Clogging Up: Austria Vs Holland's Traditional Footwear Face-Off

Clogs are a type of footwear that has a thick, rigid sole typically made of wood. They are known as klompen in Dutch and have been used in the Netherlands since medieval times. The oldest wooden footwear recovered in Europe was found in Amsterdam and Rotterdam and dates back to the 13th century. Clogs are a unique symbol of Dutch cultural heritage and are still worn in certain rural areas and specific occupations in Holland. On the other hand, clogs are also made in Austria, where they are known for their flexible, bendable wooden soles and ergonomic wooden footbeds.

Clog Dancing in the Netherlands

Clog dancing, or "Klompendansen" in Dutch, is a traditional dance in the Netherlands. It is characterised by the wearing of wooden-soled clogs, with dancers creating a rhythm by tapping their toes and heels on a wooden floor. The dance is often performed in traditional Dutch costume, with wooden clogs forming an essential part of the outfit.

Clog dancing is thought to have originated in the Netherlands in the 14th century, around the same time as the invention of the clog. The oldest wooden clogs discovered in the region date back to the 13th century. Dutch clog dancing is known for being loud, enthusiastic, and percussive, with dancers creating a range of sounds using different types of footwork. The dance is also performed in England and Wales, where it was historically popular in communities and factories, and the United States, where it evolved into tap dancing.

In Dutch clog dancing, the clogs are made of ash wood and are designed to be lighter than traditional clogs for comfort during dancing. The top part of the clog is also cut lower by the ankle to allow for more freedom of movement. Dutch clog dancing is sometimes referred to as "Boerendansen" or "farmer dancing".

In 2006, nearly 500 teenagers in The Hague attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the largest number of clog dancers. They performed the ballet version of the Dutch clog dance, made famous by the ballet "La fille mal gardée".

History of Clogs in the Netherlands

Clogs, or "klompen" in Dutch, have been used in the Netherlands since the early 13th century. Originating in Holland, they spread to France, Germany, and Scandinavia, becoming the most worn work shoes in Europe.

Clogs were designed to protect the feet of peasants who worked in agriculture, as well as fishermen, factory workers, artisans, and other labourers. The wooden shoes were impenetrable by nails, hooks, and sharp objects, and they provided stability in muddy fields.

The first guild of clog makers dates back to 1570 in Holland. The shoes were traditionally carved from blocks of wood, such as balsa, alder, willow, beech, or sycamore, using a special axe. The wood was often dunked in water to prevent splintering. The clog maker would then use a sharp knife to refine the shape and hollow out the inside to accommodate the foot. The carved shoes were dried for about three weeks before being painted and sealed with varnish or oil.

Different professions had slightly different-shaped clogs. Farmers' clogs had larger, squarer noses to prevent them from sinking into the mud, while fishermen's clogs had sharp, pointy noses to help with fishing wires. Workers' clogs were typically plain and undecorated.

Clogs were also worn for dancing, creating a rhythmic tapping sound on wooden floors. This style of dance, known as "Klompendansen" or "clog dancing", inspired the development of tap dancing.

While clogs are now mostly seen as tourist souvenirs, some people in rural areas of the Netherlands still wear them, particularly for gardening, as they are said to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Clog Production in the Netherlands

Clogs, known as "klompen" in the Netherlands, have been an integral part of the country's culture and heritage for over 800 years. Each village in the Netherlands once had its own clog maker, who crafted these wooden shoes by hand, passing on the tradition from generation to generation. However, today, only a handful of skilled artisans continue this ancient practice, with fewer than ten professionals left in the country.

The process of making traditional Dutch clogs starts with selecting the finest wood, typically willow or poplar. The choice of wood is critical as it can significantly impact the quality of the final product. Once the right wood is sourced, the clog maker uses traditional tools like axes and antique hand tools to shape the wood and create a comfortable and functional pair of clogs. The use of antique spoon drills, some over 80 years old, is a notable feature of this process, giving each pair of clogs its distinctive hollow interior.

After the initial shaping, clog makers focus on crafting the toe box, arch, and heel to ensure a comfortable and well-balanced pair of clogs. Every aspect of the clog is meticulously examined, as even the smallest imperfection can lead to discomfort. Following this, each artisan adds their unique touch by etching a signature design onto the wooden canvas. These etched patterns become a symbol of heritage, signifying the lineage of clog makers who contributed to their creation.

While the popularity of clogs in the Netherlands has declined since the early 20th century due to the advent of affordable leather and machine-made shoes, they still hold cultural significance. Today, most traditional clogs are purchased as souvenirs by tourists, who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating these wooden shoes.

The remaining clog makers in the Netherlands face the challenge of keeping this ancient tradition alive. With younger generations opting for different career paths, the future of Dutch clog making is uncertain. However, some artisans have adapted by diversifying their skills and offering machine-made clogs alongside their handmade creations to cater to the changing demands of the market.

In conclusion, clog production in the Netherlands represents a delicate balance between preserving a centuries-old tradition and adapting to the modern world. The remaining clog makers are dedicated to their craft, ensuring that the legacy of Dutch clogs continues to thrive and evolve for generations to come.

Austrian Netherlands

The Austrian Netherlands refers to the territory of the Burgundian Circle of the Holy Roman Empire between 1714 and 1797. The period began with the acquisition of the former Spanish Netherlands by the Austrian Habsburg monarchy under the Treaty of Rastatt in 1714. The Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) led to a division of the Low Countries between the Dutch Republic in the north and the Southern Netherlands, which later became Belgium and Luxembourg.

The Austrian Netherlands were administratively divided into four traditional duchies, three counties, and various lordships. In the 1780s, opposition emerged to the liberal reforms of Emperor Joseph II, which were seen as an attack on the Catholic Church and the traditional institutions of the Austrian Netherlands. Resistance was centred in the autonomous and wealthy Duchy of Brabant and the County of Flanders. The subsequent rioting and disruption in 1787, known as the Small Revolution, led to many opponents taking refuge in the neighbouring Dutch Republic, where they formed a rebel army. After the outbreak of the French and Liège revolutions, the émigré army crossed into the Austrian Netherlands, defeating the Austrians at the Battle of Turnhout on 27 October 1789. The rebels, supported by uprisings across the territory, soon took control, proclaimed independence, and established the United Belgian States in January 1790.

However, the United Belgian States were divided along ideological lines, with the Vonckists advocating progressive and liberal government, while the Statists, with a wider base of support, were conservative and supported by the Church. The Statists drove the Vonckists into exile, but by mid-1790, Habsburg Austria had ended its war with the Ottoman Empire and prepared to suppress the rebels. The new Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold II, proposed an amnesty, and after defeating the Statists at the Battle of Falmagne, the territory was soon back under Austrian control.

This was short-lived, as the Austrian Netherlands were overrun by the French in 1794 during the War of the First Coalition. On 1 October 1795, after a period of arbitrary rule, the Austrian Netherlands were annexed to France and integrated into the French Republic. Austria officially relinquished its claim on the province in 1797 through the Treaty of Campo Formio.

The Dutch Republic

However, the Dutch Republic experienced a decline in the 18th century due to economic downturn, long land wars, and competition from other powers like France and England. In 1795, the republic collapsed under the impact of a Dutch democratic revolution and invading French armies.

Frequently asked questions