Go to church! and other Staphorst, Netherlands Local Custom Tips

The so-called Bible Belt in The Netherlands means that the places in that region are very strict reformed. Call it calvinistic if you wish. This means that women never wear trousers (metaphorically maybe, but certainly not in clothing). They go to church twice on a Sunday, sometimes their faith forbids them to have injections against polio and such, blood transfusions and abortions.
These are the most traditional of people in The Netherlands and they are also represented in parliament.

This is the Hervormde Church (Reformed) in Staphorst. Interestingly it's an old tower but a modern church that is obviously much larger than the old one that once was attached to the tower.

BTW... Hervormd (Reformed) does not necessarily mean you are very strict religiously. This church has many forms and traditions, from strictly traditional to average to quite free in thought and customs (Vrijzinnig).
But in Staphorst the most strict form is tradition.

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Black cap (special Staphorst design)
Shirt with two rows of 9 silver buttons
Little black tie
Black coat
Black or brown trousers with 2 buttons (made of coins sometimes)
Special Staphorster model clogs, but shoes on Sunday

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The female costume always shows the level of mourning that the person is in. This is a theme in so many costumes around the world.

Cap: black or black and flowered, silk or satin, with gold head brooch with 7 or 8 twists, depending on the level of wealth.

Skirt: black or black and blue striped.
Underskirt: red or blue or black/white striped
Apron of blue wool or cotton, with a bit of checked or flowered fabric at the top

Black stockings and white clogs, on Sundays black shoes with silver brooch.

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From a postcard

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From a postcard

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