Preservation of Ethnic Dutch Culture - Nelis' Dutch Village Theme

The Dutch Village Theme was the main purposehaving a good time with their parents.
and destination of our trip to Tulip Times.We spent several minutes at the Zweefmolen, a
On the way from Muziekparade to the Nelis'Dutch Chair Swing ride, and restored Draimolen, a
Dutch Village through Holland, I noticed numerous1924 Herschell-Spillman Carousel, to gaze at
different colors of tulips planted along streets byfamilies having a great time. It's a nice touch to
the city or by residents. It was amazing to seethe park. These activities are very important part
thousands of flowers from both sides of streets.of the Dutch Village to keep attracting numerous
The city and residents compassionately plant 500,families for visit year after year.
000 tulips every year not only to attract tourists,A story about genuine "De Tiet," Amsterdam
but also to beautify their area for themselves asStreet Organ, with demonstration of some
well.perforates changing by service man to play a
I was amazed by a Dutch community successfullydifferent sound was quite capturing our attention.
preserving their identity not only for the futureThe man was enthusiastic in describing the
generations, but also as they promote and shareworking process of the organ. In the adjoined
their culture, history, tradition, and crafts so thatbuilding, we observed dozens of accurately stored
other interested parties can learn more about theperforates.
ethnicity of a small city, Holland, Michigan, whichAuthentic Dutch architecture, picturesque walks,
only consists of 35,000 people, a large percentagecanals, and flowering gardens reminded me of my
of which are of Dutch descent.European trips. Smaller patches of tulips that
The Nelis' Dutch Village Theme met us with sunspread throughout the ground of this doll village
and twelve provincial flags from the Netherlandsoffered some kind of charm to the village.
flanking the walk to the people waiting to enter aDifferent colors, sizes, and types of tulips were
spectacular Carillon 25-Bell Tower, a lovelyamazing. Here, I learn the name of black tulips
entrance to the replica of Dutch Village.because each plot of tulips is identified by
My first impression of the Dutch village was anumbered stakes. The "Queen Night" is a perfect
working water wheel, used to power equipmentname for this beauty. I took lot pictures of these
to grind grain or saw wood, and life-sized statuesbeautiful flowers.
scattered thought the village. The statuesBefore leaving to see the Klompen (wooden
represent ordinary people in ordinary walks of life,shoe) Dancer performance, we decided to buy
from a baker to a fisherman. They weresouvenirs. The small souvenir mall was like a
handcrafted in cement by local artist Joycemuseum, with an incredible variety of gifts from
Sweers, attracting visitors' attention.around the world, and it even has a large
We had enough time to look around before thecollection of Russian nesting dolls. We had bought
Dutch Folk Dance Performance began. Our tourcandles on our last visit here and wanted to
began from the reproduction of the Weighhousepurchase more this time, so we entered the
in Qudewater, NL. Some people were braveHolland House Candles shop.
enough to be tested and possibly to be foundThe gift shop was full of buyers and viewers of
guilty of practicing witchcraft. We decided to stepthe candle-making process performed by three or
on the Heksenwaag, a 200-year-old "witches'four employees. Some tourists requested candles
scale." This device was used in inquisition testsmade with a special design and a customized
during a Middle Ages ritual of judges beforecolor. The colorful process of hand-carving candles
making decision on whom they would burn at thewas startling. We bought different kind of candles
stake and whom they would let live. After ourand delft souvenirs for our friends and family
"trial," everybody received a sealed "Certificate ofmembers.
Proof of Innocence of Witchcraft" as testimonyWe concluded our trip by attending the Dutch Folk
of the Act of Weighting in Weigh - House at TheDance Performance. The dancing arena was
Dutch Village.surrounded with seats for spectators from one
It was fun to see how some people took thisside to watch a performance by Klompen dancers
entertainment very seriously. One woman wasin authentic Dutch costumes. Opposite seats was
even disputing the accuracy of her weight. Aftera playing street organ.
receiving a Certificate of Innocence, we visitedIn the beginning of this show, the dancers'
the Klederdracht (costume) Museum, whichcostumes were delft blue with white organdy
features authentic costumes and settings, a Dutchcaps and aprons, costumes patterned after the
country diorama, and an extensive doll exhibit oftraditional dress of the Dutch provinces. I was
provincial costumes.completely relaxed watching six enthusiastic
Walking along an imitation of a canal and overyoung dancers dressed in costumes of the
small bridges, we had an idea of environment ofNetherlands and performing four folk dances to
Dutch villages surrounded by water.the tunes of the Golden Angel Street Organ.
We had the opportunity to observe a farmhouseThis spectacular Amsterdam street organ is one
cheese-making operation using old worldof the largest street organs ever built and has
equipment, from cow's milk to finished cheesebeen in use since 1880. The great size was one
wheel, as well as wooden shoe carving and blueof the reasons the Dutch government allowed it
delft making with antique, automated machinery.to be sold to Dutch Village.
Watching and admiring these ancient crafts keptWe left Holland, Michigan with a sense of
us busy, and the demonstrations of old techniquesappreciation for the small Dutch community for
was capturing. It truly felt as if we had somehowthe preservation of their European old culture and
returned to everyday life in old Dutch times.traditions - not only for descendants, but also for
The Nelis' Dutch Village offered attractions andthe enjoyment of all of us living in the multicultural
activities to the families with kids too. First, wesociety. It was not easy to maintain these
visited a Frisian Farmhouse and Barn where theretraditions, but they made it happen, and now
was a demonstration of typical Dutch family life.many other ethnic groups have opportunity to
Most animals were outside, thanks to the nicelearn a way of keeping and teaching their own
weather. At the Petting Zoo, kids could takehistory and culture to their children.
goats for a walk. We enjoyed watching small kids