Men never kiss other men; they always shake hands. Belgian literature was more cohesive in the past but is now divided between a Flemish literature and a Belgian Francophone literature. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Belgium - culture, greetings, gestures, etiquette, protocol, negotiations, gift-giving, and more. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. To have overgrown hedges or untidy gardens would disgrace the family and insult their neighbours. ), the comic strip tradition (Tintin, the Smurfs, Spirou & Fantasio, the Marsupilami, Lucky Luke, Largo Winch, etc. According to tradition, St. Nicholas comes at night and travels down the chimney. www.commisceo-global.com. Belgium is on the whole an egalitarian society. For example, St. Nicholas visits those who speak the Walloon language (a dialect of French from parts of Belgium), while those who speak French are visited by Pere Noel. Many important classical composers were born in Belgium. Mosan Renaissance style is typical of the architecture within the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. Belgian Francophone literature is sometimes difficult to distinguish from French literature as a whole, because several great French authors went to Belgium for refuge (e.g. Belgium is also home to some very popular music festivals such as: Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter or Pukkelpop. Share. French culture dominates Belgian traditional dress, as Belgium has been heavily inhabited by the French, Dutch and Flemish. The majority of restaurants in Belgium include a service charge of 10-15% of the bill. More recently, Jean Van Hamme (XIII, Largo Winch, Thorgal, etc. Although Belgian gastronomy is connected to French cuisine, some recipes were reputedly invented there as e.g. Authentic colors of fascinating Brussels - traditions, mentality and way of living. Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was born in Belgium. Clothing. Polished shoes are an integral part of a professional image. The three predominant cultures are: 1) in north, Flanders - primarily Dutch, 2)in the south, Wallonia - primarily French and 3) the northeast - primarily German influenced. . Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. This first section provides you with a concise introduc… Its history is a long story of other nations marching over Belgian soil, each leaving an imprint upon the people and their traditions: Romans, Franks, Spaniards, Austrians, … Technically, it is an ale and traditionally each abbey's beer is served in its own glass (the forms, heights and widths are different). The country has also a very active jazz scene that is achieving international recognition with bands like Aka Moon, Maak's Spirit and Octurn. Once a relationship is developed, three kisses on the cheek may replace the handshake. This page will also provide useful information on internship and student placements, cost of living, and social media guide. 'St. They prefer communication to be logical and based on reason. MEALS AND CUSTOMS Belgians are noted for their politeness, which is evident in business and at home. French fries are usually considered to be a Belgian invention. Belgians take pride in their personal appearance too. Although third-party introductions are not necessary, they often smooth the way. There have also been writers in the Walloon language, such as Nicolas Defrecheux and Edouard Remouchamps. Avoid scheduling meetings during July and August, which are prime vacation times; the week before Easter; and the week between Christmas and New Year. The country guides to culture allow people from all walks of life to share essential tips with each other about how to navigate our increasingly borderless world with savvy and sensitivity. This holiday is especially loved by children in Belgium and the Netherlands. There are laws governing paternity as well as maternity leaves and laws forbidding sexual harassment in the workplace. A brief handshake is the common greeting among people who do not know each other. Until the mid-20th century, Belgian writers more often wrote in French even if they were Flemish, due both to the then-dominant position of that language in worldwide culture and its dominant position within Belgium itself (e.g. Do not give white chrysanthemums as they signify death. One of the most famous is César Franck but Henri Vieuxtemps, Eugène Ysaÿe, Guillaume Lekeu and Wim Mertens are also noteworthy. Belgian cuisine traditionally prizes regional and seasonal ingredients. Greetings entail a degree of formality. This is more a kissing of the air near the person's cheek. Examples of Belgian architecture include the Romanesque Collégiale Saint-Gertrude de Nivelles (1046) and Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tournai, the Gothic 15th-century Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp and Baroque Brussels Grand Place. Belgium consists of the main cultural communities of the French-speakers of Brussels and Wallonia, as well as the Flemish, and play a significant role in Western European culture. Belgium’s long and rich cultural and artistic heritage is epitomized in the paintings of Pieter... Daily life and social customs. Belgium has numerous well-known cartoonists, such as Hergé (The Adventures of Tintin), Peyo (The Smurfs), Franquin (Spirou et Fantasio, Marsupilami, Gaston), Willy Vandersteen (Spike and Suzy), Morris (Lucky Luke), Edgar P. Jacobs (Blake and Mortimer), Jef Nys (Jommeke) and Marc Sleen (Nero). Most meals include, pork, chicken, or beef,... Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Nearly every city and town has its own festival, some that date back several centuries. Belgian culture also includes such ethnic minorities as the Jewish community, which has greatly influenced Flemish culture, in particular Antwerp for over 500 years. Be informed. Celebrations may vary accordingly and might resemble the Dutch or French or German cultures. Belgian cookies are noted for their aroma and unique texture. Belgium may not be very high in tourism, but is a well-known country. Dutch immigrants imported the tradition into the United States, where Saint Nicholas is now known as Santa Claus. Belgian movies are generally made with small budget, and are mostly funded by the regional governments (the Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds, and Wallimage, among others) and private corporations by means of sponsorship and product placement. Belgians take pride in their appearance and expect you to do the same. First appointments are more socially than business oriented, as Belgians prefer to do business with those they know. Tips in addition to this fee are not expected. Furthermore, the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp, a world heritage site, is the complete factory of the largest publishing house of the 17th century. Simenon, Amélie Nothomb). After the wedding this handkerchief is framed and hung on the wall in a place of honor. Minorities, such as the Jews who have formed a component of Flemish culture — in particular that of Antwerp — for over five hundred years, have specific cultures. It is seen as both rude and wasteful. Import Regulations by customs Export Regulations by customs Health and Security Contact Customs Authorities. Customs and traditions in Belgium Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. 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. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA. Regardless of how you are introduced, you must always be polite and well mannered. The Belgian people are high in culture and are very proud of their country. The obligation to the family is a person's first priority. Arriving late may brand you as unreliable. Have one side of your business card translated into French or Dutch. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. Moules fries, cooked mussels served with french fries, are something of a national dish. The smock and beret are popular and worn by men, and the classic huntress dress is favored by Belgian women. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has two official languages: French and Dutch. . The person you are meeting will generally set the time for the meeting, usually mid morning or mid afternoon. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Arrive on time. When the next female member of the bride’s family is to be wed, the handkerchief is removed from its frame, … German, spoken by 1% of population can be found in the cantons in the east of the Wallon region. Two of the biggest festivals are the three-day carnival at Binche, near Mons, held just before Lent (the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter), and the Procession of the Holy Blood, held in Bruges in May. The French-speaking Walloons live in Wallonia, in the south, and make up 33% of the population. Several of these festivals include sporting competitions, such as cycling, and many fall under the category of kermesse. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: Once you've read this guide, ensure the success of your Belgium business venture by: Remember this is only a very basic level introduction to Belgium culture and the people; it cannot account for the diversity within Belgium society and is not meant in any way to stereotype all Belgium people you may meet! Flemish, the local variant of Dutch, is used by more than 60% of the population, and is spoken in the northern part of the country. Flemish people raise the glass twice as they toast, before and after. Need help?Chat with us +1-800-345-6541 +1-800-345-6541. As the Flemish movement grew in importance, Dutch-penned authors became more and more prominent in Flanders and even played an important role in the said movement—see for example Hendrik Conscience. No dinner guest would ever be late, nor would a guest arrive without a bouquet of flowers or a beautifully wrapped box of candies. Thus, Belgian cuisine usually refers to those dishes that have their origin in the country. Harmonicist Toots Thielemans, guitarist Philip Catherine and Django Reinhardt are probably the best known Belgian jazz musicians. Read the article and find something new for you about customs and traditions in Belgium. Belgium: Culture Crossing Culture Crossing is an evolving database of cross-cultural information about every country in the world. Start with the left cheek and alternate. Comprehensive travel guide - Brussels on OrangeSmile.com Some of the most impressive museums in Belgium are The Royal Museum for Fine Arts, in Antwerp, which has an admirable collection of works by Peter Paul Rubens, the Groeningemuseum, in Bruges, with the Flemish Primitives, the MAS (Museum Aan De Stroom) which is located on 't eilandje is the biggest museum in Belgium, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, which has a cinema, a concert hall and artworks of many periods, including a large René Magritte collection. Belgians socialize in their homes and restaurants, although the home is reserved for family or close friends. Discover the unique traditions, interesting habits and behaviour of Brussels residents, attitude to the world and to tourists in Belgium. Belgium is located on the continent of Europe. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing upwards, with the handles facing to the right. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Jacques Brel). The day begins with church service and ends with a quiet meal at the dinner table with family. Belgian culture involves both the aspects shared by all Belgians regardless of the language they speak and the differences between the main cultural communities: the Dutch-speaking Belgians (Flemish) and the French-speaking Belgians (mostly Brussels and Walloon people). Flowers should be given in an odd number, but not 13. Belgians often engage in long, critical discussions before reaching a decision so that they can be certain that they have considered all the alternatives. 2. Belgium has also influenced electronic music with a.o. Belgians are excellent linguists and many are sufficiently fluent to conduct meetings in English. It’s not common to tip house keeping / concierge or bar staff. The following are brief aspects that are applicable to all areas. Belgians take great pride in their houses. Such authors are Thomas Gunzig, Juan d'Oultremont, Jacques Mercier, etc. Official Languages of Belgium are French, Dutch and German. After two hugely destructive world wars on its territories, and many years of consolidation in the industry, there are still more than 150 active breweries remaining in Belgium. The Belgian military isn’t about to invade … Consider rounding up the bill for taxi drivers. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. During the carnival in Binche, "Gilles", which are men dressed in high, plumed hats and bright costumes, lead the procession. Festivals play a major role in Belgium's cultural life. Other popular Belgian pop music comes from Axelle Red, Vaya Con Dios, Kate Ryan and K's Choice. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Belgium portal in Dutch, English, French, and German, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Culture_of_Belgium&oldid=981324888, Articles needing additional references from December 2008, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 October 2020, at 16:47. In order to carry out these tasks we work both at the national and international level with other FPS and law enforcement services, mainly in the fields of the fight against fraud, organized crime and terrorism. Belgian Customs And Traditions One of the most important festivals celebrated during Christmas is the feast of St. Nicholas, which is held on December 6th every year. Belgium is not a homogeneous country with one national identity. Food and Economy Food in Daily Life. Carnival in Belgium is an important part of cultural heritage and happens every year at Lent, mostly in Wallonia.
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