Dutch-influenced holiday traditions celebrated at historical society

Newton — Visitors to the Dutch Colonial Christmas, hosted by the Sussex County Historical Society on Dec. 3, found the museum transformed into a bygone world. Using artifacts culled from their own collection, the society recreated an 18th-century hearth complete with long-handled pans and utensils for cooking over the fire, wooden implements made in the 1600s, a spinning wheel and, of course, there was a Dutch Oven and Sinterklaas was on hand. Sinterklaas, who evolved into Santa Claus, is one of many “American” holiday traditions introduced by Dutch settlers. Sinterklaas rode a white horse and visited on St. Nicholas Eve, Dec. 5. Children put carrots and cookies in wooden shoes, placed them by the hearth and hoped that Sinterklaas would fill them with toys and sweets. Many other American traditions revolve around the Dutch love for good food. Throughout the December holidays Dutch colonial families enjoyed speculaas, or spice cookies, pepernoten — which is gingerbread — and oliebollen, or the yeast dough balls cooked in hot oil that Americans call doughnuts. Waffles, pancakes and raisin bread all originated in Dutch kitchens. And, apple pie, too — that most American of American foods, derived from the Dutch, where it’s called appeltart.

Find out more
The Sussex County Historical Society
82 Main Street
Newton
www.sussexcountyhistory.org