Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes / Sinter Klaas' helpers)
The Zwarte Pietes, I have read, are actually Moors: chased into the Sierra Nevada by the Catholic Spaniards in the 15th century, they apparently sought gainful employment in the services of St. Nicholas. Some also say that the Zwarte Pietes were slaves, but in recent times they claim the dark face is due to descending down the chimneys.
The Zwarte Pietes, I have read, are actually Moors: chased into the Sierra Nevada by the Catholic Spaniards in the 15th century, they apparently sought gainful employment in the services of St. Nicholas. Some also say that the Zwarte Pietes were slaves, but in recent times they claim the dark face is due to descending down the chimneys.
Oh, another note...Parents used to tell their children that if they have been good, Zwarte Piet will bring them gifts & sweets; but if they have been bad, Piet will scoop them up, stuff them in his huge dufflebag & spirit them away to Spain for a year.
