I understand what you're saying. And it is true that most of the Dutch just celebrate it because of "tradition" (although many stopped celebrating it because of the whole "kick out black Pete"-movement... but that's food for another subject[emoji28]). For me, personally, the whole issue with Sinterklaas is that it is the direct celebration of a Catholic Saint: Saint Nicholas of Myra. There might be pagan roots. But this isn't the issue for me. It is the commemoration and celebration of a saint of one of the biggest apostate churches. Even though most people don't celebrate it anymore out of a religious connection, it is still very much religious. The very essence of Sinterklaas is recognizable religious. Just some terms which are still used by the people: the bishop, the Good Holy Man, the bishops staff, the Mitre (the hat), the Robe (bishops robe). What about all the crosses displayed at his clothes and big book? So, the religious connection is still there; even though most people will not be religiously attached to it. They still know it and sing about it. What has been interesting for me lately is what happens at my work. I work at an elementary school for refugee children. Most have an Islamic background. And then, on the 5th of December, all children will sit around, sing to, and cheer for this Catholic Bishop. Every year, I can't help but feel a little disgusted by this celebration. (Even though I like the pepernoten. Especially the ones with chocolate. Plus, they make a good math lesson for younger children. "You have 5 pepernoten, but you are very hungry and eat one. How much do you have left!?" [emoji1787]) Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk