• Windmills. Nearly everyone has seen paintings of windmills dotting the hills of Holland, and this was certainly a true picture of what it looked like. They were used for distributing water, grinding corn, and more. Today, about 1000 windmills still survive in the Netherlands, and about 200 still work - a symbol of Dutch culture and a reminder of simple life.
• Tulips. Actually not native to the Netherlands, the tulip was brought to the Dutch people from Carolus Clusius when he came from Turkey in the 17th century. However, it has been a special piece of Dutch culture and representative of their beloved country since then.
• Cheese. Dating back as far as 200 BC, pots have been found that were designed to make cheese in the Netherlands, something that they are still known for. In fact cattle were often kept with cheese as one of the main purposes; the Dutch still boast their rich tradition of delicious dairy.
• Costumes. Though there isn't one specific "national" outfit that defines the traditions of the Netherlands, each region does have a variety of traditional costumes that, though rarely worn now, are representative to them of their rich culture.
• Wooden shoes. Probably the most famous Dutch tradition, wooden shoes are worn by farmers throughout the Netherlands as cheap, safe, and long-lasting work shoes and are also sold in souvenir shops throughout the country.
• The Languages and Religions of the People of the Netherlands
• The Attitude of the Dutch People
• Traditions in the Netherlands
• Marriage and Family in the Netherlands
In addition to their national languages, the people of the Netherlands almost always speak addition foreign languages. About 75% of the inhabitants of the Netherlands speak English, 60%, German, and 17%, French.
About 30% of the population of the Netherlands claims to be Roman Catholic, 20% Protestant, 8% "other", and 42% unaffiliated with a church. However, the worship service attendance indicates a different situation than the statistics do. About 70% of the people of the Netherlands never attend a church, temple, or other place of worship, and most who go rarely only do so for weddings or the like.
The "other" category that made up about 8% of the population is comprised of Muslims originally from places like Morocco and Turkey (approximately 920,000 individuals), Hindus originally brought from India as servants (about 200,000), and Jews (between 30,000 and 40,000). The numbers of Jews living in the Netherlands used to be so much higher (about 140,000) that Amsterdam, the capital, was called "Jerusalem of the West." However, most of these Dutch Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, and the remaining Dutch Jews are much more liberal than their Orthodox ancestors.
• Live and Let Live. This is one of the attitudes that has helped the Dutch people to survive for so long. Though they are not disinterested in other people, their perception of the world tells them that they will live in peace if they maintain their own privacy and honor the privacy of others. Because of this, a visitor might notice with surprise that people don't regularly speak to strangers, personal space is of the highest value, and that homes are very private places into which others are not usually invited. This "live and let live" philosophy has seemed to lead to fewer conflicts in the Netherlands.
• Pragmatism. While they have been viewed with some disdain for this position, the Dutch are absolutely pragmatic. Before acting, whether it be in their homes, jobs, or government, they ask themselves what the consequences of their actions will be and then choose the simpler means to a better end. For example, general Dutch nature assumes that if drugs like marijuana and acts like prostitution and abortion are illegal, those wanting to participate will simply be forced underground. Prices will go up, crime will rise, etc. Their pragmatic approach to life insists that by making these things into non-issues, life in general will be simpler and problems will take care of themselves. Interestingly, the number of abortions in the Netherlands is the lowest in the world.
• Fair. An interesting aspect of the Netherlands's society is the fairness of it all. The difference between the lowest income in the country and the highest income in the country is relatively small, especially in comparison with other countries. And those that make more have to pay much higher taxes. In addition to this, the normal person bikes to work - whether in a "high" position or "low." The Dutch culture values what is fair rather than a display of wealth or status. Ever heard of "going Dutch" - which means that each person on an outing pays for his own bill? This is the norm in the Netherlands - even on a date.
• Windmills. Nearly everyone has seen paintings of windmills dotting the hills of Holland, and this was certainly a true picture of what it looked like. They were used for distributing water, grinding corn, and more. Today, about 1000 windmills still survive in the Netherlands, and about 200 still work - a symbol of Dutch culture and a reminder of simple life.
• Tulips. Actually not native to the Netherlands, the tulip was brought to the Dutch people from Carolus Clusius when he came from Turkey in the 17th century. However, it has been a special piece of Dutch culture and representative of their beloved country since then.
• Cheese. Dating back as far as 200 BC, pots have been found that were designed to make cheese in the Netherlands, something that they are still known for. In fact cattle were often kept with cheese as one of the main purposes; the Dutch still boast their rich tradition of delicious dairy.
• Birthdays. Birthdays are incredibly important traditions in Dutch society. In fact, people in the Netherlands will often post a calendar in the bathroom with birthdays listed so that they will not forget anyone. Tradition is for the individual with a birthday to have others for coffee and drinks. The friends will not purchase anything expensive but rather bring a gift certificate, some candy, or a pastry. If they will be going to someone's house, they will certainly not drop in uninvited and will bring a bunch of flowers of wine. Custom is also for friends to congratulate the person with the birthday and the relatives.
• Costumes. Though there isn't one specific "national" outfit that defines the traditions of the Netherlands, each region does have a variety of traditional costumes that, though rarely worn now, are representative to them of their rich culture.
• Wooden shoes. Probably the most famous Dutch tradition, wooden shoes are worn by farmers throughout the Netherlands as cheap, safe, and long-lasting work shoes and are also sold in souvenir shops throughout the country.
Despite the makeup of a family, however, respect is given to them. Single parents families are common in the Netherlands, and same-sex partnerships are legal. Many couples also live together in lieu of marriage. Grandparents generally live on their own if capable or in a nursing home. Even in the case of marriage, both parents usually work outside the home, and women often keep their own family name.
Holidays are extremely important to the family, and gatherings of the family are promoted. Each family has its own traditions for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Celebrations take place together. Even the birthday is an important event in the life of a family. It is completely common for friends to offer congratulations not only to the person whose birthday it is but also to all of their relatives!
• Visit Amsterdam - the capital of the Netherlands has art museums, historic sites, and more.
• Enjoy the eating habits of the Dutch - try out some of the favorites of Dutch dining.
• Learn proper communication in the Netherlands - how to speak, how to greet, and more.
• Go to the Ice Skating Marathon - but you don't know when it will happen!
Art Museums
• CoBrA Museum of Modern Art. This museum is located inside a geometric structure where all types of contemporary works are waiting to be enjoyed.
• Meseum Het Rembrandthuis. Rembrandt actually lived in this classic home where now hundreds of drawings fill the renovated rooms and furnishings that can be toured.
• Rijksmuseum. This is one of the world's finest museums and is filled with over 7 million objects - Goya, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Asian art, sculptures, and more.
• Stedelijk Museum. Quite a contemporary museum, this houses artwork beginning in 1850 and much more recently. See works from Picasso, Calder, and Malevich in movements like cubism, pop art, expressionism, and more.
• Vincent van Gogh Museum. A tribute to one of the most well known artists of all time, this museum boasts an impressive collection of his works (and some personal effects) as well as those of some of his contemporaries.
Historic Sites
• Anne Frank's House. Thanks to her infamous diary, this girl's story has never been forgotten. Walk through the house where she and her family and friends hid during the Holocaust, and see memorabilia and evidence of their secret lives.
• Old Stock Exchange. This was the building that was originally home to Amsterdam's Stock Exchange. You can not only view the building but also climb the structure's tower and get an incredible glimpse of the whole city.
• Royal Palace. A palace for Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother), this prominent structure is open for visitors to witness its rich adornments, paintings, marble interior, and more.
• Theater Tuschinski. This extravagant theatre was built around 1921 and demonstrates creative Art Deco in its stained glass, exotic woods, painted murals, and more. Movies are still shown here today.
Other things to do
• Artis Zoo. Enjoy this 19th century zoo that has more than 6000 animals from around the world as well as an aquarium, planetarium, and other attractions. Great for kids and adults!
• Bortus Botanicus. Standing since 1682, this Garden features exotic plants, lovely water, and breathtaking views in both indoor and outdoor and outdoor environments - tropical, sub-tropical, and desert.
• Vla - a thick and sweet milk pudding much like custard.
• Karnemelk - buttermilk which is quite healthy but rather sour.
• Poffertjes - something like small pancakes with powdered sugar all over the top.
• Hagelslag - a chocolate to sprinkle on bread.
• Muisjes - another popular bread spread
• Drop - a type of candy that comes in styles and flavors, often considered to be quite addictive!
• Stamppot - a typical meal of mashed potatoes, rookworst (smoked, mild sausage), and carrots, kale or endives.
• Pea Soup - a Dutch delight! This is full of all kinds of vegetables, bacon, and sausage.
• Patat - thick French-fries eaten with mayonnaise.
• Kroket and frikandel - fried snack rolls containing some sort of meat.
• Haring - a delicacy: ray herring with raw onions.
• Stroopwafel - a traditional cookie made of two thin wafers filled with caramel.
• Vlaai - a pastry available in Southern Netherlands filled with a variety of types of fruits.
• Greetings. The way people greet one another in the Netherlands is a very important part of tradition. When seeing a friend, a strong handshake or three kisses on both cheeks is common (among men and women). If people see one another from a distance, they will wave but not shout, since that is considered to be very impolite. There are also specific greetings to be used on the telephone: both individuals will identify themselves before starting the conversation. To not do so is seen as very rude.
• Respect. In the Netherlands, calling one another by first names (except among children) is reserved only for close friends and relatives. When speaking with anyone else, the people use last names and titles as a matter of traditional respect.
• Directness. The Dutch see directness as a very positive personality trait that has been cultured in society for years. When speaking with another person, they look them straight in the eyes and are not subtle. Although they seem to other abrupt, this quick way of making a point is something that the Dutch people love about one another.
The marathon used to be a fable but was officially made into a contest about 90 years ago. It has only actually happened 15 times this century and yet has become an enormous phenomenon in Dutch sports with millions of followers. Sometimes, the tour starts before the sun is even up, and the talented athletes have to race by the light of spectator torches and headlights from the tractors of local farmers. Some contestants even wore headlamps. The winner of the 1997 competition (the most recent one to have taken place) took 6 hours, 49 minutes, and 18 seconds to complete the route.
The tour begins and ends in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, and the ten other cities visited are Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. When will the next one be? Nobody knows, but you can be sure that it will be well worth going to if you happen to vacationing in the Netherlands at the time!
• Study the culture.
• Go to the Ice Skating Marathon.
• Celebrate Queen's Day.
The Languages and Religions of the People of the Netherlands
The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch, and nearly everyone living there speaks it. Many people also speak Frisian, which sounds a lot like Dutch, German, and English. In addition to their national languages, the people of the Netherlands almost always speak addition foreign languages. About 75% of the inhabitants of the Netherlands speak English, 60%, German, and 17%, French.
About 30% of the population of the Netherlands claims to be Roman Catholic, 20% Protestant, 8% "other", and 42% unaffiliated with a church. The "other" category that made up about 8% of the population is comprised of Muslims originally from places like Morocco and Turkey (approximately 920,000 individuals), Hindus originally brought from India as servants (about 200,000), and Jews (between 30,000 and 40,000). The numbers of Jews living in the Netherlands used to be so much higher (about 140,000) that Amsterdam, the capital, was called "Jerusalem of the West." However, most of these Dutch Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, and the remaining Dutch Jews are much more liberal than their Orthodox ancestors.
Attitude of the Netherlands's People
The people of the Netherlands are driven by several strong attitudes that guide their culture and way of life.
• Live and Let Live. This is one of the attitudes that has helped the Dutch people to survive for so long. Though they are not disinterested in other people, their perception of the world tells them that they will live in peace if they maintain their own privacy and honor the privacy of others. Because of this, a visitor might notice with surprise that people don't regularly speak to strangers, personal space is of the highest value, and that homes are very private places into which others are not usually invited. This "live and let live" philosophy has seemed to lead to fewer conflicts in the Netherlands.
• Pragmatism. While they have been viewed with some disdain for this position, the Dutch are absolutely pragmatic. Before acting, whether it be in their homes, jobs, or government, they ask themselves what the consequences of their actions will be and then choose the simpler means to a better end. For example, general Dutch nature assumes that if drugs like marijuana and acts like prostitution and abortion are illegal, those wanting to participate will simply be forced underground. Prices will go up, crime will rise, etc. Their pragmatic approach to life insists that by making these things into non-issues, life in general will be simpler and problems will take care of themselves. Interestingly, the number of abortions in the Netherlands is the lowest in the world.
• Fair. An interesting aspect of the Netherlands's society is the fairness of it all. The difference between the lowest income in the country and the highest income in the country is relatively small, especially in comparison with other countries. And those that make more have to pay much higher taxes. In addition to this, the normal person bikes to work - whether in a "high" position or "low." The Dutch culture values what is fair rather than a display of wealth or status. Ever heard of "going Dutch" - which means that each person on an outing pays for his own bill? This is the norm in the Netherlands - even on a date.
Marriage and Family in the Netherlands
The Dutch people generally have very strong and moderately sized families (though some Catholic families are a bit larger). The family unit is valued highly in Dutch culture, and people of the Netherlands generally live close to other members of their extended families.
Holidays are extremely important to the family, and gatherings of the family are promoted. Each family has its own traditions for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Celebrations take place together. Even the birthday is an important event in the life of a family. It is completely common for friends to offer congratulations not only to the person whose birthday it is but also to all of their relatives!
The marathon used to be a fable but was officially made into a contest about 90 years ago. It has only actually happened 15 times this century and yet has become an enormous phenomenon in Dutch sports with millions of followers. Sometimes, the tour starts before the sun is even up, and the talented athletes have to race by the light of spectator torches and headlights from the tractors of local farmers. Some contestants even wore headlamps. The winner of the 1997 competition (the most recent one to have taken place) took 6 hours, 49 minutes, and 18 seconds to complete the route.
The tour begins and ends in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, and the ten other cities visited are Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. When will the next one be? Nobody knows, but you can be sure that it will be well worth going to if you happen to vacationing in the Netherlands at the time!
Although the current Queen, Beatrix, actually has a birthday some other time during the year, she announced on the day of her investiture that she wanted to continue celebrating her birthday on April 30th, since that was the day of her mother's birthday. The Queen and her family members will visit one or two places in the country that are celebrating each year and have the visits broadcasted on TV.
The original Queen's Day (then Princess Day) was invented in hope that the symbol would foster national unity. That birthday was of Princess Wilhelmina, and it was on August 31. It became the queen's birthday when Wilhelmina became queen after the death of King William III. The day did indeed begin to gain popularity among Dutch school children and then really got the public's attention when the Queen was seriously ill and recovered. When her daughter, Juliana, became queen, the day was celebrated with a parade on April 30. Eventually, the celebrations became so big that custom awarded everyone the day off work and school, and it became an official public holiday.
In honor of the day and national pride, everyone wears orange, the color of the royal family's name - The Family Nassau, House of Orange. If you happen to be visiting the Netherlands over April 30 and will be able to attend the festivals in your area, be sure to wear something orange, and don't forget to look for the Queen!