The gift giver for Belgium, Netherlands, and some other countries is Sinterklaas. He was a major basis for the American Santa Claus. The story is basically the same except he has a horse instead of reindeer and has a lot in common with the old Norse god Odin.
Tag: Belgium
Fun Fact: When France Built a Defensive System That Failed To Stop Germany
The Maginot Line was a series of fortifications and other defensive barriers along France’s eastern border. It was built after World War I to deter another German invasion. To avoid causing conflict, the line did not extend to Belgium. When the Germans invaded Belgium and conquered France in early World War II, the Maginot Line…
Fun Fact: When A Belgian Boy Almost Killed a British King
While touring in Belgium, the soon-to-be King Edward VII of Great Britain was almost assassinated. A young Belgian anarchist in Belgium named Jean-Baptiste Sipido fired at him but he missed and was quickly wrestled down. He did so because he was angry over the events of the Second Boer War. Despite the grave offense, he…
Fun Fact: Battle of Liege
The first battle of World War I was the Battle of Liege in Belgium. While the Belgians put up an admirable defense and fight, the Germans did win the battle and take over. While a loss for the Allied Powers, it did stall Germans from advancing into French territory.
Fun Fact: Battle of Wavre
The Battle of Wavre was technically the final battle of Napoleonic Wars. They were fought between the Prussians and the French in what is now modern-day Belgium. While the French technically won the battle, the Prussians won the war as Napoleon had lost at the same time in Waterloo. The troops were prevented from getting…