Ruprecht and Santaclaus

Knecht Ruprecht, Companion of Father Christmas, is also known as "Servant Ruprecht", "Farmhand Ruprecht", "Pelzebock", "Pelznickel" ("Nicholas in furs"), "Zwarte Piet" or "Zwarte Peter" in the Netherlands and Flanders, "Black Peter", and "Schmutzli Samichlaus" in Switzerland, sometimes associated with Saint Rupert. Other names include "Rumpelklas", "Bellzebub", "Hans Muff", "Drapp", and "Buzebergt" in the neighborhood of Augsburg.

from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

I think this is one of the most funny examples how myths get mixed-up, altered and confused with fiction books of only a few people.
I found it a lot of fun to read the wikipedia description of Sinterklaas, compared to Santa Claus, and Pelzneckel.

I would love to see all traditions changed into one new, world-wide view:
Santa-Claus (as pelzrot) and Saint Nicholas are travelling companions from the North pole and Spain (or Turkey), who travel the world to see whether all children (and adults) have behaved well. If they have, they get small presents in their stockings, if they have not, they only get sticks or grass! The naughty children should improve their behaviour between december 6th and christmas, otherwise they will not get any presents under the christmas tree!
Of course the children must invite these men to come to their houses and prove their well behaviour by singing songs and leaving cookies, milk, and carrots and hay for the reindeer and the white horse.


from: stnicholas.kids.us

the only thing which is unfortunate, is that 'zwarte Piet' is lost in this new tradition. He is a very charming character, but I also find it discrimination that he is based on the time when it was fashionable to have black servants. It is no longer fashionable to have black servants, and we do not want to teach outher children such a thing. Whatever parents say, all children at some time realise that he is simply a black slave. I would prefer to see our two old men being accompanied by an army of elves of all colours and sorts, wearing dresses from all over the world, or even myths. now would that not be fun?


from: at a school

from: at a school

merry Saint Niclaus' day!