Dad and Mom

One thing I’ve noticed in these travels is that the Dutch don’t smile as much as people in the US.  It’s not that they are angry or sad or dour; they just save their smile for an appropriate occasion, unlike the Americans who smile just because we have walked into a room or have made eye contact with a stranger.  The people of Leeuwarden do have a sense of humor as witness this particular joke, which is masterful, if a bit esoteric.

This portrait from the studio of Michiel Jansz Van Miereveld (1567-1641) shows Willem Ludwijk, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg (1560-1620). 

This statue of Willem Ludwijk van Nassau in Leeuwarden is known as “Us Heit” or “Our Father”.  He was known by this nickname throughout the Netherlands after becoming one of the most prominent Dutch heroes during the Revolt of the Netherlands against Spain. He served in the cavalry under William of Orange, and was largely responsible for developing the successful military strategy that led to the defeat of the Spanish Habsburgs. 

The Frisian Cattle Syndicate commissioned this statue of the perfect Frisian cow, an animal renowned throughout Europe for milk with a high fat content and perfect taste.    Leeuwarden has historically been the center of the Frisian cattle industry and the statue has been given a place of honor not far from the statue of Willem van Nassau.  Over the years, the little joke developed and the people of Leeuwarden now call the cow statue “Us Mem” or “Our Mother”.