Why there are no closed curtains on Dutch windows

There is a belief that closed dark curtains on the windows in the afternoon scare away personal happiness. But if the light enters the room, it is not only favorable for the energy of the house, but also attracts luck, love, makes people happy. Maybe that's why in the Netherlands there are no curtains on the windows? Or do they just save on curtains?

In different countries - their traditions and characteristics. Holland is no exception. It is customary here not to hang curtains on windows . There are several reasons for the occurrence of this custom:

• historical;
• economic;
• political.

Why do the Dutch fundamentally abandon curtains

The Dutch interest in the personal lives of neighbors, acquaintances, and people around them has nothing to do with simple curiosity. Most likely, this is the mentality and principled position in life, not indifferent to everything that surrounds them.

Local residents believe that curtains do not need to be hung in order to calm, prevent and prevent illegal actions. Residents of Holland joke that for every resident there are almost one “policeman” from among the neighbors. The local population is attentive to the observance of order and the careful implementation of established rules and standards of behavior.

Therefore, the curtains here do not pull, they say, "look, check, we have nothing to hide. Everything is dignified, noble and according to the law. ”

How did tradition come about?

The history of this custom dates back to the sixteenth century . The king appointed the cruel Fernando Alvarez de Tolero the third duke of Alba as local governor. During his short four-year rule in the Spanish Netherlands, more than 18, 000 ordinary citizens were executed. Among the many prohibitions was a taboo on closed windows. The duke was afraid of secret associations of citizens and unauthorized assemblies. And thanks to the open windows, this can be prevented.

After a while, the king of Spain recalled Alba from the Netherlands. There was a revolution, the people won.

However, the order for "open windows" took root among the townspeople. They turned it into a tradition that meant "we have nothing to hide, we live in a Christian righteous".

And this bright and unusual feature appeared in the country, which leaves visitors with an amazing impression of the Netherlands.

Looking into other people's windows is not Dutch!

IMPORTANT! The Dutch have another no less remarkable tradition. They never look into other people's open windows!

Peeping through a glass is considered indecent and equates to rudeness and bad manners . It's like peeping at someone in the toilet or through a keyhole. Locals are well-mannered and greatly value personal space. They take care of their lives and invade someone else's for them is bad manners.

Tourists are slightly shocked by this "openness." After all, as a rule, other peoples, on the contrary, build their houses behind fences. There is even the expression "My home is my castle." However, it is this tradition that gives the Dutch cities and their inhabitants an incomparable and special look.

It is interesting! It should be noted that the windows in local houses are usually large, full-wall, some even on the floor. Passing by, you can really see someone else's life.

But a good upbringing and a sense of tact, together with a fear of invading personal space, gives citizens a sense of security in their own home.

Could you live with Dutch openness to everyone?