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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in the Netherlands Series at DutchPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Dutch holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 14- Mother’s Day and Father's Day. In Dutch, Mother’s Day is called [Moederdag] and Father’s Day is [Vaderdag].
Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May, and Father's Day on the third Sunday of June. It is on these days that children thank their parents for everything they do for their family, or in Dutch [familie]. All the little things that are usually taken for granted get extra acknowledgment on this single day of the year.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how Dutch people celebrate these two holidays.
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question?
Which holiday do you think was instituted first, Mother's Day or Father's Day?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.
Dutch people celebrate Mother's Day mindful of the fact that our mothers assume the role of caregiver, or [verzorgster] for the family throughout the entire year. Therefore, on this one day of the year, children make a point of giving their mothers a much needed break. Children pamper their moms, often starting the day off with breakfast, or [ontbijt], made by the kids and served in bed. Many children also give their mother a gift, or [cadeau]. Often time is specially reserved at school to help children make these gifts for their mothers. Older children typically don’t make their own gifts, instead choosing to give their mother a flower or even perfume, which is [parfum] in Dutch.
What Mother's Day is for mothers, Father's Day is for fathers. Kids often treat their dads to breakfast in bed on Father's Day, with younger children making arts and crafts in elementary school or [basisschool] to give to their dads. There are also many products especially advertised for fathers in stores and shop windows. Traditional examples include shirts, ties, and socks or [sokken] in Dutch, as well as shavers and electronics.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question-
Which holiday do you think was instituted first, Mother's Day or Father's Day?
Mother's Day was celebrated in the Netherlands for ten years before father’s day officially started. Mother's Day first officially began around 1925 in the Netherlands, but Father's Day didn’t start until 1937.
What did you think of this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting?
What are you going to buy for your parents this year?
Leave us your comments at DutchPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson.

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