Holland is primarily a Christian country, with Roman Catholic being the prominent religion. Religion in the Netherlands plays a big part in the day-to-day life of its people, in a Dutch household praying is done before every meal and the family attends church for at least one mass each week, this is usually done on Sunday mornings. People who don’t know much about the Dutch culture find it strange how Dutch people are given two names. The reason for this is that they use a short name when socialising with people who they don’t know well in day-to-day life. Their other name tends to be more traditional and usually has a meaning, this is used with close friends, family, and within religious practises. …show more content…
The roots of the customary bridal shower originated in Holland. If a Dutch bride is unfortunate enough for her father to not approve of the man she wants to marry, then the it is a custom for the father to not take any part in the wedding celebration and instead the bride is ‘showered’ with gifts and money from her friends so that she can marry the groom without the usual help from her father. Before the day of a marriage the bride and groom host a celebration, traditionally they sit down in thrones under trees for the event, as their guests come to bless them and wish them happiness. A Dutch wedding consists of the reading of scriptures, singings of psalms, the vows being read and the couple making an oath to one another. After the wedding the guests are invited to the bride’s house for a feast and the new married couple plant lilies and tulips around their house to symbolize what the Dutch call ‘the return of happiness’ a custom meaning that the love for one another is