To Spain for punishment

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Every year on the eve of December 5 the Dutch (and some other countries in Europe) celebrate the birthday of Saint Nicholas. This legendary bishop loves children and brings them lots of presents. Nowadays he’s a kind and friendly saint, but there was a time when he was a bogeyman who punished the naughty children. Most were given a small beating, but the really wicked ones were put in a sack by his Moorish helper and taken to the diocese in Spain for further re-education. This drawing comes from a 1915 children’s book in which Saint Nicholas, who normally travels by steamer, goes to Spain in his motorcar (click image for enlargement). The children don’t look too badly shaken though. Perhaps as a present Saint Nicholas takes them to Auto Retro in Barcelona? (collection Willem van der Veer) (RB)

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