When in The Netherlands, Do What the Dutch Do!
May 4, 2011I’m back in Canada now, after spending 3 (wonderful) weeks in The Netherlands. I didn’t get to take as many pictures as I would like, but this picture of me eating the herring I had just purchased from a street vendor got me thinking about how unique each culture is when it comes to specific etiquette “rules.”
The Dutch, for example, take punctuality for business meetings very seriously and expect you do the same. If you’re going to be late for a business meeting while in The Netherlands, I suggest you call ahead with an explanation as to why you’re delayed. And if you have to reschedule, don’t be disappointed if it takes you weeks to arrange another meeting. The Dutch lead busy lives and have full agendas.
In The Netherlands, food doesn’t play the major role in hospitality, in comparison to other cultures. It’s not considered essential to serve a meal to a guest as a way to make them feel welcome. If you are invited for a meal, be sure to take a small portion of food to begin with. If a second portion is offered, it’s polite to accept.
Keep your hands on the table at all times – never on your lap during a meal. But, like your mother probably told you when you were a kid, “Keep your elbows off the table.”
It’s proper etiquette in The Netherlands to use a knife and fork to eat all foods, including pizza, sandwiches, and fruit. But then, that brings me back to the picture of me eating the herring with my hands, now doesn’t it?
There are street vendors in the squares and along the bridges at the canals, and in most towns selling herring. It’s quite the thing in The Netherlands. Wherever you find groups of people congregating, you can be sure there is a fish wagon nearby.
The raw herring is deboned by skilled fish handlers. The skin and tail is removed and the fish is served with raw onions on a paper plate. The Dutch way to eat the fish is to pick it up by the tail, tilt your head back and let the fish slide into your mouth. So, that’s what I did!
I love exploring what other cultures have to offer. Being open to our cultural differences, and embracing their customs is a great way to learn more about each other. And eating raw herring on a street (sprinkled with onion, of course) is the way to do in the Netherlands!
You know what they say…”When in The Netherlands…”
Have you experienced a cultural tradition you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments below!
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