Bûter, brea en griene tsiis

Fryslân (or Friesland) is a region in the Netherlands with its own language, culture and distinctive history. It is also the location of it Heitelân (the fatherland) of the Frisian people, bound together by language, history and culture.

History

Plinius the Elder left us the oldest written account of the Frisians when he travelled to the northern border of the Roman empire in 47 BC. While power was divided, the Frisian region did expand naturally into current day Belgium and England. Around 650 AD the region was at its largest as can be seen in the picture below. This Magna Frisia was lost to the Francs and Charlemagne in 772.

Frisian Freedom, the period between 1100 and the 16th century, lacked  a functioning feudal system or any other form of central government. While there was a rather clear justice system, there were no means of enforcing any rules. Many conflicts arose during this period, most notably that between the Schieringers and the Vetkopers starting in the 14th century, marking the end of Frisian Freedom. Although Grutte Pier and the Arumer Zwarte Hoop did try in the 16th century. In 1648 Friesland became part of the Republic of the Seven Netherlands and has since transformed into the province of Fryslân.

Culture

The Frisian language (Frysk) is recognized by the EU as a minority language and is the second official language of the Netherlands. Although Frysk is an old language, it has largely been a spoken language. These days most Frisians (about 94%) understand the language, about 75% claim to speak and read it, but only 18.5% can actually write it. Gysbert Japicx and the Rimen & Teltsjes from the Halbertma brothers have played a significant role in written Frysk.

Much in line with the Frisian language, there is a Frisian anthem. The lyrics are based on Eeltsje Halbertsma's "De âlde Friezen" (the old Frisians). The original text can also be found in the book Rimen & Teltsjes, by the Halbertsma brothers. Contemporary lyrics are shorter and can be found here.

Sports

Ice skating has been part of Frisian culture and sports for a long time and remains a popular winter sport to this day. The Thial ice skating ring in Heerenveen has often been the stage for the World Championships and many professional riders practice in there. The ultimate race for Frisians is the Alvestêdetocht, or the tour of the Eleven Cities of Fryslân. In 1890 Pim Mulier skated nearly 200 kilometers through the 11 cities, after which he organized the first race in 1909. The race has been held only 15 times since, as it requires a thick layer of ice all across the province. Due to climate change, the chances of another alvestêdetocht seems to be diminishing, with the last tour having taken place on January 4th, 1997. Nevertheless, many Frisians still hope for a few really cold days and nights each winter.

During the summer there are also water races on old carrier ships known as skûtsjes. In the 19th century farmers used the races to make some extra money when they were out of work. Nowadays the races are usually organized by either the SKS or the IFKS. The SKS is the older organization and their races have contained the same 14 ships for years, although the captain and the crew may change. The IFKS is an open championship and has been quite popular, with over 60 skûtsjes competing in recent years.

The game 'keatsen' has been around since the 17th century and from 1854 onwards the Permanent Commission of the Keatsgroup Franeker has organized the most important matches for this sport. This event is held in Franker every year and upholds many old traditions. The sport itself is rather complicated and many Frisians don't understand the rules.

Another typical Frisian sport consists of an athlete, a canal and a long stick. The objective is to get as far as possible from one side of the body of water to the ohter. Fierljeppen literally means 'far leaping' and has been around for more than a thousand years.