The Sinterklaas feast celebrates the name day, December 6, of Saint Nicholas (280–342), patron saint of children and sailors. In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas' Eve (December 5) is the chief occasion for gift-giving. The evening is called "sinterklaasavond" or "pakjesavond" ("presents evening"). In the Netherlands, children receive their presents on this evening.Sinterklaas is the basis for the North American figure of Santa Claus. Although it is said that the origins of Zwarte Piet are unknown, it seems most plausible that Zwarte Piet is a continuation of the much longer held tradition of depicting Sinterklaas in the company of a dark skinned man, namely thought to be the Devil. This was due to the pervasive belief amongst Europeans that the Devil would resemble a Moor. The first mention of Zwarte Piet in Dutch literature refers to him as a beggar on the street, after Sinterklaas helps him, he promises to stay with Sinterklaas, and help him. Why I tell you this? Hell I don't know..
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