How to Understand Dutch Birthdays

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By dthere
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Dutch Birthday

'Happy Birthday' is formally said as 'Hartelijk gefeliciteerd' or informally as 'Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met Uw verjaardag. To hear how the content is pronounced go to
http://homepage.mac.com/schuffelen/Bday.html. The Dutch Birthday song is also available through http://www.lauraspeaksdutch.info/?p=24.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Dutch card

In Holland, it is considered anti-social for one to ignore his or her own birthday.
Step 2

Dutch woman

Birthdays are festive at home and at work place employees bring pastries (often a 'birthday tart - verjaardagtaart or a fruit tart - vlaai) for coworkers and children bring their classmates treats. The word Gefeliciteerd! or 'Congratulations' is said not only to the person with the birthday but also to his or her relatives, friends, and neighbors. Dutch custom also includes the conditions where the birthday person buys his or her own cake and prepares all food and drink.
Step 3

Wooden shoe

In Holland, the years 5, 10, 15, 20, 21 are considered 'crown' years where large gifts and special attention is afforded.