For many years, I have admired the photos you see of Netherlands tulip fields. Going there to see them in person was on my bucket list and finally, I had the opportunity to experience them in person. There is nothing like being there LIVE.
In the 15th Century, tulips were first imported to Holland from the Ottoman Empire. Due to the wet, low lying, marshy conditions of Holland, tulips were a successful - and coveted - crop in Holland.
Throughout history tulips have ebbed and flowed in global popularity, but they are enduring symbols of Dutch identity, and are often one of the first things that come to mind when picturing Amsterdam in the Spring. When we were there, of course, tulips were everywhere in dizzyingly vibrant hues and geometric patterns.
“Tulip mania” is a term to reference the time period between 1634 and 1637 when the tulip market rapidly accelerated before eventually collapsing due to over-inflation of these new, exotic plants.
The tulip was unique to Western Europe in the 1600s, as the petals were both more vibrant in color and more varied in patterns than flowers that were native to Holland. At the time, color was a luxury, both to be enjoyed and also used as a status symbol by families or collectors of the most valuable bulbs.
Eventually there were endless varieties and hybrids of tulips, further driving their economic value and scarcity. “They were classified in groups: the single-hued tulips of red, yellow, or white were known as Couleren; the multicolored Rosen (white streaks on a red or pink background); Violetten (white streaks on a purple or lilac background); and the rarest of all, the Bizarden ('Bizarres'), (yellow or white streaks on a red, brown, or purple background).”
The tulip remains a popular subject matter for still life paintings starting in the 16th century and continuing well into the 17th century, when still life paintings were their most popular. This oil painting by German artist, Peter Binoit, from 1623 depicts a single tulip, which would be a very new and modern plant of the time.
Now, tulips are celebrated all over the world. Most gardeners have a few in their yards or plantings. Even though I have seen countless tulips in my lifetime, the experience of seeing them in full bloom was mesmerizing.
We even (accidentally) matched the bright red blooms!
No pictures can do the real thing justice. And while there, spending time with good friends, I fell madly in love with Holland and the Dutch people. I cannot wait to return.