Discover The Culture of The Netherlands
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
The culture of the Netherlands differs from region to region, but it is well-known that the Dutch people showcase a willingness to adopt certain characteristics of exotic cultures, while preserving their own identity. Traditional to the culture of the Netherlands are tulips and sweeping flower gardens, windmills, blue and white pottery called Delftware, and wooden craft work such as clogs or boats. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com checks out the world's largest flower garden, as well as a neighborhood featuring well-preserved windmills and houses, Amsterdam's canals, Delftware pottery, and a wealth of other elements traditional to Dutch culture.
Tourists seeking traditional Dutch culture will surely want to see tulips and windmills. The Keukenhof flower garden is found near Lisse, and is the world’s largest flower garden. There are approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted each year at the park. Predominantly featuring daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, the park also includes such flowers as rhododendrons, flowering cherry trees and azaleas. Zaanse Schan is a Dutch neighborhood housing a collection of well-preserved historic windmills and houses. Windmills are so plentiful in the Netherlands because they were used for land drainage, and because most of the country lies below sea level. These windmills made of thatch are not the only attraction; visitors can also see how wooden shoes are made.
Voldendam is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands because of its old fishing boats, and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. The high pointed bonnet worn by women is perhaps one of the most recognizable features of traditional dress, and is therefore often found on postcards. However, only about 50 women continue to wear this traditional dress, and most of them are elderly. There is also a museum in Voldendam showcasing the town’s history and clothing.
Amsterdam has been called the “Venice of the North” because of its over 60 miles of canals, 90 islands and over 1500 bridges. There are three main canals in the Canal Belt: Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. Herengracht translates to the Gentleman’s Canal. On its banks can be found many elegant mansions, especially at its most fashionable point – called Golden Bend. The Keizersgracht, meaning the Emperor’s Canal is the widest of the three major canals. The Prince’s Canal, or Prinsengracht, is the longest of the main canals. Various tourist sites are located along this stretch, such as Anne Frank House and the Noorderkerk.
The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the largest flower auction in the world. The building holding the auction is the largest commercial building in the world, in terms of floor space. Sometimes called “the Wall Street of the flower trade,” every day, 19 million flowers and two million plants are sold.
Delftware is a blue and white pottery made in the Netherlands from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Although this style was popular throughout the world, Delft was the capital for creating this blue and white pottery.
The Royal Palace is located on Dam Square in Amsterdam, and is used by the Queen of the Netherlands – Queen Beatrix – for entertaining and hosting official functions. It was originally built in the 17th century as the city hall, and is a fine example of Dutch architecture.
Miffy is a small female rabbit character in children’s picture books. The character was created by Dick Bruna, who hails from Utrecht. There are almost 30 Miffy books, and over 100 about related characters. A museum in Bruna’s hometown is devoted entirely to the character. Miffy’s name comes from a toddler’s pronunciation of the Dutch word for “little rabbit.”
One of the Netherlands’ most characteristic festivals is that of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas’ Eve is the primary occasion for gift giving in the Netherlands. A parade in honor of his arrival from Spain, usually in November, is held and he, accompanied by his helper Black Peter, is welcomed by children singing and cheering.
Voldendam is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands because of its old fishing boats, and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. The high pointed bonnet worn by women is perhaps one of the most recognizable features of traditional dress, and is therefore often found on postcards. However, only about 50 women continue to wear this traditional dress, and most of them are elderly. There is also a museum in Voldendam showcasing the town’s history and clothing.
Amsterdam has been called the “Venice of the North” because of its over 60 miles of canals, 90 islands and over 1500 bridges. There are three main canals in the Canal Belt: Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. Herengracht translates to the Gentleman’s Canal. On its banks can be found many elegant mansions, especially at its most fashionable point – called Golden Bend. The Keizersgracht, meaning the Emperor’s Canal is the widest of the three major canals. The Prince’s Canal, or Prinsengracht, is the longest of the main canals. Various tourist sites are located along this stretch, such as Anne Frank House and the Noorderkerk.
The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the largest flower auction in the world. The building holding the auction is the largest commercial building in the world, in terms of floor space. Sometimes called “the Wall Street of the flower trade,” every day, 19 million flowers and two million plants are sold.
Delftware is a blue and white pottery made in the Netherlands from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Although this style was popular throughout the world, Delft was the capital for creating this blue and white pottery.
The Royal Palace is located on Dam Square in Amsterdam, and is used by the Queen of the Netherlands – Queen Beatrix – for entertaining and hosting official functions. It was originally built in the 17th century as the city hall, and is a fine example of Dutch architecture.
Miffy is a small female rabbit character in children’s picture books. The character was created by Dick Bruna, who hails from Utrecht. There are almost 30 Miffy books, and over 100 about related characters. A museum in Bruna’s hometown is devoted entirely to the character. Miffy’s name comes from a toddler’s pronunciation of the Dutch word for “little rabbit.”
One of the Netherlands’ most characteristic festivals is that of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas’ Eve is the primary occasion for gift giving in the Netherlands. A parade in honor of his arrival from Spain, usually in November, is held and he, accompanied by his helper Black Peter, is welcomed by children singing and cheering.
