Exploring Rural Dutch Culture, Arts and Traditions

Exploring Rural Dutch Culture, Arts and Traditions

Have you ever wondered what life is like in rural parts of the Netherlands? The country is known for several of its buzzing cities, but what do its villages and communities look like? What kind of culture, arts and traditions exist in rural Dutch society? We invite you to explore deeper into the country and its traditions.

The Netherlands is perhaps one of the more diverse countries in Europe, with a mash-up of people, cultures and languages. Its rural areas make-up most of the country, and the people who live there are largely engaged in traditional agriculture and fishing. The majority of the rural villages are small, and revolve around a single church and its square. Streets are usually narrow and lined with trees and flowers, adding to the charm of its villages.

Cultural Traditions

A lot can be said about rural Dutch culture - from the way of speaking and the music to the food and clothing. Dutch folklore is an important part of rural life and is seen in the architecture and clothing, as well as the various folk tales and rituals that are passed from parents to children.

The Dutch, in particular the rural Dutch, adhere strongly to the values of "gemeenschap", or community in English. This entails a strong sense of unity and collectivism, where people will look after their own and help each other. It is based upon the idea of social responsibility and mutual respect, and rural Dutch people are often very proud of their communities shoe
silvia trigo @ Unsplash

One of the most common cultural events in rural Dutch society is the annual Carnaval celebration. This annual event is held in the three days before Ash Wednesday. It usually concludes with a variety of activities, such as costume parades and music, arts performances and even marching bands. Uniquely Dutch, this tradition is mainly celebrated in the North-Brabant and Limburg provinces.

Music and Arts

Besides its folklore, rural Dutch culture is very much intertwined with music and arts. Thanks to the various folk songs and stories, rural Dutch music has a unique characteristic of its own and can be heard in many villages and towns. Most of the songs are sung in a choral or solo vocal style, accompanied by a single instrument (typically an accordion or a flute).

Apart from the traditional Dutch music, the country is home to various types of art, such as sculpting, painting and even photography. Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is one of the most famous Dutch painters of all time. He set the trends for painting in the 17th century, with his unique style of painting. In rural Dutch culture, art is often expressed through architecture, as is seen by the gabled roof of many houses.

A Unique Cuisine

The Dutch are also known for their cuisine. While the country is home to several international cuisines, its traditional Dutch-style cuisine is still a popular choice. It is composed of mostly home-cooked meals, such as stamppot (a mashed potatoes and vegetables dish), Hutspot (another potato dish), and frikandellen (deep-fried meat snacks). There are also Dutch-style pastries and cheeses, both of which are favourites among the rural Dutch. Mountains on the opposite shore
Nick West @ Unsplash

In conclusion, the rural Dutch culture, arts and traditions have unique characteristics that have only continued to evolve through the years. From the spirited Carnaval celebrations to the various art and music forms, the rural Dutch have much to be proud of. Is there anything special about Dutch culture that you love or are curious about?

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