Dive into the Fascinating World of Dutch Customs and Traditions

The Netherlands, a country known for its stunning tulips and winding canals, is also a treasure trove of unique and charming traditions that might surprise visitors. From the peculiar habit of keeping bicycles indoors to the delightful celebration of Sinterklaas, these customs offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Dutch people.

Unique Traditions in the Netherlands

One of the most distinctive traditions is the way Dutch people store their bicycles. Instead of having them outdoors, many Dutch families keep their bikes in the hallway leading to the front door. When guests arrive, one of the first tasks is often to move the bicycles out of the way, which could lead to some humorous and comical scenes!

Backwards Car Racing: A Quirky Dutch Tradition

In the Netherlands, car racing isn’t just about going fast in the right direction. The Backwards Car Racing (gedraaid auto-rennen) is a fun and quirky tradition that involves driving cars in reverse. This unusual custom can be seen in various parts of the country, especially during local festivals and events.

Celebrating Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas, a beloved figure in Dutch culture, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Sinterklaas (A Saint Nicholas) is a noble figure, who rides a white horse, stopping at homes to leave gifts for good children. The true joy of the celebration, however, lies in the giving of personal gifts, often in the form of anonymous presents from friends and family. The magic of Sinterklaas is enhanced by the widely shared tradition of exchanging “beschuit met muisjes,” a type of gingerbread.

Challenging Customs: Dwarf Tossing and Mobile Phone Throwing

Dutch folklore and traditions often include some unique, if somewhat surprising, customs. For example, dwarf tossing, a tradition that involves lifting a dwarf off their feet to toss them in the air, is a tradition that seems to be practiced in various countries, including the Netherlands. Another unusual activity is mobile phone throwing, which, according to folklore, was invented in Finland. These activities, although unusual and potentially dangerous for modern standards, offer a glimpse into the more playful and sometimes mischievous aspects of Dutch culture.

Folklore and Craft Traditions

The folklore and craft traditions of the Netherlands are a rich tapestry of customs and practices that have been passed down through generations. Some of the notable examples include ringsteken (ring marks), sjoelen (dutch slings), polsstokverspringen (jousting with rods), kantklossen (quern stone grinding), and midwinterblazen (midwinter blowing).

Living Folklore and Modern Celebrations

Among the living folklore in the Netherlands, traditions such as the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour), which is a long-distance ice skating tour between eleven cities, and the famous processions (processies) that celebrate carnaval, are particularly noteworthy. The Elfstedentocht is an endurance test for skaters, while carnaval is marked by vibrant parades and festivities.

In addition to these well-known events, people in the Netherlands also light paasvuren (Easter fires) and hold the Nijmeegse Wandelvierdaagse (Nijmegen 4-day walk), a 152-kilometer trek filled with cultural activities and challenges.

Traditional Crafts

Folklorist crafts in the Netherlands include traditional methods of production that are no longer widely practiced, such as making baskets and beehives using hand spinning and weaving techniques. Another interesting craft is the manual making of wooden clogs (kluivers). These crafts, although not as common today, provide a window into the skilled and labor-intensive methods of the past.

Common Misconceptions and Fascinations

While the Netherlands has a fascinating range of traditions, there are also misconceptions and surprising aspects that visitors might not be aware of. For instance, many might be shocked to learn about the Backwards Car Racing or the unusual customs like dwarf tossing and mobile phone throwing. Similarly, there are some popular misconceptions about Amsterdam that are surprising to outsiders. These unique customs and traditions offer a deeper understanding of the Dutch way of life and cultural identity.

To learn more about Dutch customs, traditional crafts, and the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands, explore the colorful and engaging traditions that continue to thrive in the present day.