topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2117.66 -0.08
DAX 6323.19 -0.26
IBEX 30 6401.2 -2.17
CAC 40 3042.97 -0.16
FTSE 100 5356.34 0.09
AEX 292.76 0.00
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13057.26 -0.74
TSX Composite 11566.15 -0.09
ASX 4155.3 0.85
Hang seng 18877.81 0.41
Straits Times 2797.99 0.39
ISEQ 20 501.76 0.16
You are here: Home News Dutch News The Hague students put up Christmas tree

Dutch News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


10/12/2009The Hague students put up Christmas tree

Students at The Hague University defy institution’s decision and put up a Christmas tree for the entrance hall of the building.

The Hague – A student body at THU have bought a six-meter tall Christmas tree to adorn the central entrance hall of the building following the institution’s decision not to put up a traditionally decorated tree.

The student body of the ICT and Media faculty were outraged about a decision by the academy's management not to have the traditional decorated tree. They managed to collect about EUR 1,000 from sponsors and students who wanted a Christmas tree to buy the Christmas tree.

The directors of the applied science academy in The Hague decided against putting a Christmas tree because they wanted “to emphasise the international character and diversity of the student body”.

However, Communications Director Annelies van Rosmalen said Wednesday the decision was a little less politically inspired as she wanted to go for something different.

Meanwhile, politicians have also slammed the institution’s decision.

Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders called it "an insane decision that shows the depth of the multicultural disaster which has gripped the Netherlands".

The Hague is one of only two cities where the Freedom party will be taking part in local elections next year.

The Christmas tree is an old pagan symbol used in midwinter celebrations which is thought to have been part of European culture since pre-historic times.

Despite opposition by Christian churches, the tree, usually a fir, was widely adopted as an integral element of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

In the 18th century German settlers introduced the practice of putting up a decorated Christmas tree to the United States. The custom has since spread around the globe.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Americans in the Netherlands

reporting birth abroad

Relocating to the Netherlands

Taxation on Rental Apartments!

Housing in the Netherlands

Taxation on Rental Appartments?

Discuss Dutch Culture

High-quality fake passports, driver's licenses, ID

English in the Netherlands

Moved to Hengelo

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.