The Netherlands' motto, Je Maintiendrai ('I will maintain'), is taken from the coat of arms of the family of Orange-Nassau.
The official name of the country is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. So how did it come to be commonly referred to as Holland? Similar to the 50 states that make up the U.S., the Netherlands is comprised of 12 provinces.
Because it was the motto of the House of Orange in southern France (and is still the motto of the city) thus when William I, prince of Orange-Nassau became king of the Netherlands, he kept it on his new coat of arms.
The lion on the royal coat of arms comes from the oldest known coat of arms of the House of Nassau. The coat of arms of the Republic depicted a lion holding arrows and a sword. The sword symbolises power and the arrows stand for the provinces.
The Order of the Netherlands Lion, also known as the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands (Dutch: De Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw, French: L'Ordre du Lion Néerlandais) is a Dutch order of chivalry founded by King William I of the Netherlands on 29 September 1815. Order of the Netherlands Lion.
Official National Animals. Although lions are not native to the Netherlands, the lion is the national animal for its regal nature. The lion is widely regarded as a national symbol of the Netherlands.
Stamppot – Now here's a twist on your mashed potatoes! This national dish of the Netherlands is a comfort food you need in your life. Potatoes mashed with other veggies and typically topped with smoked sausage, stamppot is a simple and humble dish.
Dutch tulips are recognized as a Dutch symbol. This pictures captures the traditional Dutch windmill perfectly with a field full of tulips. "De Oranje Leeuw" Widely regarded as the national symbol across the world.
Tulips have become one of the most popular symbols of the Netherlands, reflected in many paintings, artworks and souvenirs.
It is based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a sculpture that was originally erected at the Sarnath, a place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, now in Uttar Pradesh, India. The emblem features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence and faith.
Amsterdam's coat of arms
It features a red shield with a black band and three silver St. Andrew's crosses, with the motto of Amsterdam underneath (Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig, meaning "Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate").
Amsterdam's Official Moto: Heroic, Resolute, Merciful
The official motto of Amsterdam is on a scroll below it: Heldhaftig (Heroic), Vastberaden (Resolute), Barmhartig (Merciful). Alternative translation: Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate.
The Dutch are hardy with a history of hardiness and this breeds self confidence into them at an early age. From the outside looking in, foreigners might think this is arrogance. It really isn't. It's confidence and that is closer to fearlessness than it is to arrogance.
Dutch government ditches Holland to rebrand as the Netherlands.
The Netherlands, Holland, and the Dutch: Why some countries have so many different names.
Because they are of Germanic descent. Dutch = Deutsch.
The Dutch tend to be patriotic and proud of their country. Many will happily talk of the Netherlands, whether it be on a global scale about the country's strong tradition of involvement in international affairs, or on a local scale through regional cuisine.
The orange color that's present throughout much of Dutch culture is a nod to the royal family, which is made up of members of the House of Orange. The dynasty dates back to 1544 when William of Orange inherited the estate and title at the age of 11.
Gestures: Putting your index finger to the temple of your head or forehead is considered an insult as it indicates that the person you are talking about is crazy. Pointing is also considered rude. The 'thumbs up' gesture implies that something is good.
It's official: the daisy - not the tulip - has been declared the national flower of the Netherlands in Vroege Vogels' decisive National Flower Election.
The common greeting in the Netherlands is a handshake along with a nod of the head. This form of address is usually short. Among friends and family, it is common to greet one another by kissing on alternating cheeks three times.
A typical Dutch breakfast consists of bread, whether or not toasted, with cheesemeat butter and sweet toppingslike chocolate spread, sprinkles and flakes. In addition to a sandwich, Dutch people also often eat rusks, gingerbread, currant bread or a plate of porridge.
Black-tailed Godwit is now the National Bird of the Netherlands, and has its own song! In November, the black-tailed godwit (grutto) was voted the Netherlands' national bird.