Renowned for its chocolate, beer, and waffles – otherwise
known as a perfect meal – Belgium offers much more than that. Located in
Western Europe, Belgium lies between Netherlands and France and west of
Germany.
It was actually part of the Netherlands until it broke apart and
gained independence in 1830. For that reason, Dutch remains the most widely
spoken language in Belgium. And actually, Belgium has three official languages:
the two main ones are Dutch and French, but there are sizable German-speaking
communities as well, prompting German as a third official language, even though
less than 1% speak it.
A low-lying country and prone to flooding, Belgium was one
of the few countries that were included in the area known as The Low Countries
(which included the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, parts of northern France
and western Germany). Several river systems (like the Rhine, the Oise, and Scheldt)
and their tributaries meander their way through Belgian fields and countryside.
The name Belgium comes from the ancient Roman name, Gallia
Belgica, which pretty much covered the same area. Its capital is Brussels (in
French: Bruxelles; in Dutch: Brussel), which also happens to be the de facto
capital of the European Union as well as the seat of the French Community and
the Flemish Community. Most likely, the name Brussels came from the Old Dutch
meaning “home in the marsh” from the words broek (marsh) and sel (home).
Belgium also has several other cities that have become
famous over the years. Antwerp is an important seaport in the northern part of
Belgium. Legend says that giant used to guard the river Scheldt and charge a
toll for crossing the river. For those who refused, he’d cut off a hand and
throw it into the river. One day, the valiant Brabo gave the giant a dose of
his own medicine and cut off the giant’s hand and threw it into the river.
Therefore, the Dutch word for the city Antwerpen prevails (from the words for
“hand” and “to throw”). It was host to the 1920 Olympics, but suffered
considered damage during WWII a couple decades later. It’s known as a center of art, especially
painting. In fact, Vincent van Gogh lived there for many years. It’s also known
for its diamond district, an area of several blocks with many shops for cleaning,
cutting, and trading diamonds. Hmm, I may have to make a stop in Antwerp.
History buffs may have heard of the Treaty of Ghent, which
was the location of the signing of the treaty that ended the War of 1812
between the United States and England. Today Ghent is the home of Ghent
University, Belgium’s first Dutch-speaking university. It’s also the place out
of which several culinary dishes grew out of, including waterzooi (which
started out as a stew with local fish, but later changed to using chicken).
They even have Vegetarian Thursdays, which I think are awesome. It would never
catch on in Indianapolis, though, sadly. The best thing in Ghent? A music
festival called “I Love Techno” that’s part of the Flanders Expo (no, not Ned
Flanders). When the kids are older and moved out, I’m definitely putting that
on my calendar. For reals.
Most Belgians enjoy a higher quality of life, the vast
majority living in urban settings. And they also enjoy 100% access to clean
water and sanitation in both urban and rural settings. About 99% are literate
and their healthcare is among the best in Europe (including becoming a popular
medical tourism spot). It does happen to be a majority Christian country (and
of that 75% are Roman Catholic), although there are sizable communities of
other religions, including a large Jewish population in Antwerp. Its multi-cultural
environments provide a rich and intricate insight into Europe as a whole.
Belgian culture is proving to me to be a fascinating blend of history, art,
music, individualism, and perseverance.
Up next: Holidays and Celebrations
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