Whatsit Wednesday - Tulips from Amsterdam

The song talks about tulips from Amsterdam, probably because when people think of tulips, they think of the Netherlands. And when people think of Holland (The Netherlands), they think of Amsterdam if they think of any city. And you can certainly buy tulips in Amsterdam. 

I remember how, after returning from my two years in The Netherlands and wanting to buy flowers for my future bride I was shocked at how expensive flowers can be in the US. Even now with inflation I can still get roses or tulips or carnations or almost any other flower for about 3 euro for 10 flowers. 

Tulips, however, are typical for Holland. But, as many of you may know, they didn’t originate in Holland. Cultivation of the tulip began in Persia in the 10th century. The name “tulip” may come from either the word for ‘turk” or “turban” which was worn in the 16th century. Near the end of the century the tulips had created a mania among the Dutch and a new industry was born. 

If you visit The Netherlands, you do not want to miss visiting Keukenhof, near Leiden. In the Spring when the flowers are blooming in the fields, it looks like an artist has spread unbelievable colors across the fields. Some are so vibrant one wonders truly if it is not painted. The beauty of God is more amazing than anything we can even imagine!