NIKLOSDAG (SAINT-NICOLAS)

Niklosdaag (St. Nicholas' Day) is celebrated in honour of Nicholas of Myre, a 4th century bishop, patron saint and protector of children. On the night of December 5-6, St. Nicholas visits houses to put sweets in children's shoes. During his procession through the streets of the towns, Kleeschen (Saint Nicholas) is accompanied by Houséker (the bogeyman), who punishes children who have not been good . He is said to be at the origin of Santa Claus.