Is Skating in the Netherlands Still a National Pastime?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the cultural significance of ice skating in the Netherlands, exploring its historical context, current practices, and the aesthetic representation of skating in art and photography. Participants share personal experiences and observations related to skating, particularly during cold weather conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference historical events, such as the 80-year war, to illustrate the long-standing tradition of skating in the Netherlands.
  • Others express excitement about current weather conditions that allow for skating, noting the impact of sub-zero temperatures on public enthusiasm.
  • Personal anecdotes about skating experiences are shared, with some participants indicating a lack of skill or comfort on ice skates.
  • There is a discussion about the representation of skating in art, with references to paintings and photographs that capture the activity.
  • Participants debate the geographical accuracy of the locations depicted in the artwork and photographs, with differing opinions on whether they represent a river or a canal.
  • One participant shares a personal connection to Zwolle, suggesting familiarity with the depicted location.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the geographical details of the artwork and the nature of the ice depicted. While there is shared enthusiasm for skating, personal experiences and interpretations vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the geographical features of the depicted sites, and there are unresolved questions about the accuracy of the representations in art versus reality.

Andre
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In the 80-year war between Spain and the Dutch republic the Spanish were surprized by the Dutch miracoulously moving over the ice at great speed while they themselves struggled and falling on the slippery ice. Also there were the winter painters registering that unusual ability to move around on the ice on skates:

brueghelelderskatersbirdtrap.jpg


400-500 years later, not a lot has changed. This is what the Dutch do today (pictures made yesterday):

r89x8z.jpg


11l7vk1.jpg


2z3ovux.jpg


awaxj4.jpg


34o7tib.jpg
 
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It's actually very cool (no pun intended, but noticed).
One week of sub-zero temperatures and the whole country is going mad :)
Even at the hint of thinking about prospects of an Elfstedentocht :)
 
That looks like some nice ice to skate on, it has been a while since I've had my ice skates on.
 
I don't do well on ice skates. The last time I had them on, the northern parts of the US got a feel for the southern parts of me.
 
What a lovely painting, and really nice photos. I enjoy skating very much, our rivers don't seem to freeze that smoothly.
 
Nobody noticing that the little girl in red is still at the same place after 500 years?
 
Nah, she looks much younger.
 
Borek said:
Nah, she looks much younger.


Right, her name is Dorianna Gray. :wink:
 
That means she was nice for all of the time.
 
  • #10
Do the painting and the photo depict the same geographical site? Hypatia: I don't think it is a river, but a canal (which would explain the smooth ice, together with the current absence of strong winds).
 
  • #11
I never skated in The Netherlands, but I spent many hours skating in Iceland.
http://www.zamboni.com/movies/CNN_ICELAND.wmv
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
Monique said:
Do the painting and the photo depict the same geographical site? Hypatia: I don't think it is a river, but a canal (which would explain the smooth ice, together with the current absence of strong winds).

It's not, Monique; It's De Dobbe in Zwolle, a big pond.
 
  • #13
Andre said:
It's not, Monique; It's De Dobbe in Zwolle, a big pond.

I saw those pictures and i thought... that looks like Zwolle, but it can't be! I grew up there, don't live there anymore, though. Nice pictures.
 
  • #14
Absolutely beautiful, the echos of the past come through so clear. Wonderful, really nice!
 

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