Why do we put our shoe for Sinterklaas from Saturday?
The tension is rising in Soesterberg! Saturday, November 16 at 5:30 PM Sinterklaas arrives, and that means laying the shoe for the children again.
Putting on shoes is a beloved Sinterklaas tradition, which families throughout the Netherlands enjoy honoring. The arrival of Sinterklaas actually marks the official kick-off for putting on the shoe, a moment that children eagerly look forward to. The shops have been full of gingerbread cookies, chocolate letters and gingerbread for weeks, but the joy of putting on a shoe brings that little bit of extra magic.
Shoe putting age-old tradition
Although putting on a shoe feels so familiar, this tradition has a special and rich history that goes back until the 15th century. At that time, children put their shoes on on December 5 not at home, but in church. At the time, this was intended as support for the poor. Wealthy people filled the shoes with food and other necessities, and on December 6 – the anniversary of Saint Nicholas’ death – the contents of the shoes were distributed to the less fortunate. This early form of shoe-making was not only intended for pleasure, but also had a… strong social purpose.
From fruit to sweets
In the 16th century the tradition changed. Children began to place their shoes near the fireplace at home, hoping that Sinterklaas would leave something tasty. During this time it became common for parents to fill the shoes with small gifts, sweets or fruit. The homely shoe-making as we know it today, with chocolate letters, gingerbread nuts and the occasional small toy, has since become a permanent part of the Sinterklaas celebration. For children it is a moment full of excitement and fun, where they wonder what Sinterklaas and his Pieten will leave behind this time.
Place your shoe until December 5
Putting the shoe on is one thing become ritual that the entire month of November until December 5 the house fills with Sinterklaas conviviality. A child is often allowed to put on his shoe once or twice a week, which includes singing songs and a carrot or some straw for the horse ‘Ozosnel’. Many families also use shoe putting as an opportunity to spend time together. After singing Sinterklaas songs and preparing the shoes, an exciting night follows in which children dream of the surprises they will find the next morning.
Take the shoes out of the closet
Although there are no fixed rules for the number of times you can put on the shoe, the arrival of Sinterklaas still creates a festive occasion every year. wave of enthusiasm. The magic of putting on shoes brings families closer together and keeps the old Sinterklaas traditions alive. Now that Sinterklaas is almost arriving in Soesterberg, the waiting can begin. Get out your shoes and get ready for a month full of surprises and fun!
This Saturday will be Sinterklaas and his Pieter servants be welcomed by hopefully all of Soesterberg from 5.30 pm on Den Berghplein. Mayor Rob Metz will officially welcome the saint to Soesterberg and then there will be a party with DJ Piet and the Danspieten.
