Staff of Saint Nicholas

Accessoires

Symbol of charity
The staff of Saint Nicholas is not just a random stick with a nice curl at the top, on which the old Saint can lean. It is a symbol for the tree of life, of good work, unity and charity. Originally, the crozier is a sign of dignity of bishops, a custom that originated in the time of the Etruscans. The curled staff of Sinterklaas –originally made of gilded copper – has a distinctly different shape from that of a Catholic bishop: the curl is larger and protrudes on both sides. The 'instrument' is reminiscent of a shepherd's staff, where the curl was functional while herding sheep. Bishops took over this staff. A shepherd always takes good care of his sheep, and the bishop takes good care of those who believe.

 

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