February 2, 2010
Brazilian Stamp of the Week: Dutch Influence in Brazil
Between 1630 and 1654 much of the Northeast part of Brazil--including the city of Recife, was under Dutch control. While the later Portuguese conquest of this region was total, several vestiges of the conquest remain, particularly in architecture seen in and around Recife.
Last year Brazil issued a set of stamps commemorating the Dutch influence on the country.
On the top left we see Mauricio de Nassau, influential Dutch governor of the region. Next to him is a Dutch ship from that time. The following stamps show archaelogical remnants of the Dutch occupation still present today.
In addition to smoking pipes and architecture, the Dutch had left a theological legacy on Brazil as well. The first translation of the Bible into Portuguese was done by a Portuguese man named João Ferreira de Almeida, who was converted by Dutch Reformed believers while in the Dutch colonies in what is now Indonesia.
Talk back to the missionary: The US also has a great Dutch heritage. Can you think of anything in American culture that comes to us via the Dutch colonization?
Posted by Andrew on February 2, 2010 4:41 PM.
Comments
Posted by: Renae at February 4, 2010 11:47 PM
And don't forget Dutch Wonderland.
Posted by: Andrew 
at February 5, 2010 11:07 AM
My husband was born in Penna. among Penna. Dutch people and we love the food and hospitality of Penna. people. Pork and sour kraut is a favorite of ours. Ann
Posted by: Dick and Ann Weiss at February 10, 2010 1:52 PM
Pork I can do. Sour kraut is a little too much for me.
Posted by: Andrew at February 10, 2010 2:00 PM
Not to forget important words like "cookies". Is Nassau in the Bahamas named after him?
Posted by: Mom at February 25, 2010 10:17 PM
Mom,
This from Wikipedia:
Nassau was formerly known as Charles Town; it was burned to the ground by the Spanish in 1684, but later rebuilt and renamed Nassau in 1695 in honour of Dutch King William III of England and Ireland from the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau.
Posted by: Andrew at February 25, 2010 10:23 PM
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Being Dutch, I LOVE my heritage. We have amazing pastries and are excellent cooks! The idea of using a dam to further a project is Dutch. Cream filled donuts...Dutch. Large families...Dutch. The idea to create wind energy by using windmills...DUTCH!!!! And finally, uncomfortable shoes no matter how much you try to wear them in...Dutch!!! (thanks to the wooden shoes) I could go on but I won't.