Belgian living customs
The Kingdom of Belgium (Dutch: België, French: Belgique, German: Belgien), referred to as "Belgium", is located on the western coast of Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the east, the Netherlands to the north, France to the south, Luxembourg to the southeast, and the North Sea to the west across the sea from Britain. Belgium is also one of the founding members of the European Union and NATO, and a member of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. On October 28, 2015, the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly re-elected members of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Belgium was successfully elected for a term from 2016 to 2018. The capital is Brussels, which not only has the world-famous Ancient Battlefield of Waterloo, but is also the headquarters of the European Union.
The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French and German. The Flemish people speak Dutch, the Walloons speak French, and a few Germans speak German. In particular, speaking in other languages (meaning Dutch speaking in French or French speaking in Dutch) is not welcome in your respective region. The loan is in the Belgian franc).
The vast majority of residents are Catholic, followed by Protestantism and Judaism. They taboo "13" and "Friday", believing that "13" and "Friday" are both symbols of bad luck and disaster. They avoid blue the most, because they regard blue as the devil's color. Therefore, when encountering ominous things, they often use blue as a symbol. Dark green is also taboo because dark green reminds them of Nazi military uniforms.
Belgians are known for their docile tempers and practical nature. They are born to like lively, open-minded and lively. People generally like to gather in groups to talk and laugh, hold a rally, or hold a masquerade parade and other activities. Young people are especially happy and active. Men pay great attention to respecting women. Whether walking, taking an elevator, getting on a bus, etc., women must come first; when entering public places, men must open the door for women; when dining, men must seek the advice of women before taking a seat.
They love the pommel flowers very much. Because of its colorful colors and high ornamental value, it is deeply loved by people and respected as a national flower. They like cats very much. According to relevant information, there is one cat. Belgium is known as the "Holy Land of Pigeons". They have deep feelings for pigeons because pigeons have made outstanding contributions to defending their country.
There is a unique custom in daily life. When they get up early, they always wear their left foot first and then their right foot shoes. Because they have a strange belief that wearing the left shoe first can "eliminate toothache."
Belgians are also sincere, sentimental, cautious, do not like to show off, and rarely show off in public. Dress neatly and appropriately for social occasions. When meeting guests on social occasions, it is generally customary to shake hands as a courtesy. Kissing ceremonies are also very popular in Belgium, where they often kiss each other endlessly until they are satisfied. So don't make a fuss when you see a man hugging him.
When the Flemish people in Belgium meet each other, they are usually used to hugging and kissing, and most of the kisses are alternating kisses on both cheeks. In the Belgian town of Ritz, it is still fashionable for people to kiss bald heads, and when meeting, they kiss the shiny top of their heads.
It is best to make an appointment in advance to meet with each other in Belgium. It is impolite to visit rashly and may even be refused a meeting. Whether business or personal appointments, make appointments on time. Belgians rarely invite outsiders to their homes.
Belgians avoid others asking about their salary, age, marriage and personal life. They believe that privacy does not require others to understand, ask or inquire about it. They avoid cross-shaking handshakes and cross-conversation with each other, believing it to be extremely impolite. They avoid chrysanthemums. Because chrysanthemums are used for funerals and are a symbol of death. Belgians are reluctant to talk about politics, religion and the differences between the two main domestic languages.
Belgian people mainly eat Western food and are accustomed to using knives and forks. Pasta food is their staple food. They mainly like to eat baked bread and sweet bread. They are accustomed to drinking yogurt and eating fruits for breakfast, and generally do not like to eat greasy dishes. They are more particular about eating Western food. First, they place a napkin on their knees, then hold a knife in their left hand and a fork in their right hand, cut the food piece by piece, and set the tableware after eating. Otherwise, they will be considered a manifestation of uncultured behavior.
There are many traditional dishes in the local area. Beihai grey shrimp with tomatoes is a delicacy unique to Flanders that has always been envied by many foreigners. Among the more distinctive ones are Flemish asparagus, Brabon-style pheasants, Ghent's chicken soup waterzooi, Belgian cheese crumbs and grilled borage, which are popular among people.
Making and tasting beer is a living tradition in various Belgian communities and plays an important role in daily life and festival customs. Communities, including monasteries, produce nearly 1500 beers, with craft beers particularly popular. Beer is also used for cooking, making products such as beer and cheese, and pairing with other foods. This tradition is passed down in families, social circles, wineries, universities and public training centers.
As a specialty of Belgium, chocolate is on the same footing as Swiss chocolate. The flavors range from the traditional hazelnut and easily soluble sugar-coated almond flavors to the most exotic flavors of banana, strawberry and rum. Now there are about 400 kinds of chocolates. At exquisite West Point houses and supermarkets, people can buy inexpensive handmade chocolates.
Moreover, in Belgium, the distinction between famous families and ordinary people is very clear. The education of children in ordinary families can only reach senior high schools. Only children from prestigious families can receive a college education. When you leave college and enter the business world, you will be placed on the path of celebrities for your first time in the company.
On June 22, 2001, the Belgian Council of Ministers passed a draft law stipulating that in the future, marriages in Belgium need not be heterosexual unions, and marriages may also be composed of two men or two women. The passage of this bill makes Belgium the second country after the Netherlands to allow same-sex marriage. In April 2006, the Belgian Parliament passed a bill allowing married same-sex couples to adopt children.
The main legal holidays in Belgium include: New Year's Eve, Rebirth Day, International Rest Day, Ascension Day (6th Thursday after the Rebirth Day), Advent Day (7th Sunday after the Rebirth Day), National Day (July 21), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints 'Day (November 11), World War I Armistice Day (November 11), Kings' Day (November 15), Christmas Day, Brussels Capital Festival (May 8), French Festival (September 27), Flemish Festival (July 11).