Netherlands reflects regional differences as well as the foreign influences

Advertisment

Megri.info »» Regional »» Netherlands

Culture of Netherlands is very diverse. It reflects regional differences as well as the foreign influences. The reason has been the foreign influences. Thanks to the merchants who are responsible for exploring the spirits of the people. The Netherlands and Dutch people have played an important role for centuries as a cultural center. Main language is Dutch, while Frisian is also a recognized language and it is used by the government in the province of Friesland. Several dialects of low Saxon are spoken in many parts of the north and east. These are recognized as regional languages according to charter. The history of Netherlands is full of events. In 1636, Aruba once again came to the attention of Europeans. The Dutch, who had recently been expelled by the Spanish from their base in St.Maarten, set out looking for another place to establish a colonial presence.

They soon captured the islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire from the Spanish who, in truth, put up very little resistance. Curacao became the administrative capital for the Dutch West India Company in the Netherlands Antilles, with Aruba operating as one of its chief satellites. From this early period dates the construction of the historic fortress Fort Zoutman and William III Tower, which is the oldest building in the country. Except for a short period from 1805 to 1815 when the island fell to the British during the Napoleonic. Dutch society is egalitarian and modern. The people are generally modest, tolerant, independent, self-reliant, and entrepreneurial. They value education, hard work, and personal achievement.

The Dutch have an aversion to the nonessential. Ostentatious behaviour is to be avoided. Accumulating money is fine, but spending money is considered something of a vice and highly associated with being a show-off. A high style is considered wasteful and suspect. The Dutch are very proud of their rich history in art and music and involvement in affairs with other countries. The Netherlands is one of the most secular countries in Europe. An estimated 40% of the population (1998) call themselves non-religious. Due to the thriving economy cities expanded greatly. New town halls and storehouses were built. Merchants who'd made a fortune ordered a new house built along one of the many new canals that were dug out in and around various cities (for defense and transport purposes), a house with an ornamented façade that befitted their new status.

In the countryside new country houses were built, though not in the same numbers.The country has evidently become more self reliant and unique economy. It is the culture of the country to give respect to every individual’s opinions and convictions. It is a national virtue that gives strength to the Dutch soiety. The usual church towers and synagogues, the minarets of mosques can increasingly be seen in the larger Dutch cities. Modern Dutch society is very secular and not many Dutch people identify with an organized religion, however you will have plenty of opportunities to practice their own religion if they wish. Shops, restaurants and places of worship cater to every ethnic background.