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Zwarte Piet (Dutch: [ˈzʋɑrtə ˈpit]; Luxembourgish: Schwaarze Péiter; West Frisian: Swarte Pyt), also known in English by the translated name Black Pete, is the companion of Saint Nicholas (Dutch: Sinterklaas; French: Saint-Nicolas; West Frisian: Sinteklaas; Luxembourgish: Kleeschen) in the folklore of the Low Countries. Traditionally ...
Nov 4, 2014 · Black Peter, or Zwarte Piet in Dutch, began in Holland in the 15th century. His dark appearance is supposed to suggest a Spaniard, a reflection of Spain’s occupation of the Netherlands at the time.
Nov 14, 2021 · Since the 19th century, Dutch Christmas traditions hold that Sinterklaas is aided by Black Pete aka Zwarte Piet, a servant wearing blackface. The Dutch call him Zwarte Piet and wear blackface makeup, gold earrings, curly wigs, and jester-like costumes to portray him.
Nov 16, 2023 · Many in the Netherlands view Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) as an innocent addition to the Dutch holiday season. But for others, the figure is deeply offensive and represents a system of inherent racism that parades under “tradition.”
Dec 6, 2018 · While many in the Netherlands defend the Black Pete character as a fun, harmless tradition, a growing number of voices are calling it racist and offensive.
Dec 2, 2020 · Black Pete’s origins are more problematic. There are suggestions that he started life as a Moorish servant from Spain, a Turkish orphan rescued by St Nick, or an Ethiopian slave freed by him. Some, squirming with embarrassment, explain that Black Pete gets black from soot coming down the chimney.
Nov 14, 2020 · To his defenders, Black Pete is harmless fun, and efforts to get rid of him are part of a broader effort to wipe out Dutch history, culture and tradition.
