Why are there no closed curtains on Dutch windows?

There is a belief that closed dark curtains on the windows during the day discourage personal happiness. But if light enters a room, it is not only beneficial for the energy of the house, but also attracts good luck, love, and makes people happy. Maybe that's why there are no curtains on the windows in Holland? Or are they just skimping on curtains?

Different countries have their own traditions and characteristics. Holland is no exception. Here It is customary not to hang curtains on windows. There are several reasons for this custom:

• historical;
• economic;
• political.

Why do the Dutch refuse curtains on principle?

The Dutch's interest in the personal lives of their neighbors, acquaintances and people simply around them has nothing to do with simple curiosity. More likely, this is a mentality and a principled position in life, indifference to everything that surrounds them.

Local residents believe that curtains do not need to be hungfor peace of mind, prevention and prevention of illegal actions. Residents of Holland joke that for every resident there is practically one “policeman” from among the neighbors. The local population is attentive to maintaining order and carefully following the established rules and norms of behavior.
That’s why they don’t draw the curtains here, they say, “look, check, we have nothing to hide. Everything with us is orderly, noble and according to the law.”

How the tradition began

The history of this custom dates back to from the 16th century. The king appointed the cruel Fernando Alvarez de Tolero, the third Duke of Alba, as local viceroy. During his short four-year reign in the Spanish Netherlands, more than 18,000 ordinary citizens were executed. Among the many prohibitions was the taboo on closed windows. The Duke was afraid of secret associations of townspeople and unauthorized meetings. And thanks to open windows, this can be prevented.

After some time, the King of Spain recalled Alba from the Netherlands. A revolution took place, the people won.
However, the order about “unclosed windows” caught on with the townspeople. They turned it into a tradition that meant “we have nothing to hide, we live righteously as Christians.”

This is how 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 the Dutch way!

IMPORTANT! The Dutch have another equally wonderful tradition. They never look into other people's open windows!

Peering through glass is considered indecent and equates to rudeness and bad manners.. It's like spying on someone in the toilet or through a keyhole. Local residents are well-mannered and highly value personal space. They They are busy with their own lives and invading someone else’s is bad manners for them.

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

This is interesting! It should be noted that the windows in local houses are usually large, covering the entire wall, some even reaching the floor. Walking by, you can really see someone else's life.

But good upbringing and a sense of tact, together with the fear of invading personal space, give city dwellers a feeling of security in their own home.

Could you live with Dutch openness to everyone?