evening of 5 December, known as Sinterklaasavond, and culminating on 6 December, Saint Nicholas Day. The character is controversial and has been the subject of much debate and protest due to perceptions of racial insensitivity.

Origins and Description

The origins of Zwarte Piet can be traced back to pre-Christian traditions, but the character as it is known today was popularized in the 19th century, particularly through the 1850 book Sint Nikolaas en zijn Knecht (Saint Nicholas and His Servant) by Jan Schenkman. In this depiction, Zwarte Piet is a Moor from Spain. The character is usually portrayed wearing colorful Renaissance attire, alongside a blackface makeup, curly wigs, and red lipstick, which has led to accusations of promoting racial stereotypes.

Role in the Sinterklaas Festival

During the Sinterklaas festival, Zwarte Piet is said to assist Saint Nicholas by distributing sweets and gifts to well-behaved children and, in some traditional stories, carrying a roe (a bundle of twigs) for spanking naughty children, or a sack to take bad children to Spain. The character is a fixture in parades and children's events, performing acrobatics, engaging in mischief, and interacting with the public.

Controversy and Debate

The portrayal of Zwarte Piet has been increasingly criticized for perpetuating racist stereotypes. Critics argue that the character is a relic of colonial and slave-trading history, which is demeaning to people of African descent. This has led to protests and calls for the character to be modified or abolished.

In response to the controversy, some Dutch and Belgian communities have begun to alter the appearance of Zwarte Piet, replacing the blackface with soot marks, said to be the result of climbing through chimneys, which aligns with one of the character's backstories. These changes have been met with both support and opposition, reflecting a divide in public opinion.

Cultural Impact

The debate over Zwarte Piet has sparked broader discussions about race, identity, and tradition in the Netherlands and Belgium. It has led to increased awareness and examination of colonial histories and their impact on contemporary society. The controversy has also received international attention, contributing to global conversations about cultural sensitivity and the legacy of racism.

See Also

• Sinterklaas
• Christmas traditions
• Racism in the Netherlands
• Cultural sensitivity