Unique Phenomenon, This Is The Reason The Home Window In The Netherlands Never Uses A Curtain

Home window in the Netherlands (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

JAKARTA - For tourists who first visited the Netherlands, there is one unique thing that often makes them surprised. When walking in Amsterdam or other cities at night, the contents of people's houses can be clearly seen from outside.

The simple reason is that many Dutch people do not cover the curtain or do not have a curtain at all.

This phenomenon is actually not strange for the Dutch people. Some experts say the habit is related to the Calvinism tradition that teaches about openness.

"In Calvinis' view, honest people don't have anything to hide. Closing the curtain can actually give the opposite impression," said anthropologist Hilje van der Horst, quoted from the international CNN website.

In addition, there is a historical explanation. In the past, city residents deliberately let their living room be seen from the streets as a sign of trust and sincerity when doing business.

Over time, this habit has also developed into a means of showing off the interior of the house. From the open kitchen, designer sofas, to the latest flat screen television, everything can be seen clearly from outside.

But it's not just a matter of showing off, many Dutch people are happy to see street activities from behind the window.

"The interaction between inside and outside strengthens the Dutch culture of openness," said anthropologist Jantine Messing, who once researched this phenomenon.

Some residents claim to have personal reasons why it is more comfortable without a curtain.

"I tried wearing the curtain when I moved in 1987, but it felt tight. I finally let go. I don't like the closed atmosphere. In the past, my neighbors actually enjoyed showing off lights and decorations, especially at Christmas. It felt warm and gezellig (friendly and familiar)," said Astrid Brokke (68) who lives in Amsterdam.

"I never wore a curtain, because I don't think it's aesthetic and feels ancient. I like to see outside light enter the house. The Dutch are like that, we have nothing to hide," said Jan Willem van Hofwegen (41).

"My house is facing roads and canals, so many tourists pass by. Sometimes they stop staring, I even wave. Some smile back. For me it's actually fun, the house feels integrated with the outside world," said Marianna Beets (51) living in Edam.

Even so, not all Dutch people maintain this habit. The increase in house prices that prompted the entry of many expatriates and the younger generation who cared more about privacy. This makes many windows now covered in curtains.

"Unfortunately, the openness is getting more and more lost. The warm lights from the living room that usually make the streets feel alive are now increasingly rarely visible," said Brokke.

Although slowly changing, the tradition of a window without a curtain is still a symbol of Dutch openness. For most of its citizens, it reflects their honesty, trust, and close social relations.

"I don't think many Dutch people wear curtains because we like light, and we have nothing to hide." Willem said.