Who doesn't love pancakes? Whether they're enjoyed during a decadent breakfast or served as fritters for Hanukkah, pancakes are a delightful treat. However, in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, residents have taken their love for pancakes to a whole new level.
Every year on November 29, countless Dutch people participate in a rather unusual tradition by wearing pancakes on their heads. Once the edible hats are securely placed, they joyfully exclaim: "We wish you a happy and blessed holy pancake (Sint Pannekoek)!"
So how did we get there?
You may think this tradition is made up, but there is an intriguing history behind it. The festive tradition was first introduced in 1986 through a cartoon created by Dutch cartoonist Jan Kruis. The cartoon depicted a father returning home to find his family wearing pancakes on their heads. Over the next three decades, Kruis expanded on this concept and introduced the story of "Saint Pancake."
Een vrolijke en gezegende Sint Pannekoek allemaal! #sintpannenkoek #jankruis #janjansendekinderen #pannenkoek #pancake #saintpancake pic.twitter.com/Hyj9bT2aoL
— AIbert Veerman (@AlbertVeerman) November 29, 2023
In this narrative, Kruis recounts the tale of 12th-century monks in a monastery who celebrate the birthday of a young monk by sharing a meal of pancakes. However, there is only enough for one person. When the elderly abbot expresses his disappointment, the young monk selflessly places his own pancake on the elder's head.
At that moment, an angel descends from the heavens holding a golden pan and throws a pancake onto the young monk's head. The others witnessing this miracle exclaim, "God has done a miracle for us! We are saints within ourselves!" and follow suit by placing pancakes on their own heads.
Dr. Henriette Leverse, a senior lecturer in Dutch at the University of Sheffield, has shed light on this quirky tradition. In an interview with Sky News, she explained, "It's certainly complex, but it appears to have gained popularity. I particularly appreciate the subtle criticism of the 'sanctity of traditions,' suggesting that if traditions evolve, our deep identity remains intact."
So, the next time you find yourself in the Netherlands on November 29, don't be surprised to see people proudly sporting pancakes on their heads. It's all part of a tradition that celebrates unity, selflessness, and perhaps a touch of whimsy.