A fun tradition from the cartoon: There is a day of the year when the Dutch put pancakes on their heads

By TravelWiseFeb 5, 2024 06:30 AMNews
Share:
A fun tradition from the cartoon: There is a day of the year when the Dutch put pancakes on their heads
Every year on November 29, some people in the Netherlands put a pancake on their head and tell the legend of the monks and the angel.

Pancakes are cooked and loved in many countries around the world. There are also very interesting traditions associated with this dish.

Every year on November 29, many people in the Netherlands put a pancake on their head and tell a legend about monks and an angel holding a golden pan. "We wish you a happy and blessed Holy Pancake (Sint Pannekoek)," the Dutch say as soon as the edible hat is on your head," News Bytes writes.

This tradition first appeared in 1986 in a cartoon by Dutch cartoonist Jan Kruis. The story says that a father returns home in the evening and, to his surprise, notices that his whole family is celebrating a fictional holiday called Sint Pannekoek with pancakes on their heads.

Angel with a golden frying pan

As Sint Pannekoek gained popularity in the Netherlands, Kruis expanded and explained it in another comic strip called The Gospel of Sint Pannekoek. In it, he tells the story of 12th-century monks who celebrate the birthday of a young monk by eating pancakes.

They have a strange tradition: if the old abbot gets cold, the young monk puts his pancake on his head. Then an angel comes down from heaven carrying a golden frying pan. She flips the pancake onto the young monk's head. Seeing this, the other monks exclaim, "The Lord has done a miracle for us! There is a saint among us!" and put the pancakes on their heads.

People put pancakes on their heads and say, "Sint Pannekoek."

The popular artwork has turned Sint Pannekoek into a tradition and celebration in the Netherlands, where people make fresh pancakes and place them on their heads. People often post photos of pancakes on social media.

Shrovetide holiday before Lent

There are other pancake-related traditions and holidays in the world. One of them is Shrovetide, which is celebrated by Christians. On this day, people enjoy a traditional feast before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It is believed that on this day, Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and received "absolution."

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
EasyJet wing above clouds during sunset

New Routes Give Glasgow More Summer Choices in 2026

Nov 20, 2025 22:29 PM
Norwegian aircraft approaching runway against blue sky

A New Route to the Caucasus: Tbilisi Joins Copenhagen’s 2026 Schedule

Nov 20, 2025 21:56 PM

Cold Snap Challenges UK Travel Ahead of Weekend Warm-Up

Nov 20, 2025 21:32 PM

Marriott Rolls Out 26 New Hotels in India Under Newly Launched Series Brand

Nov 20, 2025 20:48 PM
Wizz Air aircraft approaching for landing

New Sofia–Rimini Route Added for the 2026 Summer Season

Nov 20, 2025 20:15 PM
Large illuminated Christmas tree near Airport’s outdoor area

Zurich Airport Unveils a Full Festive Programme for Advent 2025

Nov 19, 2025 23:56 PM
Norwegian Cruise Line ship sailing near a coastal city

New Entertainment Lineup Announced for Norwegian Luna’s 2026 Debut

Nov 19, 2025 23:41 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing before takeoff

Finnair Adds New Summer Routes and Revives Key Lapland Links for 2026

Nov 19, 2025 23:24 PM
Universal globe monument at the entrance of a theme park

Texas to Welcome Child-Focused Universal Theme Park in 2026

Nov 19, 2025 22:37 PM

WestJet Sets Out Major Network Expansion for Summer 2026

Nov 19, 2025 10:25 AM

Loganair Offers Free Flight Changes as Weather Warning Hits Northern UK

Nov 19, 2025 09:42 AM
Iberia aircraft taxiing at an international airport

Iberia Adds Direct Madrid–Toronto Flights, Expanding Travel Options

Nov 19, 2025 01:38 AM
Statue of the Brothers Grimm in a German town square

Following the Brothers Grimm: Germany Revamps Its Fairy Tale Road

Nov 19, 2025 00:26 AM
Olympic flag waving against a clear sky

How Travelers Can Experience the Winter Olympics Beyond the Stands

Nov 18, 2025 19:43 PM
Modern hotel room with large windows

NH Collection to Launch First Hotel in Sliema by 2026

Nov 18, 2025 19:39 PM

What Locals Recommend for a Well-Spent Weekend in Amsterdam

Nov 18, 2025 02:19 AM

New Routes Open Wider Caribbean Access for UK Travellers

Nov 18, 2025 01:53 AM
ITA Airways aircraft preparing for departure on a clear day

ITA Airways System Outage to Affect Travel Plans on November 22

Nov 17, 2025 19:24 PM
Large storm waves crashing near a vessel under dark skies

Montenegro Braces for Strong Winds: Safety Alert for Tourists

Nov 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Modern hotel room interior with neutral decor

Dubai Marina Welcomes New High-Rise Hotel in 2025

Nov 17, 2025 17:31 PM
China Eastern Airlines aircraft approaching landing against a clear sky

China Eastern Introduces Flexible Options for Japan-Bound Flights Amid Travel Warnings

Nov 16, 2025 14:21 PM
Flooded street with a bicycle partially submerged near a pedestrian crossing sign

Rising Water Levels in France Prompt Caution for Anyone on the Move

Nov 16, 2025 13:47 PM

Regional Airline Blue Islands Collapses, Prompting Urgent Travel Changes

Nov 15, 2025 23:35 PM

Virgin Australia Brings New E190-E2 Jet Into Service in Western Australia

Nov 15, 2025 22:22 PM
Runners taking part in a road race during a half marathon

Conwy Half Marathon to Bring Bus Changes and Delays This Sunday

Nov 15, 2025 21:48 PM
Christmas bus passing decorated streets with festive lights

Festive Bus Services in Kent Include Discounted Tickets

Nov 15, 2025 21:36 PM