Why in the Netherlands it is not customary to curtain windows

We already talked about how we live. Dutch There are a lot of tourists here. They even explained how children are raised in this small country and what results it brings. But there is always a feature that deserves special attention.

And today's edition. "Site" Find out why there are no closed windows in the Netherlands. Do they feel comfortable knowing that they are always under the watchful eye of their neighbors? Where did this strange tradition come from?



Of course, people in the Netherlands have their own characteristics in each country. The Netherlands is no exception. There are several reasons for the aforementioned tradition. Let's try to figure them out.



It is believed that in many ways the history of the custom of leaving windows open originates in the XVI century. Then in 1567, the Spanish Duke Fernando Alvarez de Toledo was appointed governor. Overconfident and willful, he fought hard against dissent, and his reign claimed thousands of lives.



The viceroy feared that the locals would plot and demolish the hated power. So he put a taboo on curtained windows. This was done so that potential conspirators could not secretly unite and hold unauthorized meetings.

In the end, the revolution happened and the people won. However, the habit took root, and even later it was not eradicated. Local residents have given this tradition a new meaning. They say that we have nothing to hide, we do not do evil and do not plan, lead a Christian righteous life.



In the Netherlands, it is considered indecent and ill-mannered to look into other people's windows. This is a direct violation of personal space. Personal space is highly valued here. Therefore, tourists should not take advantage of such openness of local residents.



As for the position of residents of the Netherlands, they are convinced that they do not need curtains on the windows. And without all these curtains and tulles, there is more calm, and misconduct is less common.



It is widely believed that every neighbor plays a role. vigilante. And it's not just a joke. After all, the locals are very attentive to the order around them, to the observance of the laws by all (including the nearest neighbors). All this really helps to maintain order even without the help of the authorities.

How about that tradition? Could you completely give up blinds, curtains and tulles?