Hair Adornment of Orang Asli Women

Hi all!

Last time, when we went to Muzium Orang Asli, I was very spellbound with some of their crafts. I think they are so creative even they live in the jungle. The craft that intrigue me is the women adornment like hair pin. Even though they live in jungle, the interest for women to wear adornment is still there. They still want to look beautiful in their own way. I really adore the hair pin because it looks so traditional and interestingly it is hand –crafted. Actually, I always get amazed by hand-crafted things because they look so original and stunning.

There are 3 different hair adornment that I saw there. They belong to different ethnic of Orang Asli. however, all of them are made from same material - bamboo. Here are the pictures:

Hair adornment for Negrito and Senoi women

Hair Pin for Negrito and Senoi women

Hair adornment for Temiar women

Prepared by: Nur Asyitah Idris 1213626

Interviewing Indian Counselor

Background of the counselor

Teacher Devaraju comes from South Indian Tamil ethnic. His father comes to Malaysia in 1851, after colonial period. He speaks Tamil and believes in Hinduism. He has been working in Sekolah Menengah Seri Gombak for 13 years, now he is the Head of Counselor there.

Education background:

1.       SRK (Tamil) Ladang Hopeful
2.       Maktab Perguruan Seri Kota (Pengajian Tamil)
3.       UPM Serdang (Kaunseling)

Job experiences:

1.       Posting at SRJK (T) Ulu Ramis

2.       SMK Raja Muda Musa (1999 – 2002)

3.       SMK Seri Gombak (2003 – now)

Challenges as Indian counselor

• ·         He feels that the situation is so irony when the society propagates religion hatred – referring to the current issue that is happening. This is because, he said the teachers in school have always taught student about unity, but sadly there is religious bigotry after half decade of Independence. It is a challenge for him to counter the mistake of the society, because it is a sensitive issue. He himself respects Islam as a religion while practicing his religion.
• ·         There is a case where students involved in gangs of two different races, Malay and Indian fight with each other until it has been a police case. However, it is not because of racial sentiment, it is just because of some conflict at the canteen.
• ·         Like Indian students prefer to deal with Indian counselor, some Malay students also find it is not comfortable to counsel with him. But majority of them feels okay towards him; in fact they are close to him.

Challenges may be face in counseling Indian students:

• ·         Most of them do not understand Malay so counselor must be really fluent in English.
• ·         According to teacher Deva, they are more comfortable with Indian counselor (because they can speak in Tamil).
• ·         Most of Indian students are very scared of their parent because their parent is so strict. They will be punished by the parent if teacher inform the parent about their bad attitude. Thus, counselor must be very wise in way of informing the parent.
• ·         The opportunity of tertiary education is not as equal as Malays, so the counselor has a big task in motivate them to study.
• ·         Low socioeconomic status.

Common issues of Indian student:

·         As we know, most of Indian has low socioeconomic status (effects of Divide and Order policy by British). This gives rise to many issues such as students play truancy because they need to work to help the family.

·         Other than that, they have low motivation of studying because for them, working is more important for them to survive.

·         Extreme case, some of them involve with gang. One of the reasons gang happens is because weak students seek protection to the ‘powerful’ one. In the case of Indian students, some of them that need money seek help with gang.

Do’s in counseling Indian students:

·         Consult with Indian counselor (if have)

·         Understand the main issue that relate with them – socioeconomic status

·         Help them if they have financial problem

·         Motivate them to study

·         Discuss with them first if you were to inform their parent

·         Speak the language that they understand

·         Alert with discrimination among the student

·         If you feel not competent to counsel them, refer to other counselor

Don’t in counseling Indian students:

·         Do not inform the parent about any misbehavior without discussing with the student

·         Do not discriminate them 

Wedding Tradition of Orang Asli

Last week, my friend and I went to the Museum Orang Asli which is located at Gombak. It just nearby Gombak, so easy for us to go there. When I reach there, the museum is so like a house of people, but most of the things are coming from the bamboos! So, in my opinion, Orang Asli really like the bamboos. Their house, crafts, tools and everything are coming from the bamboos. So, if you want to go there, so do not be surprised if Orang Asli are so creative regarding bamboos.

Since this is my first time to go there, so I am so excited to know and want to make the comparison between their culture and my culture which is malay culture. After few things, then I decided to take a bit closer regarding their wedding. This is because for each tribal of Orang Asli, they have different marriage style. However, I found out that this tribal of Orang Asli has some commons from Malay weddings.

Here, I will tell you how the Orang Asli get married and what are their customs are. :)

1. Waiting Stage (Adat Menunggu)

The future son-in-law needs to wait the acceptance of the father-in-law by convincing the father-in-law through making all the daily works. Here, the son-in-law nees to do the daily works such as gardening, fishing and other things just because want to show that they can be a good leader and can support the family later. So here, at this stage we called as Adat Menunggu or Waiting Stage.

2. Engagement (Merisik)

After the future father-in-law gives the green light, then the son-in-law can go for the next stage which is Merisik. Here, both parents from the boy and girl will discuss and get the consent from the boy and the girl about their wedding. After receiveing the permission, then they will meet Tuk Penghulu and ask about the wedding. Tuk Penghulu will be the as the leader for the wedding and they must get the bless (restu) from Tuk Penghulu if they want the marriage longer and happy. And from Tuk Penghulu, they will get the advises and guidances.

3. Marriage (Perkahwinan)

After meeting with Tuk Penghulu and get the date of wedding, then they marriage caremony will take over. The marriage must conducted at night only. Both groom and bride will be accompanied by their companion and go to wedding. The broom's side will prepare the room specially for the newly wed so that they must sleep together. During this time, the escort people will observe and report anything regarding the bride and groom. Next, at the night, both parents of bride and groom will provide the foods for all people and they will serve variety of foods there. And on that night too, they will memebakar kemenyan and also menabur bertih. This is because according to their belief, by doing this, it will make the marriage last longer and giving happiness to both husband and wife. And also, to prevent from the bad eyes and also illness from attaching to that family.

4. Dance (Tarian Sewang)

After the wedding ceremony, then they will have the dance known as Tarian Sewang that will take place in the hall or the special place that already provided for them.

By : Nurul Farah Amalina Bt Zulkurnain
        1217562

A Brief History of Indian in Malaysia

Pre-colonial period

Actually Indians have been staying at Tanah Melayu (Malay Land) long ago, since 7^th century and they have built many big empires like Srivijaya and Majapahit. One of the reasons of the widespread of the empire is to propagate Buddhism. Other than that, it is because of trading, war and other forms of contact. It is also believed that, ancient Indian has come to Malay Land because of Asoka’s invasion.

There are many ethnics that come from India to Malay Land. Most of them are from Tamil Nadu that speaks Tamil. Apart from they are also from south India – Malayalee and Telugu and from North India – Punjabis, Gujerati, Bengali and Sindhi.

It is recorded that, Indian Muslim has lived in Pulau Pinang even before British colonization. Most of the come to trade and fall in love with Malay Land and decide to stay there. They are called as – ‘mamak, mami and anak mami’. Some of them even get married with the Malays and we called them ‘Jawi Peranakan’. These Indians that have come before the colonization has actually being fused by Malay culture. They speak Malay very fluent and even dress like Malay. This generation of Indian also wealthy because of their jobs as traders.

This is the custom wear by Indian Muslim in Pinang - most likely Malay wear

Colonial Period

The British has brought Indians in mass during colonial period (1786-1824) in order to work at the plantation area and railway construction. Apart from being plantation labourers, some of them work with British government as polices and traders because they are fluent in English. We actually can see the difference between Indian generation that has come before colonization and after colonization.

The generation that come after the colonization seem not so fused with Malay culture. In fact, most of them are unable to speak Malay and prefer to mingle among them. Because of the ‘Divide and Order’ policy that has been implemented by British, most Indian nowadays has low socio-economic status.

Below is the distribution of  Indian ethnics in Malaysia, the BIG difference of these different ethnics is LANGUAGE:

Ethnics	Parts in Malaysia
South indian tamils	Pinang
Malayalee	Perak, Selangor, KL, Negeri Sembilan, Johor
Telugu	Lower Perak, Northern Selangor, Kedah, Pahang
Gujaratis, Sindhis, Chettiars, and Tamil Muslims	Pinang, KL, Ipoh
South Indian Tamils, Ceylon Tamils, Tamil Muslims, Punjabis, Malayalees, Sindhis	Sabah and Sarawak

Ethnics

Parts in Malaysia

South indian tamils

Pinang

Malayalee

Perak, Selangor, KL, Negeri Sembilan, Johor

Telugu

Lower Perak, Northern Selangor, Kedah, Pahang

Gujaratis, Sindhis, Chettiars, and Tamil Muslims

Pinang, KL, Ipoh

South Indian Tamils, Ceylon Tamils, Tamil Muslims, Punjabis, Malayalees, Sindhis

Sabah and Sarawak

Gender Roles Of Pakistani Male and Female

There is a wide range of standards accepted for female behavior, as well as differences in male attitudes toward the correct treatment of women. Differences arise between tribal and ethnic practices, many of which are alien to the spirit of Islam. Further, the dictates of Islam are subject to diverse interpretation among reformists, traditionalists and ultraconservatives. Debates between these groups can be highly volatile. Westerners who try to urge Pakistani women to assert their rights are likely to simply confuse or frighten the women. Moreover, the men in the community will very likely take such urgings as an insult to their honor and will withdraw their cooperation. Finally, secular practice which allows for more flexible gender roles also comes into conflict with Islamic and ethnic ideologies.

In tribal Pashtun areas the concept of Purdah [PUR-dah] (meaning veiled or behind the curtain) is historically practiced. Purdah establishes and represents the physical boundaries between men and women. Ultimately, it manifests as female seclusion -- considered necessary for the protection of the woman's and her family's honor. Purdah can range from separate rooms for living and entertaining in the home to wearing a burka or chadri [chad-REE] (the garment covering the body from head to toe which women wear when in public). Contrary to the assumptions of many Western people, some Pakistani and Muslim women prefer to be covered in public. It affords anonymity, gives comfort, allows for modesty, and precludes social judgments like: How is one dressed? Is one wealthy? etc. Unlike Pashtun populations, the majority of Pakistan does not adhere to the concept of Purdah. However, the majority of the population does support the idea of separate spheres of interaction for men and women.

In reality, part of a family's social position and honor depends on the public behavior of its female members. Publicly stepping outside of prescribed societal norms results in moral condemnation and social exclusion thereby placing a burden on both men and women to conform. Under these circumstances, gender roles generally follow defined paths. Male roles reside in family economic welfare, politics, and relationships with outsiders. Within the family they are expected to be disciplinarians and providers for aged parents. Female roles stress motherhood, child rearing and family nurturing. Even among professional career women, family responsibilities remain a top priority.

None dispute the centrality of women in Islamic societies. Respect for women is a notable characteristic and few wish to destroy this esteemed status, nor deny what Islam commands or Pakistani culture values. The debate rages over precisely what constitutes honorable behavior for women in terms of modern realities, especially when women are needed to work outside the home to provide additional income.

Pakistani Wedding Tradition

The first time when I saw the wedding of one of my Pakistani friends, it was awesome and nice! Even though it took longer time compared to Malay, but seriously their marriage is more grand and amazed. For them, marriage happens once in their lifetime, so why not they celebrate and make it grand as this is one of the happiness in their lifetime.

Some of their traditions also same compared to Malay as they have engagement, nikah ijab and qabul, but the way they celebrate and prepare the wedding is totally nice and awesome. If you ever watch the movie of Shah Rukh Khan which is Dilwale Dulhania  Le Jayenge or Khabhi Khushi Khabhi Gham or Vivaah, they you will have an image on how pakistani's wedding is. Hehe. But the different from that Bollywood movies are in Pakistani wedding, they have Nikah, Ijab and Qabul as they are muslims. :)

In this post I’ll explore the typical Pakistani Muslim wedding from beginning to end. 

Initial Meeting/s

Most arranged marriages and even those of choice (i.e lovers) begin with the boys family approaching the prospective girl. The family will boast their son’s
caring nature, his wage & how they feel the girl is suitable. The fella will usually sit like a quiet shy boy to impress the in-laws and shortly the girl will walk in to serve tea- and both will take a peek on the sly . Some parents are happy for them to speak in private but otherwise, once the parents are convinced- the boy and girl are set to be hitched!

The girls family will usually be hesitant in accepting right away, to show that they aren’t giving her up so easily- so there may be more than one meeting.

Proposal

The parents will propose on behalf of their son; they’ll present sweets and gifts for the girl- maybe to butter her up a bit? If the proposal is accepted, the girl’s parents will give their word, that they truly accept (otherwise known as zabaan). This is to ensure there’s no backing out later; it was common for people to make promises and then break them at a better bargain.

Engagement Party

The families will hold an engagement party, which is a formal ceremony to mark the coming together of the two people, in the presence of close family members. The Groom’s family will approach the Bride and ask for her hand in marriage- rings are now commonly exchanged between the couple. Prayers and blessings will be read and cake will be cut. From this point the wedding day is priority for everyone, dates are pencilled in diaries and everyone prepares!

Best man/Bridesmaid – The family will choose the Best man/Bridesmaid, they tend to be really good family friends and people who’ll assist the bride/groom effectively. The Family normally take sweets along as this a formal tradition.

Nikkah

The first major ceremony that will take place is the Nikkah- this is the signing of a marriage contract between the couple. This should be done in front of two witnesses at minimum but usually the family and close relatives will attend. The groom will also provide a Dowry, this is financial security for the girl; normally ranging from £200 to £5000. It is a small and straight forward function but after the Imam has left, there are various customs carried out:

Munh Dikhai – ‘Munh Dikhai’ is the ceremony of ‘Unveiling the Face’. Once the Nikkah has been performed, the Bride is veiled and made to sit next to the Groom for the first time. The Groom will unveil her (and hopefully fall in love :s). After moments of delight, the Bride and Groom will feed each other mitai (Asian Sweets), and family and friends will congratulate the couple.

Choor – The Grooms family will hand over a Choor (a Scarf) packed with gifts and healthy sweets for the Bride and her family. The Brides family will open up the Choor, empty the gifts then add some of their own gifts & sweets.  

Rang – The Bride’s family will also throw paint on the Grooms side to confirm that a wedding will take place. The colour will dye the clothes and when the people return to their homes, it’ll be proof that what just happened, happened.

The Bride and Groom are happily married now but this is only the beginning, there is a huge party to organise!

Dholki

Traditionally many days or weeks before the wedding day, women would gather in the Groom’s house to sing and dance while accompanied by the percussion instrument, the Dholki. Usually it is hosted by different households, each showing their happiness of the marriage. The idea was to build hype before the actual wedding day so everyone was invited.

The Bride’s family did not usually participate or hold such events as extreme happiness in ‘giving away’ their daughter may have given the wrong impression. You can argue that the family should be happy and optimistic but it is difficult for any father to let go of his princess.

Mehndi

About two or three days prior to the wedding day, the Henna Ceremony will take place- where guests apply henna on the Bride. Traditionally the Mehndi function begun with a few friends coming over to the Brides home to apply Mendhi, this developed in to a function for the guy too where oil (tael) was applied to his head. But with the ceremony now held simultaneously for both the Bride and the Groom, the use of the term ‘taeli’ has diminished greatly and referred to as the ‘Mehndi’ ceremony.

This has become one of the main functions now so many people are invited. Its common for the Bride and Groom to look casual on this day though. Close relatives will wear matching sherwanis to go with the theme, which normally revolves around yellows and greens. There is usually a dance-off between the boys and girls but most of the evening is spent with guests applying mendhi and oil to the Bride and Groom. As part of the tradition, the Bride was not required to work in her marital home till the mehndi faded away. Once the Mendhi function comes to an end, female guests are offered mehndi cones & something sweet, normally a bag of sugar (lol).

Scarves – The Bride and Groom will usually walk in separately surrounded by their family, who will carry a scarf over the Bride/Groom. The only purpose is to create an entrance for them as it would be awkward if they walk in all alone.

Doli – Some families will carry the Bride in using the traditional Dholi, this was to treat her like a Princess.

Candles – The family is also led by the girls carrying tea-light candle plates, this is based on the Hindu tradition of avoiding bad luck and sending oms to the Gods. In the Pakistani tradition, no such thing happens but as part of the general theme it looks decorous. Some of the girls will also dance using dandiya (decorated sticks).

Bands – The best friends of either side will also put a band on the brides/grooms wrist. The idea of marriage is about tying the knot, so the best friends are like, im with you all the way whilst this knot is being tied.

Scarves – During the Mendhi guests will also shroud the mother (and grandma) with a scarf. A scarf symbolises modesty which is an eloquent trait, so to show happiness, guests will use a scarf. It would be equivalent to handing over a bouquet of flowers.

Gharoli

The Night before the Baraat, the family will hold a Gharoli event where the Groom is prepared as a Mahraj (Bride Groom). The mother will begin by tying a turban around his head and shrouding him in a sparkly scarf. The sisters will then take him for a walk whilst taking turns to wave flowers (chatiyah) on his head and carry a water pot (khara) on their heads. The remainder of the family normally sing songs or drummers will be called to keep the momentum going.

The turban symbolises importance and leadership i.e indication that he’s the main man, and the scarf symbolises modesty (which was an elegant trait). Flowers are symbolic for happiness and joy so its why the sisters dangle flowers on their brothers head. Traditionally, the sister also prepared water for her brother, she would go to the well and fill up a pot (Khara) with water, this was a joyous act as she had the honour to prepare water for her brothers morning bath. This developed in to a trend and became symbolic, so now, most women will take turns to carry a Karah on their heads. On the following morning, the groom will take a bath using this water and drink any left over.

Once the Groom steps back in to the house, out of happiness, he normally gifts his sister with money.

The second part of this night involves the relatives presenting gifts to the Groom. The gifts will include clothes, jewellery and cologne. Its common for the extended family to also present gold rings for the Groom and his mother.

Bari – Normally on this night the mother will also showcase the Bari, this is a set of gifts for the Bride which include clothes, jewellery, homeware and toiletries. The idea behind this is to make the Bride feel welcomed and in place as soon as she arrives.

Daaj – This is a set of presents from the Brides family, it is usually homeware gifts for the couple for when buy their own place. From a mothers point of view, she wants to ensure the daughter is fully equipped with household goods for her new home.

Baraat

This is also another one of the major functions. The Baraat is the family, relatives and friends of the groom who make a procession (Janj) towards the brides home; essentially it is ‘the Groom taking his clan with him to pick up his Mrs’. Drummers will be present and fireworks will be set to create a hype. Traditionally, during some part of the procession a member of the Grooms family will stop the whole Baraat (Rokhana), direct them to their home and serve a light snack.

Once the Baraat reaches the venue the Grooms family will set a display of fireworks and accompanied by the rhythm of the dhol, dance away. The groom does not usually take part in the dancing.

On the other side of the fence, the Brides family will accept the Baraatis as guests so given a warm welcome; flower garlands and rose petals will be thrown upon the Janj as they walk in.

Dhood Pilai – At the entrance of the venue the Brides sisters will stop the Groom from entering until a sufficient amount of cash is given to them. The idea is, ‘you’re not taking our sister home so easily so pay up’, this can lead to bantering between the bride’s sisters and friends on one side and the groom’s brothers and friends on the other side. Once the Groom pays up, in return the sisters welcome him with a glass of Milk (Rasm-e-Dhood Pilai). Milk symbolises richness and purity- it was like champagne back in the days.

Once the Janj enter the venue, the Groom makes way to his Bride but before he can sit, he is stopped once again by the sisters who are requesting more money. After a continuance of bantering, the Groom pays them out and finally joins his bride.

Shaadi

Now that the Baraatis are here, the Brides Reception formally takes place. All her family and friends will be present wishing her well. The common theme on the Shaadi day is to wear very traditional clothes, so the Bride will wear a heavily embroidered dress in a rich red or a dark purple accompanied with gold jewellery, that the mother gifts her as part of the Daaj. The Groom will wear a sherwani with a turban, usually in a colour matching the Brides dress.

Shoe snatcher – As most couples didn’t know each other prior to the wedding, the sisters and friends will arrange games to break the ice. One example is stealing the Groom’s shoes and demanding sum of money for their return. The bantering and fun allows the couple to bond quicker.

Once the guests have been fed and the Bride has moral support from her extended family. The Bride will head back home so her family can see her off properly.

Churi – On the Grooms arrival to the Brides home, one of the sisters will bring along a plate of churi (buttered chappati) to feed the groom. The idea behind this is to signify that the Groom is always welcome and as the head-sister, she will happily cook for him- hence the feeding of the churi. Over the years, this has become a trend and also a game-like tradition. The sister will cover the plate of churi with another plate tightly, in return the Groom will attempt to move the plate out of the way. Once he succeeds, the sister feeds the Groom.

Rukhsati

As the evening comes to an end, the family prepare to send off the Bride, this becomes a very emotional scene as the daughter is moving from one family to another.

Rice – As the Bride walks towards the car with the Groom, the Bride will stop on her door step and throw rice over her head. Rice in Pakistan is a high source of nutrient so it symbolises wealth and efficiency. When the Bride throws the several grains behind her, she signifies that ‘she is leaving her mothers comfort and nurturing to enter in to a new family’.

Qu’ran – The Qur’an is also held over the Bride’s head as she walks from the Door to the car in order to bless and protect her- yet another oblivious tradition.

The Groom will then take her back to his parents home.

Welcome

As soon as the Bride arrives at the Groom’s house, the family will make her feel welcomed and cheer her up. The couple will start off by un-knotting each others bands that the friends put on them at the Mendhi.

Milk – One of the ice breakers the family will set up is where the couple have to fight for the hidden ring in a bowl of milk. I guess the idea is to get the couple accustomed to each others personal space.

Khara – Another game is where the women will also spin a khara (water pot) around the Grooms head several times and then drink from it. The groom will try to stop them from doing so.

Guthna Pakrai – This is where the youngest brother of the Groom sits on or holds the knee of the Bride. As he’s the baby brother, the Bride gives him a bit of pocket money. The idea makes sense as he’s her new baby brother too but it has become more of a trend- so the baby brother will demand money.

Suhaag Raat

Otherwise known as the golden night, this is where the couple engage in sexual intercourse for the first time. But, normally the couple will go to a hotel due to the thin walls at home. It’s been reported that some mothers will lay down white bedding to ensure intercourse has taken place and more importantly that she is a virgin! Yum.

Walima

The day everyone has been working towards, Its the Wedding Reception- the most extravagant event yet. It is also Sunnah to hold this event i.e publicly announce the marriage. There aren’t many traditions attached to the Walima, it will vary to suit the household, venue, timings, guest list, etc. The Groom normally opts for a formal Western suit or Tuxedo and the Bride will wear a dazzling dress with Jewellery provided by the Groom. Its common to see: several high end cars, a fully themed venue, four course meal, DJ, dance floor, bridesmaid, flower girls, bouquet for the bride, wedding cake and favour boxes.

Salami – As people go on to the stage, they will give salaam and congratulate the couple. Rather than going empty handed, most people dish out a tenner each for the Bride and Groom. But this has become a trend, it can become embarrassing to only give a certain amount or nothing at all.

Maklava

Traditionally, as marriages were arranged between people from different cities and villages, it often meant that the Bride was unfamiliar with her new family. To ease her into the new life and surroundings, she was brought back to her parents’ house on the Walima night to spend a few nights home.

Honeymoon

It has become common for couples to go on a honeymoon. A week away enjoying time with each other and ultimate privacy bonds the couple closer. On a side note- Morocco, Turkey and Egypt are extremely cheap to visit- ladies you’ll know what you’re worth.

Chauthi

The Brides parents host a dinner on the 4th day after the wedding for the immediate family members of the groom. Due to impracticalities, the first family dinner is held at other suitable times.

New couple

It is also customary for the friends and family of the couple to invite them over for dinner to formally accept them as a couple. Or with some families a huge after party is thrown.

Ohhh, see, how many days they took for only 1 marriage?! But, it is nice right as that day we really become ' Raja Sehari '.. Hehe.

The most part that I love is during mehndi time. Because I just like to see the decoration of henna on my hands. hehe. Then, I like the part of which people carry me just because that time is my wedding day! Hehehe.

Interesting Facts about Dutch Culture (Some Important FACTS FOR COUNSELLORS TO KNOW =) )

Tulips are commonly associated with Holland, even though they originated from Ottoman Empire (Turkey). That’s because they are grown all over the country!

Windmills are a beloved symbol of the country. The wind mills literally built the country – without them, a lot of the water and land drainage would not have occurred, and the landscape of Holland would be very different today.

Land of Bicycles. Holland is also known as the Land of Bicycles. Everyone cycles here; There are cycling tracks and bicycle stands everywhere. Everyone knows how to cycle, and everyone owns an average of 2-3 bicycles.

Directness. The Dutch have a reputation for being direct, to the point of coming across as rude in other cultures.

4 Seasons. Holland experiences 4 seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. In summer, the days can go as long as 17 hours; While in winter, days can be as short as just 8 hours!

The Dutch language is quite similar to German. Hence, many Dutch can understand German language too. However, most Dutch dislike it if you try to compare them or their language with the Germans’ – they see them as distinct and separate.

Most Dutch children move out of their parents’ home when they are 18, as a mark of independence. Those who don’t are seen as weird. In Asia, children usually only move out when they are getting married and setting up their own family.

The Netherlands has the highest population density (493 inhabitants per square km - water excluded) of any European country with over 1 million inhabitants. Worldwide, only Bangladesh and Taiwan, among major countries, have a higher density of population.

Dutch people are the tallest in the world, with an average height of 184 cm for men and 170 cm for women.

A 2007 UNICEF report on child well-being in rich countries ranked the Netherlands as the best country for children to live.

Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands. However, prostitutes must be at least 18, and clients must be at least 16.

Abortion on demand at any point between conception and viability has been legal since 1981.

The Dutch government has legalised same-sex marriages since 2001 and euthanasia since 2002.