Batavia: Difference between revisions
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|flag = File:Batavia flag.png | |flag = File:Batavia flag.png | ||
|coa = File:KoninklijkwapenschildvanBatavie.png | |coa = File:KoninklijkwapenschildvanBatavie.png | ||
|motto = Batavia erit in orbe ultima<br>(Common Tongue: Batavia will continue to exist until the end of the world!) | |motto = [[Batavia erit in orbe ultima]]<br>(Common Tongue: Batavia will continue to exist until the end of the world!) | ||
|anthem = [[Staatshymne der Bataven]] (Common Tongue: State hymn of the Batavians) | |anthem = [[Staatshymne der Bataven]] (Common Tongue: State hymn of the Batavians) | ||
|map = File:Map Batavia provinces.png | |map = File:Map Batavia provinces.png | ||
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'''Batavia''', officially the '''(Sixth) Kingdom of Batavia''', (Dutch: '''Koninkrijk Batavië''' or '''Zesde Koninkrijk Batavië'''), is a forum and wikibased country in the southwest of [[Benacia]]. The country borders [[West Amokolia]] in the north, [[Kalgachia]] in the east, the [[Unified Governorates of Benacia]] and the [[United Benacian Republic]] in the southeast. The [[Great Western Sea]] is located to its south and west, making it one of the nation's natural borders. In addition, the country has territory on the [[Madison Isles]] and some oversea colonies. The capital of Batavia, which is located at the ''[[King's Bay|Koningenbaai]]'', is called [['s Koningenwaarde]], which is translated as ''Kings' Worth''. Other important and heavily populated cities are [[Davignon]] and - more recently - [[Kingsrise]]. | '''Batavia''', officially the '''(Sixth) Kingdom of Batavia''', (Dutch: '''Koninkrijk Batavië''' or '''Zesde Koninkrijk Batavië'''), is a forum and wikibased country in the southwest of [[Benacia]]. The country borders [[West Amokolia]] in the north, [[Kalgachia]] in the east, the [[Unified Governorates of Benacia]] and the [[United Benacian Republic]] in the southeast. The [[Great Western Sea]] is located to its south and west, making it one of the nation's natural borders. In addition, the country has territory on the [[Madison Isles]] and some oversea colonies. The capital of Batavia, which is located at the ''[[King's Bay|Koningenbaai]]'', is called [['s Koningenwaarde]], which is translated as ''Kings' Worth''. Other important and heavily populated cities are [[Davignon]] and - more recently - [[Kingsrise]]. | ||
Originally, the several feudal states were unified in 1513 AN by Regent Jodocus van Haltna and organised into the [[Free Batavian States]]. The nation saw a series of changes in its administration, especially a progress of democratization during the first ten Norton years after its unification. | Originally, the several feudal states were unified in 1513 AN by Regent Jodocus van Haltna and organised into the [[Free Batavian States]]. The nation saw a series of changes in its administration, especially a progress of democratization during the first ten Norton years after its unification. It reached a peak in influence and power during the [[Second Kingdom of Batavia|Second Kingdom Era]] (1523 - 1579 AN), in which it successfully played a moderate - and sometimes leading - role in international diplomacy. It succeeded in maintaining good relations with [[Shireroth]] and [[Stormark]] throughout the 16th century, while carving out its own oversea empire on [[Micras]]. | ||
Batavia saw a decline in power at the end of the sixteenth century, and a final collapse in 1614 AN, after which its territories were carved up between Stormark, Jingdao, Shireroth and -later - minor successor states, such as [[Kasterburg]]. Within Batavia, nationalist tendencies continued to linger, represented by the Free Batavian Society, lead by later Prime minister [[Joachim Mackay]]. | Batavia saw a decline in power at the end of the sixteenth century, and a final collapse in 1614 AN, after which its territories were carved up between Stormark, Jingdao, Shireroth and -later - minor successor states, such as [[Kasterburg]]. Within Batavia, nationalist tendencies continued to linger, represented by the Free Batavian Society, lead by later Prime minister [[Joachim Mackay]]. | ||
The Sixth Kingdom came to see the light in 1669 AN, after the [[coronation of Arkadius IV]], and saw - by means of various treaties - the return of large parts of its original Batavian territory under the Batavian flag. | The Sixth Kingdom came to see the light in 1669 AN, after the [[coronation of Arkadius IV]], and saw - by means of various treaties - the return of large parts of its original Batavian territory under the Batavian flag. While the [[Batavian Revolution]] of 1685 brought some constitutional reforms, like the growing importance of the [[Hogerhuis]] and a new dynastic ruling house, the political elite deemed it important to keep a sense of continuity. The Sixth Kingdom, while reformed, remained in place. | ||
The Kingdom is dominated by a wealthy bourgeoisie and nobles, who reinstated the parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Originally, the king retained considerable emergency powers over the parliament, but these powers were limited after 1685. Its legislation is built around the two ''Huyzen'' of the [[Staten-Generaal]]: the [[Lagerhuis]] (''House of Commons''), which claims to be the oldest popular democratic assembly of Benacia still in existence, and the Hogerhuis (''House of Lords''). The latter is dominated by the representatives and lords of the many lordships of the Realm. | |||
In an attempt to improve its diplomatic position, a joint assembly offered the crown of Batavia to Kaiseress [[Salome]] in 1685 AN. | |||
== General == | == General == | ||
=== Etymology === | === Etymology === | ||
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[[Game of the Batavian Throne|Read here]] more about the mythical stories. | [[Game of the Batavian Throne|Read here]] more about the mythical stories. | ||
=== Flag and coat of arms === | === Flag and coat of arms === | ||
The Batavian flag consists of a hemmed cross of orange and blue on a white surface. This flag has been in use since the Second Kingdom. It is a retrenchment of the flag that was used during the First Kingdom. Later, other variations of this flag were used. [[Flag of Batavia|Read more about the flag of Batavia]]. | The Batavian flag consists of a hemmed cross of orange and blue on a white surface. This flag has been in use since the Second Kingdom. It is a retrenchment of the flag that was used during the First Kingdom. Later, other variations of this flag were used. [[Flag of Batavia|Read more about the flag of Batavia]]. | ||
The coat of arms consists of a shield crowned with the royal crown, with the crowned coat of arms of Vinandy. The shield holders consist of two golden climbing lions. Placed on a mantle of orange, bordered with gold, lined with ermine, tied with cords ending in tassels, both of gold, and covered by a canopy of orange, bordered with gold and bearing the Royal Crown. Flanks with two gilded flags of Batavia and "Batavië" written on a blue ribbon. This coat of arms is a small adaptation of the coat of arms that was used during the Second Kingdom. Since the Third Kingdom, a different coat of arms has been used, consisting of a shield with an orange crowned lion on a blue surface. [[Coat of arms of Batavia|Read more about the coat of arms of Batavia]]. | The coat of arms consists of a shield crowned with the royal crown, with the crowned coat of arms of Vinandy. The shield holders consist of two golden climbing lions. Placed on a mantle of orange, bordered with gold, lined with ermine, tied with cords ending in tassels, both of gold, and covered by a canopy of orange, bordered with gold and bearing the Royal Crown. Flanks with two gilded flags of Batavia and "Batavië" written on a blue ribbon. This coat of arms is a small adaptation of the coat of arms that was used during the Second Kingdom. Since the Third Kingdom, a different coat of arms has been used, consisting of a shield with an orange crowned lion on a blue surface. [[Coat of arms of Batavia|Read more about the coat of arms of Batavia]]. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
There are two mountain ridges in Batavia, the Nysus Mountains in the southwest and the Austrasian Mountains in the center. The mountain ridges are separated by the two largest rivers of Batavia, Linge and Rhijne. | There are two mountain ridges in Batavia, the Nysus Mountains in the southwest and the Austrasian Mountains in the center. The mountain ridges are separated by the two largest rivers of Batavia, Linge and Rhijne. | ||
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=== Batavians around Micras === | === Batavians around Micras === | ||
Apart from the Batavians living in the Kingdom of Batavia, Batavians live in other nations: | Apart from the Batavians living in the Kingdom of Batavia, Batavians live in other nations: | ||
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== Government and politics == | == Government and politics == | ||
* ''[[Gentlemen's covenant]]'' | * ''[[Gentlemen's covenant]]'' | ||
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=== Prime Minister === | === Prime Minister === | ||
''See also: [[Prime Minister of Batavia]]''. | ''See also: [[Prime Minister of Batavia]]''. | ||
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== Administrative Divisions == | == Administrative Divisions == | ||
The kingdom is divided into two types of administrative divisions: autonomous areas and lordships. | The kingdom is divided into two types of administrative divisions: autonomous areas and lordships. | ||
=== Autonomous areas === | === Autonomous areas === | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Foreign Affairs== | |||
Batavia was a member of the [[Batavian Confederation]] (Batavian: Bataafse Bond) and the [[Franco-Batavian Empire]], which were both disbanded in 1685 AN. | |||
=== Lordships === | === Lordships === | ||
* [[List of Lordships in Batavia]] | * [[List of Lordships in Batavia]] | ||
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=== Proverbs === | === Proverbs === | ||
{{quote | {{quote | ||
|text=''"Van hier tot aan Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqerqertaq"'' |sign=[[Gustaaf Vermeylen]]| (1663 [[AN]])}} | |text=''"Van hier tot aan Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqerqertaq"'' |sign=[[Gustaaf Vermeylen]]| (1663 [[AN]])}} | ||
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=== Calendar === | === Calendar === | ||
Batavia has used different calendar systems throughout history. The so-called Arkadian Calendar arranged that the year was started on the founding date of Batavia. The Batavian Calendar contained thirteen months and a fourteen day week. Both calendar systems have not had broad support. The New Batavian Calendar has had the most support, namely where the Gregorian month names were replaced by their own names. This calendar is most similar to the current calendar system. | Batavia has used different calendar systems throughout history. The so-called Arkadian Calendar arranged that the year was started on the founding date of Batavia. The Batavian Calendar contained thirteen months and a fourteen day week. Both calendar systems have not had broad support. The New Batavian Calendar has had the most support, namely where the Gregorian month names were replaced by their own names. This calendar is most similar to the current calendar system. | ||
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== Economy == | == Economy == | ||
* ''[[Batavia Chambers of Commerce|See here the companies active in Batavia]]'' | * ''[[Batavia Chambers of Commerce|See here the companies active in Batavia]]'' | ||
== Active participants == | == Active participants == | ||
Various active participants are taking part in Batavia: | Various active participants are taking part in Batavia: | ||
* [[User:Gustaaf Vermeylen]] | * [[User:Gustaaf Vermeylen]] |
Revision as of 11:34, 8 July 2020
Kingdom of Batavia Koninkrijk Batavië | |||
| |||
Motto: Batavia erit in orbe ultima (Common Tongue: Batavia will continue to exist until the end of the world!) | |||
Anthem: Staatshymne der Bataven (Common Tongue: State hymn of the Batavians) | |||
Map versions | (16.2.1) 16.2.6 - present | ||
Capital | 's Koningenwaarde | ||
Largest city | 's Koningenwaarde, Kingsrise | ||
Official language(s) | Official language: Batavian (Dutch) | ||
Official religion(s) | Holy Catologian Church | ||
Demonym | Batavian | ||
- Adjective | Batavian | ||
Government | Constitutional monarchy | ||
- King of the Batavians / Staathouder | Vacant | ||
- Prime Minister | Paulus de Withe | ||
- Legislature | Staten-Generaal: | ||
Establishment | 09 Sprokkelmaand 1513 AN (09.02.2006) | ||
Area | NA | ||
Population | Active participants: 2 Simulated population: Batavia: 14,668,254 (1670 AN) Helderbourgh: 18,589,247 (1675 AN) | ||
Active population | 2 | ||
Currency | Kruys | ||
Calendar | |||
Time zone(s) | CMT-12, CMT-11, CMT-8, CMT+10 | ||
Mains electricity | |||
Driving side | right | ||
Track gauge | |||
National website | Website | ||
National forum | Forum (1) | ||
National animal | Batavian lion | ||
National food | |||
National drink | Dietish Wine (Dietse wijn) | ||
National tree | |||
Abbreviation | BAT |
Batavia, officially the (Sixth) Kingdom of Batavia, (Dutch: Koninkrijk Batavië or Zesde Koninkrijk Batavië), is a forum and wikibased country in the southwest of Benacia. The country borders West Amokolia in the north, Kalgachia in the east, the Unified Governorates of Benacia and the United Benacian Republic in the southeast. The Great Western Sea is located to its south and west, making it one of the nation's natural borders. In addition, the country has territory on the Madison Isles and some oversea colonies. The capital of Batavia, which is located at the Koningenbaai, is called 's Koningenwaarde, which is translated as Kings' Worth. Other important and heavily populated cities are Davignon and - more recently - Kingsrise.
Originally, the several feudal states were unified in 1513 AN by Regent Jodocus van Haltna and organised into the Free Batavian States. The nation saw a series of changes in its administration, especially a progress of democratization during the first ten Norton years after its unification. It reached a peak in influence and power during the Second Kingdom Era (1523 - 1579 AN), in which it successfully played a moderate - and sometimes leading - role in international diplomacy. It succeeded in maintaining good relations with Shireroth and Stormark throughout the 16th century, while carving out its own oversea empire on Micras.
Batavia saw a decline in power at the end of the sixteenth century, and a final collapse in 1614 AN, after which its territories were carved up between Stormark, Jingdao, Shireroth and -later - minor successor states, such as Kasterburg. Within Batavia, nationalist tendencies continued to linger, represented by the Free Batavian Society, lead by later Prime minister Joachim Mackay.
The Sixth Kingdom came to see the light in 1669 AN, after the coronation of Arkadius IV, and saw - by means of various treaties - the return of large parts of its original Batavian territory under the Batavian flag. While the Batavian Revolution of 1685 brought some constitutional reforms, like the growing importance of the Hogerhuis and a new dynastic ruling house, the political elite deemed it important to keep a sense of continuity. The Sixth Kingdom, while reformed, remained in place.
The Kingdom is dominated by a wealthy bourgeoisie and nobles, who reinstated the parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Originally, the king retained considerable emergency powers over the parliament, but these powers were limited after 1685. Its legislation is built around the two Huyzen of the Staten-Generaal: the Lagerhuis (House of Commons), which claims to be the oldest popular democratic assembly of Benacia still in existence, and the Hogerhuis (House of Lords). The latter is dominated by the representatives and lords of the many lordships of the Realm.
In an attempt to improve its diplomatic position, a joint assembly offered the crown of Batavia to Kaiseress Salome in 1685 AN.
General
Etymology
The name "Batavia" comes from the mythical story of the origin of Batavia. According to this mythical story, the Batavians come from the "good island", or as in the primeval Batavian "batawjō".
Read here more about the mythical stories.
Flag and coat of arms
The Batavian flag consists of a hemmed cross of orange and blue on a white surface. This flag has been in use since the Second Kingdom. It is a retrenchment of the flag that was used during the First Kingdom. Later, other variations of this flag were used. Read more about the flag of Batavia.
The coat of arms consists of a shield crowned with the royal crown, with the crowned coat of arms of Vinandy. The shield holders consist of two golden climbing lions. Placed on a mantle of orange, bordered with gold, lined with ermine, tied with cords ending in tassels, both of gold, and covered by a canopy of orange, bordered with gold and bearing the Royal Crown. Flanks with two gilded flags of Batavia and "Batavië" written on a blue ribbon. This coat of arms is a small adaptation of the coat of arms that was used during the Second Kingdom. Since the Third Kingdom, a different coat of arms has been used, consisting of a shield with an orange crowned lion on a blue surface. Read more about the coat of arms of Batavia.
History
- See the Batavian history prior to 1661 AN.
- See Timeline of Modern Batavia since 1661 AN.
In 1513 AN (February 9, 2006) the Free Batavian States (Dutch: Free Batavian States) were founded by Jodocus van Haltna. He came from the Refoweb Republic, or Refobliek, where other Batavians came from. Faya Veronique was crowned Queen, she was very popular because she listened to the people.
The Free Batavian States disintegrated after several unrest, after which in 1520 AN the First Kingdom of Batavia arose. The inactive queen was replaced by Arkadius Leopold des Vinandy, better known as Arkadius I. But the unrest did not stop and the kingdom ended.
In 1523 AN created the Republic of Davignon (Dutch: Davignonrepubliek), an unofficial name for the state that was a preparation for the revival of the kingdom.
The 16th century of the Second Kingdom (between 1523 and 1579 AN) has generally been seen as the Golden Era of the Batavian people: the Empire succesfully became a great power and could influence international crises, participated in major political and economical organisations (like the Small Commonwealth) and waged some successful wars which increased its territory or fame. To the contrary of most nations in that time, the power of the Crown was considerably less than that in nations like Shireroth, Natopia or Babkha.
The end of the 16th century would see the rise of dissent and divide between the population: the Oogstmaand Monarchy and Third Kingdom would soon fall under internal military pressure, while its successor nations would often fail to conciliate the whole Empire's territories.
From 1614 AN and onwards most of its territories were little by little divided among other major powers, like Jingdao (which had been a colony, and later constituent nation of Batavia), Stormark and Shireroth.
In 1661 AN, the Batavian territories saw an increase in militancy among several groups who advocated a free and independent Batavia (like the Free Batavians). Those movements, further supported by Batavians who had fled into the eastern territories (which had opened up after the collaps of Minarboria), became increasingly vocal in local assemblies. States like Kasterburg and the Transbataafsche Vrystaat would eventually pressure the Shirerithian and Jingdaoese authorities in re-establishing an independent state.
With the ascension of Arkadius IV on the Throne in 1669 AN, a final agreement with Shireroth led to the return of Batavian territory in hands of the government at 's Koningenwaarde, while establishing a custom union to strengthen the ties between the Benacian people. The Sixth Kingdom saw a return to many of the values of the First and Second Kingdom: returning its root to a strong parliamentary tradition, while keeping the King as a strong figurehead, while being able to act in times of need. However, as of 1678, King Arkadius has assumed all powers of the Batavian government under an emergency clause in the Constitution, ruling Batavia all by himself.
In 1680 new elections were held for the Lagerhuis and Prime Minister, which restored the democratic order and ended the state of emergency.
List of Batavian states
A list of the several states, which were Batavia:
- Free Batavian States: 1513 - 1520 AN (9 february - 4 september 2006)
- First Kingdom of Batavia: 1520 - 1523 AN (4 september - 2 december 2006)
- Davignonrepublic: 1523 AN (2 december - 28 december 2006)
- Second Kingdom of Batavia: 1523 - 1579 AN (28 december 2006 - 24 august 2011)
- Oogstmaand Monarchy: 1579 - 1581 AN (24 august - 18 october 2011)
- Third Kingdom of Batavia: 1581 - 1582 AN (18 october - 12 november 2011)
- Batavian State: 1582 - 1585 AN (12 november 2011 - 3 february 2012) / Grand Kingdom of Batavia (14 december 2011 - 3 february 2012)
- Fouth Kingdom of Batavia: 1585 - 1591 AN (3 february - 6 august 2012)
- United Kingdom of Batavia: 1591 - 1592 AN (6 august - 15 september 2012)
- Fifth Kingdom of Batavia: 1592 - 1614 AN (15 september 2012 - 15 july 2014)
- Stateless period: 1614 - 1661 AN (15 july 2014 - 3 june 2018) - territory divided between several great powers.
- United Batavian States: 1661 - 1669 AN (3 june 2018 - 9 February 2019)
- Sixth Kingdom of Batavia: 1669 - present (9 February 2019 - ...)
Geography
There are two mountain ridges in Batavia, the Nysus Mountains in the southwest and the Austrasian Mountains in the center. The mountain ridges are separated by the two largest rivers of Batavia, Linge and Rhijne.
Demographics
As a result of the turbulent history, the Batavians have spread over Micras. As a result, only 19.11% of all Batavians live in the Kingdom of Batavia. A minority of Shirerians live in the former areas of Shirerian Dietsland, Puritanian States and Voltue. And a minority of Jingdaoese in Tianhoucheng ('s Koningenwaarde) and the former Colony of Itteria.
Population development
Year | Population |
---|---|
1588 | 15.302.000 |
1669 | 10.842.404 |
1670 | 14.668.254 |
Batavians around Micras
Apart from the Batavians living in the Kingdom of Batavia, Batavians live in other nations:
Nation | Batavians | Year (AN) |
---|---|---|
Arcadia | 12,107,983 | 1673 |
Constancia | 17,810 | 1670 |
Jingdao | 44,671,288 | 1671 |
Kasterburg | 1,478,100 | 1658 |
Krasnarus | 37,084 | 1661 |
Shireroth | 3,750,097 | 1669 |
Stormark | 4,387,243 | unknown |
Total | 66,449,605 |
Government and politics
King of Batavia
The King of Batavia is Arkadius Frederik Gustavus des Vinandy, from the House of Vinandy. This family has already delivered four kings and one queen since the foundation of Batavia in 1513 AN.
Prime Minister
See also: Prime Minister of Batavia.
The Prime Minister is the head of the Batavian government.
Batavian Parliament
The Batavian parliament is a bicameral system with an aristocratic element. The Lagerhuis (house of commons) is directly elected every 3 Nortonyears. The members of the Hogerhuis (house of lords) are appointed by the king.
Administrative Divisions
The kingdom is divided into two types of administrative divisions: autonomous areas and lordships.
Autonomous areas
Coat of Arms | Area | Capital | Population | Area (km2) |
---|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom of Arcadia, the Beneluccas and the land of the Calbain | Koningsrots | 16,532,391 (1663 AN) |
- | |
Grand Duchy of Helderbourgh | Helderbourgh Stadt | 15,271,844 (pre 1668 AN) |
9,728,732 |
Foreign Affairs
Batavia was a member of the Batavian Confederation (Batavian: Bataafse Bond) and the Franco-Batavian Empire, which were both disbanded in 1685 AN.
Lordships
Originally Batavia was divided into regions (gewesten). In the United Batavian States, some of these regions were transformed into states. When Batavia had possession to roughly the former regions Dietsland and Transingel, this area was subdivided into lordships. With the reunification of the Batavian countries, this division has been further implemented. Because of this, Batavia is now divided into 96 lordships.
Foreign relations
Culture
Proverbs
"Van hier tot aan Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqerqertaq"
Literally, “from here to Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqerqertaq”. Which means: a dilemma or extremely long.
"Even Catoloogs als Constantijn"
Literally, “As Catologists as Constantijn”. Which means: very fickle, often changes opinion or religion.
"De tong van een vinandist"
Literally, “The tongue of a vinandist”. Which means: talking about a lot of little rules and details, while loosing view over what's really important.
Calendar
Batavia has used different calendar systems throughout history. The so-called Arkadian Calendar arranged that the year was started on the founding date of Batavia. The Batavian Calendar contained thirteen months and a fourteen day week. Both calendar systems have not had broad support. The New Batavian Calendar has had the most support, namely where the Gregorian month names were replaced by their own names. This calendar is most similar to the current calendar system.
The current calendar system has different names for the weekdays and for the months. The weekdays and the months are linked to the Gregorian calendar. The Norton Calendar is used for the years.
Weekdays:
- Sunday: Eerste dag (First day)
- Monday: Tweede dag (Second day)
- Tuesday: Derde dag (Third day)
- Wednesday: Midweek
- Thursday: Vijfde dag (Fifth day)
- Friday: Zesde dag (Sixth day)
- Saturday: Baddag (Bathday)
Months:
- January: Louwmaand (Tanning month)
- February: Sprokkelmaand (Collection month)
- March: Lentemaand (Spring month)
- April: Grasmaand (Grass month)
- May: Bloeimaand (Flowering month)
- June: Zomermaand (Summer month)
- July: Hooimaand (Hay month)
- August: Oogstmaand (Harvest month)
- September: Herfstmaand (Fall month)
- October: Wijnmaand (Wine month)
- November: Slachtmaand (Slaughter month)
- December: Wintermaand (Winter month)
Sinterklaas
The feast of Sinterklaas is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve (5 Wintermaand) in Batavia. The festivities traditionally begin each year in mid-November (the first Saturday after 11 Slachtmaand), when Sinterklaas "arrives" by a steamboat at a designated seaside town. The steamboat anchors, then Sinterklaas disembarks and parades through the streets on his horse, welcomed by children cheering and singing traditional Sinterklaas songs.
In the weeks between his arrival and 5 Wintermaand, Sinterklaas also visits schools, hospitals and shopping centers. He is said to ride his white-grey horse over the rooftops at night, delivering gifts through the chimney to the well-behaved children. Before going to bed, children put their shoes next to the fireplace chimney of the coal-fired stove or fireplace (or in modern times close to the central heating radiator). They leave the shoe with a carrot or some hay in it and a bowl of water nearby "for Sinterklaas' horse", and the children sing a Sinterklaas song. The next day they find some candy or a small present in their shoes.
Saint Nicholas' Eve, 5 Wintermaand, became the chief occasion for gift-giving during the winter holiday season. The evening is called Sinterklaasavond ("Sinterklaas evening") or Pakjesavond ("gifts evening", or literally "packages evening"). On 6 Wintermaand "Sinterklaas" departs without any ado, and all festivities are over.
Economy
Active participants
Various active participants are taking part in Batavia:
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