The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Netherlands

Culture in the Netherlands, called the Dutch culture, is a diverse culture with influences from its neighboring European nations as well as its conquerors, colonies and immigrants from all over the world. However, the Dutch culture still remains unique in a sense that some traditions and practices are unique to the Dutch.

The typical family in Netherlands is composed of 3 to 4 people, which is quite small, since Dutch parents only want one or two children at most. In their society, women tend to stay at home and focus on child rearing especially in the families belonging to the working class.

The Dutch also celebrate a lot of festivities just like any other nation. The Feast of Sinterklaas (Sint Nicolaas) is celebrated an evening (December 5) before his birthday (December 6). On his feast day, families exchange gifts with each other. On his birthday, children usually receive gifts and presents from their elders. When opening gifts, it is customary in Netherlands to open the gifts in front of everyone and thank the giver in that instance. A helpful tip – give flowers in odd numbers (except 13).

The Queen’s day (Koninginnedag) is celebrated in honor of their Queen’s birthday. On this particular day, people of the Netherlands wear orange clothing and sell their unused things on the streets.

May 4 serves as a day of commemoration (called Memorial Day) for the World War II casualties of Netherlands. At about 8 o’clock in the evening, people pause for a while and offer a minute of silence.