National traditions of Belgium. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Belgium is divided into three parts. Most of the Belgian population is Flemish, who lives in the northern part of the country and speaks Dutch dialects. Walloons on the other hand, live in the southern part and speak Walloon and French. The northeast is inhabited by native German speakers. Dutch and French are the official languages ​​of the country. No matter how evident the tension between the Flemish and the Walloons is in terms of political views, all Belgians are quite tolerant, polite and uncomplicated people and do not like to sort out their differences by taking the law into their hands. Most Belgians call themselves Catholics. Nevertheless, during religious celebrations and rites such as weddings and baptisms, almost everyone in Belgium, including non-religious citizens, come together to participate.

Belgians love comfort and safety and absolutely do not tolerate it when the quality of goods and services offered to them is poor or substandard. Therefore, it is difficult to find a restaurant, store or hotel in the whole country that would not offer high-quality service. Food and drinks for the Belgian should always be the best. Residents of Belgium love schedules; they often adjust their lives to pre-scheduled dates. The Belgians do not like when something that has been planned goes wrong, and also, deviation from the plan can upset them. They cannot, therefore, be called unpredictable. A Belgian will come to a scheduled meeting a little earlier or, which happens less often, by the designated time. Even a slight delay in Belgium is a sign of disrespect.

Family for the Belgians always comes first. Residents of Belgium do not like to move and often live in one place all their lives. This leads to the fact that often all family members, including distant relatives, live nearby. A Belgian would rather spend several hours on the way to and from work every day rather than move closer to his place of work. Typically, residents of Belgium marry at 18-20 years. Most of the men and women from 30 who are still single are mostly divorced. In recent years, the age of entering into marriage has increased, and the number of divorcees has also increased. On average, two children are born in families. Women rarely change their names upon getting married. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Belgians are not lovers of change; they do not like to change their social circle. They feel most comfortable at home among relatives or friends. Therefore, it is not so easy to start a friendship with the Belgians. Residents of Belgium are usually tolerant towards members of other nationalities, races, religions, and sexual affinities. A rather large percentage of Belgians are dissatisfied with their country. This nation can be called the least nationalistic – the people of Belgium often criticize the government, the weather, as well as the culture of their country. Moreover, each Belgian is proud of his home, constantly keeps it in a clean state, and cares for the garden. Many Belgian citizens sweep the street in front of their houses.

The people of Belgium are very tidy and clean. Their homes, cars, cities, clothes, public places always appear clean and shining. Belgians, in general, attach great importance to their appearance, which must be borne in mind by guests of the country who want to impress new Belgian friends or business partners. The citizens of Belgium pay much attention to their appearance and expect the same from their fellow citizens and tourists. The Belgian will not allow himself to leave the house without making sure that his clothes are perfectly clean and fit well. They do not like negligence, lack of punctuality, carelessness and irresponsibility in themselves and others, and consider good manners and good breeding to be important.

Residents of Belgium enjoy chatting with close friends at a dinner table at home or in a restaurant. New acquaintances are not invited into the house immediately as such an important step takes time. Belgians do not discuss their or other people’s personal lives with anyone other than close relatives and friends. In this case, the Belgians can start a romantic relationship abruptly, for example, after the first date. When meeting with strange and unfamiliar people, a handshake is usually expected. People who were well known to one another replace it (the handshake) with three kisses on the cheeks (only a woman with a woman or a man with a woman), while kind of kissing the air next to her, not the cheek.

Belgians may appear cold, unemotional and closed to foreigners. However, in fact, they can be romantic, as well as lovers of being bothered and complaining about something – and this is when the Belgians are extra emotional. Those who want to make friends with the Belgians will have to show patience, but it is worth it because only to close people do they truly express what is in their hearts. In general, the people of Belgium are modest, do not brag about wealth, achievements, appearance, intellect and other things, and do not tolerate it from others. They do not like to waste money and time, and they are hardworking people. It is therefore easy and pleasant to do business with them.