Lordships of Sinoutskerke and Baarsdorp

The Lordships of Sinoutskerke and Baarsdorp are centuries-old manorial lordships (administrative and legal units) in South Beveland, province of Zeeland (near Goes and 's-Heer Abtskerke). 

Origin: They originated in the early Middle Ages as separate lordships with their own manorial rights (such as administration, jurisdiction, hunting and fishing rights, tithes, and land rights). 

Baarsdorp is mentioned as early as 1271 and is older; Sinoutskerke follows later. 

They have been connected for about 700 years. 

History: Until the French period (1795/1798), they functioned as a kind of precursor to municipalities, with a lord who exercised authority. 

After the abolition of feudal rights, certain traditions and property rights persisted. 

Current situation: The rights remain in private hands (the Van Huykelom van de Pas family) and are actively managed by the Foundation for the Preservation and Management of the Lordships of Sinoutskerke and Baarsdorp. 

It encompasses over 500 hectares of landscape, farms and cultural heritage. 

In 2023, they were recognized as intangible heritage. 

In short: a living piece of medieval Zeeland in a modern guise, preserving traditions and rights within the characteristic polder landscape.

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November

The name November comes from Latin and literally means "the ninth" (from novem = nine). 

Origin: In the ancient Roman calendar (of Romulus, around 750 BC), the year began in March. 

November was indeed the ninth month at that time. 

When January and February were added later, the month shifted to the eleventh position, but the name simply remained November. 

Dutch nicknames: In Dutch and colloquially, November acquired many evocative nicknames that characterize the month: 

Slaughter Month / Blood Month → time of slaughtering for winter supplies. 

Fog Month → lots of fog and grey weather. 

Hunting Month → hunting season. 

Soul Month → connection with All Souls' Day (commemorating the deceased). 

Others: Autumn month, windward month, wind month. 

Symbolism: November symbolizes transition: from autumn to winter, from light to dark, from abundance to preparation for scarcity. 

It is a month of reflection, gratitude (Thanksgiving), remembrance (All Saints' Day/All Souls' Day, Remembrance Day) and sometimes melancholy due to the gloomy weather. 

In short: the name is a remnant from Roman times, but its meaning in our culture is primarily associated with darkness, farewells, and preparation for winter.

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Milk Can Shooting in Kampen

Milk can shooting (or carbide shooting) in Kampen is a unique Overijssel tradition around New Year's, in which loud bangs are made using milk cans and carbide. 

How does it work?

Shooters drill a hole in a milk can, fill it with carbide and water, seal the can (often with a weighted lid or cloth), and lay it on its side. 

The shooter sits on top, lights the gas mixture through the hole, and makes the can explode. 

The goal: to make the loudest bang possible. 

History and character: The tradition likely originated in the 1930s in the Brunnepe district (Kampen) among (former) residents of Schokland and subsequently spread throughout the entire municipality. 

It is primarily a social event: groups of friends and families shoot all day New Year's Eve at around 55 fixed locations (often right in the middle of residential areas).

In Brunnepe, shooting is allowed to start as early as after Christmas. 

Kampen distinguishes itself by holding shooting events within the built-up area (unlike many other places in meadows). 

It has been practiced for over 100 years and has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage since 2023. A Shooting Guild ensures safety, rules, and safeguards (prizes, charities, youth activities). 

In short: a banging, sociable, and typically Kampen way to blow out the old year, with an emphasis on safety and community spirit.

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South Africa

South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa and is the most developed and industrial country on the continent. 

The country has approximately 60 million inhabitants (2025) and is extremely diverse: 11 official languages ​​(including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa), many cultures, and religions. 

Capitals: Pretoria (administrative). 

Cape Town (legislative, known for Table Mountain). 

Bloemfontein (judiciary). 

Largest city: Johannesburg (economic heart). 

History: From Dutch and British colonization → Apartheid (1948-1994) → Peaceful transition to democracy in 1994 under Nelson Mandela, the first black president. 

Economy: Largest economy in Africa (mining: gold, diamonds, platinum; tourism, wine, automotive industry). 

Member of BRICS. 

However, there is widespread poverty, inequality, and high unemployment (around 32%). 

Nature & Tourism: World-famous for safari parks (Kruger), beautiful coastlines (Garden Route), wine regions near Stellenbosch and Cape Town and the Drakensberg. 

Current situation: Politically dominated by the ANC (since 1994), but a coalition government (Government of National Unity) since 2024. 

Challenges: power shortages (load shedding), crime, corruption, and high inequality. 

Nevertheless, the country remains a cultural and economic powerhouse in Africa. 

In short: a land of extremes — breathtaking nature and wealth alongside major social and economic problems.

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Papermaking in Doesburg

Papermaking (making handmade paper) was a living craft in Doesburg, primarily through Ewald Weijers' Papiermakerij Doesburg (C-paper) on Ooipoortstraat. 

Craft: Pulp is made from old paper or natural fibers (such as flax, plant residues). 

Using a mold & deckle, you create a sheet of paper, press it dry, and hang it to dry. 

Sustainable and creative, often with additions such as flower seeds. 

History in Doesburg: Weijers practiced it as a hobby since 2012, later professionally. 

From 2020, he had a studio in the town center where visitors could create their own paper, attend workshops, and watch demonstrations. 

It was the only active location in Gelderland for this intangible heritage (listed since 2013).

Current situation: The studio closed permanently in December 2025 due to high costs and low income. Weijers still gives workshops at other locations and continues to pass on the craft. 

It is a traditional, educational craft that emphasizes knowledge transfer and sustainability, with parallels in other places such as Rotterdam and Utrecht.

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Improved Red Pied Beef Cattle Breed

Improved Red Pied is the only original Dutch beef cattle breed. 

It originated in the 1970s from selection of the most meat-rich Red Pied MRIJ cattle (Maas-Rijn-IJssel).

Type: Luxury beef breed with good musculature (double muscled), fine bone structure, and high slaughter yield. 

It has a double-muscled appearance with correct conformation. 

Color: Red Pied (red with white spots). 

Size: Adult cows weigh approx. 900 kg, bulls approx. 1,200 kg. 

Character: Calm, manageable, and easy to handle – ideal for the livestock farmer. 

Use: Primarily as suckler cows for meat production. 

Calves are often delivered via Caesarean section (focus on more natural births). 

The breed combines robustness, fertility, and good meat quality. 

It is popular among breeders who value a sustainable, typically Dutch beef breed with luxury carcasses.

In short: a calm, muscular, and efficient Dutch beef breed with a focus on quality and handling.

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Slurping the papeda

Papeda is a traditional Moluccan dish: a translucent, jelly-like porridge made from sago flour (or often potato starch in the Netherlands) and water. 

It has traditionally been the staple food of the Moluccas. 

A characteristic feature is the way of eating: you scoop up the porridge with two bamboo forks (gata-gata), swirl it around, and slurp it directly from the plate. 

That slurping is an essential part of the experience and requires some practice. 

It is served with spicy, sour sauces such as tjolo-tjolo, pinang kuning, or asem pedis, often with fish, chicken, or meat. 

Slurping papeda symbolizes togetherness, hospitality, family ties, and Moluccan identity. 

It takes place mainly in the evenings, at celebrations such as weddings and baptisms, and strengthens social bonds. 

In 2022, "slurping the papeda" was officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage in the Netherlands.

In short: a simple, yet culturally significant tradition that connects Moluccans (in Indonesia and the Netherlands). 

Real Moluccans slurp papeda!

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