Zwarte Piet (Black Peter):   Holland

Upon Holland's release from Spanish rule during the 16th century, it seemed politically fitting to the Dutch to have a Moorish servant dressed in Medieval Spanish attire, as a servant of St. Nicholas named Zwarte Piet (Black Peter). He would toss pepernoten (peppernuts) and speculaas (ginger cookies) to the good boys and girls. However, he carried a bundle of switches for the naughty ones, plus a large sack in which to carry them off to Spain! Many people of Dutch heritage, to this day, associate Zwarte Piet with St. Nicholas on Dec. 5th., St. Nicholas Eve.