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Figure Five: Nicholas: Sinterklaas of the Netherlands

Sinterklaas’s ship, the Spanje, is said to arrive from Spain each year. Dressed in rich Bishop’s robes, Saint Nicholas rides on a big white horse and is accompanied by his helper, Zwarte Piet, who carries willow switches and coal for the naughty kids. Sinterklaas never lets Piet punish the naughty kids instead; he gives gifts to the nice kids and blessings to everyone.

Saint Nicholas’ entrance into the country means the season of Christmas has begun in the Netherlands. Dutch children know that once he arrives, Saint Nicholas spends the night riding over the rooftops on his beautiful white horse, dropping toys and other gifts down chimneys.

The fifth figure in The Legend of Saint Nicholas Limited Edition Collector Series depicts Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, on his white horse with Zwarte Piet running with him. (2 statues: St Nicholas on his horse and Zwarte Piet)