Dutch Tradions @ Zaanse Schans

September 17, 2013

Zaanse Schans:  Northern Netherlands

Windmills, clogs, and cheese, are just a few things that the Dutch are known for and Zaanse Schans bring all of those things together in one place. Zaanse Schans was built to preserve the historical heritage of the Dutch and based on our visit their mission was accomplished. The site includes 5 windmills, two museums, and a clog making demonstration. High winds brought the windmills to life on this crisp fall afternoon; we were just happy to see the sun after days of rain.

Before the Industrial Revolution water and wind were essential to having power. During the 18^th century Europe had around 200,000 windmills. Based on the flat terrain of the Netherlands it has always been known for its windmills. In the Zaan district's glory days there were 600 mills in operation; making everything from paint to peanut oil, clogs, mustard, and wooden building materials. We walked through the inside of a mill still milling mustard seeds. As the wooden wheels whirled around against one another it sounded like breaking bowling pins.

Inside the windmill that grinds mustard seeds

                                            

Wooden planks cut by a windmill

The cheese museum is becoming one of our favorites to tour because of the expectation of samples at the end. Cheese is too often overlooked as a meal but we find it filling. We grazed the samples, then made a second loop before choosing the type we would purchase. Creamy, smoked, cheese with a little spice would go perfect with a bottle of red I thought so we bought one.

Got to have milk to make cheese!

                                

Zaanse Schans is not just for tourist. Its residents live in a
beautifully landscaped Dutch village. 

Another craft of the Dutch is the masterful making of clogs. Once they were made by hand out of a single block of wood; then they were massed produced by windmills, and today they are made in just a few minutes by machinery.Along the walls of the museum were thousands of clogs. We watched the new method live during a brief demonstration. 

A customary pre- wedding gift between bride
and groom in the Netherlands.
 The longer the point the stronger
the individual's love is. 

Special artistic and historic clogs were placed behind glass. The use of clogs range from everyday wear to wedding attire. The wedding and rehearsal clogs were my favorite! The ornate detail and skill involved is impressive. We both even tried a pair on to see how they felt. Traditionally they are worn with thick wool socks and your suppose to leave a thumb size gap at the heal to prevent blisters. Mine were uncomfortable so wool socks are a must considering I was not wearing any.

Custom clogs were also made for the wedding
ceremony.