The Netherlands, where I grew up is a small country. It borders on the east with Germany and on the south with Belgium and Luxembourg. The spoken language is Dutch.

There are eleven provinces and one of the northern provinces is Friesland. Friesland has its own language, the Frisian language. Off the coast of Friesland are several small islands. A Light in the Dunes is set on the island of Ameland.

Dutch Flag

Map of the Netherlands

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Frisian Flag

Map of Ameland

The province of Friesland has many traditions and the Frisians like to keep their traditions alive. They are proud of their culture and their history. Traditional folklore and costumes are displayed at every celebration. The Frisian horse is black with proud and stubborn features and temperamental in character. In earlier times these horses were used for heavy farm work. On Sundays they pulled the family carriage to town, to church. Competitions were held with the horse drawn carriages, the farmer and his wife dressed in traditional costume. The Frisian horses are now used for dressage, in exhibitions, horse shows and in the circus.

As a seven-year-old I was once allowed to dress up in a traditional Frisian costume. My second cousin accompanied me. We were part of a parade in the annual town festivities.

The costume consists of a blouse and skirt which are covered by a lace shawl and skirt. A gold cap covered with a lace head dress is worn on the head.

The man's costume consists of a black coat and knickers. He wears long blue stockings and black shoes with silver buckles. On his head he wears a top hat.

Friesland exports dairy products, vegetables, grains, potatoes and flowers.

Tourism is another source of income for the province. Tourists sail the many small lakes and canals. Sailboats, house boats and small motor boats travel the canals and lakes in the summer time.

Friesland works hard on the conservation of the environment and energy. Windmill parks supply many communities with electricity. Solar power is becoming more popular as energy costs rise.