~ How
do you say Merry Christmas in Belgium ? "Joyeux
Noël" (French) and "Vrolijk
Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar" (Dutch) ~
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St. Nicholas is the patron of school children, since
he is said to have revived three children that an unscrupulous
pork butcher had turned into sausage meat! To Belgian
children, he is Santa Claus, arriving on December 6
(though children also receive presents at Christmas).
In university towns, students leave the classrooms
and parade in the streets, singing and drinking. These
festivities are funded in part by a collection that
the students take up early in the day, beer mugs in
hand. Traditionally the burghers who refused to donate
were pelted with flour and eggs. Though this tradition
is dying out, don't say you haven't been warned!
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Christmas trees are a recent addition to Belgian Christmas
traditions. Families who choose to decorate trees for
the holidays use a variety of ornaments. Many families
hang spiced cookies from the branches of their tree,
while the Museum of Science and Industry's is covered
with fruit that represents the rich agricultural bounty
of Belgium.
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Plays and scenes depicting the nativity are popular in Belgium, and many date
back to the 16th century. In smaller villages, the three kings sing carols
from door to door on January 6th while families are enjoying their Christmas
Eve meal of Aarappel Kroketjes, fried potato croquettes, and Speculoos,
cookies made with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. In keeping with the holiday
spirit, they are rewarded with food and drink at each home.
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