Why is this kid cowering in fear you ask…? Because Samichlaus is comin’ to town, that’s why.
When Saint Nicholas visits schools in Switzerland fear is in the air. It’s not old Saint Nick that has them worried–it’s his helper “Black Pete”.
What're you doin' with that net, Pete?
If the kids have been good, Saint Nicholas lets them reach into his bag and take a tangerine, nuts, gingerbread, or some other treat. If they’ve been bad, that’s when Black Pete steps forward. He gathers up the bad children and puts them in a bag (sometimes the very one that Samichlaus had his treats in), then takes them away to work in the forest until next year. One year of hard labour. That’s what naughty kids get. And rumour is, the work has something to do with coal…hence “black” Pete.
Naughty children in Switzerland don’t get a lump of coal in their stocking. They have to mine it.
The next time your kids are complaining about their Christmas presents, click on this link and show them what they could have got.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ha, ha! I remember being scared of the Samichlaus as a kid, until I noticed he was my primary school teacher, who was a really nice guy. That took the fear away but also a little bit of the magic of December 6. These days, the modern Samichlaus is a little more friendly to all kids. Then again, one never knows.
Christa
I think he was just pretending to be your teacher
You could be right!