Dutch Customs and Habits

The Dutch usually shake hands when meeting guests on official occasions. When meeting ordinary friends, most people are accustomed to hugging each other. When meeting close friends, some people also kiss each other (usually on both cheeks).

The main religions believed in by the Dutch are Catholicism and Protestantism. Catholics account for slightly more than one-third of the country's population; Protestants account for less than one-third. They taboo "13" and "Friday". They believe that "13" symbolizes bad luck and "Friday" symbolizes disaster. They avoid cross-shakes and cross-talk. These are considered extremely impolite manners.

The Dutch are unwilling to talk about issues such as income, money and prices in the United States when interacting with each other. The ancient city of Starhorst in the Netherlands is regarded as a "mysterious woman's village". The women here are disgusted and even hate modern facilities, equipment and social customs. In addition, they are particularly taboo about others taking pictures of them.

It is taboo in the Netherlands for someone to ask questions about their religious beliefs, salary, marital status, personal whereabouts, etc. They believe that personal matters do not need to be interfered with by others. When they drink coffee, they don’t like to fill the cup full. They regard refilling as a discourteous act and lack of education, and believe that it is appropriate to fill only two-thirds of the cup.

Extended information

The Netherlands is known for its tolerant and open social atmosphere. Usually, the image of the Netherlands is associated with trade, tulips, windmills, wooden shoes, cheese and white and blue glazed porcelain. The Netherlands' open policies on issues such as narcotics, sex trafficking, same-sex marriage and euthanasia have attracted worldwide attention.

The Dutch have simple requirements for breakfast and lunch and attach great importance to dinner. Generally, they are used to drinking some drinks before meals. They are accustomed to using napkins when dining; there must be condiments on the table. Their national dish is not a delicacy, but a "stew" made of carrots, potatoes and onions. It is said that this is to commemorate the unforgettable history of the predecessors, so it is known as the national dish.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Netherlands

Baidu Encyclopedia - Dutch