traditionally dutch! Dutch kissing couple

the origin of the DUTCH KISSING COUPLE

There is surprisingly little documented information about the exact origin of the traditional Dutch kissing couple. The figures are often described as two young farmer or village children, dressed in traditional regional folk costumes traditionally worn in Dutch villages such as Volendam and Marken, just north of Amsterdam.

These outfits reflect how people dressed in fishing communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Think wooden clogs, lace caps, embroidered aprons, fitted waistcoats, striped fabrics and bold colours. The clothing was designed to be practical for daily work, but it was also beautifully detailed and carefully handmade — a true expression of local craftsmanship and pride.

Many believe that the figurines were inspired by an old photograph of two children known as Jan & Grietje, taken in Volendam around 1920. The image shows two youngsters in traditional costume sharing a playful kiss. According to popular belief, a souvenir merchant may have seen this photograph and used it as inspiration to create the first kissing couple figurines. From there, the image quickly captured the imagination of visitors and locals alike.

It’s important to note that traditional costumes vary greatly across different regions of the Netherlands. Each village once had its own unique style, colours and details. While most kissing couple figurines are dressed in the well-known Volendam costumes, there is actually a wide variety of designs reflecting different regional outfits.

Although modern Dutch people no longer wear these traditional clothes in everyday life, they remain a powerful symbol of heritage, identity and craftsmanship. The kissing couple evokes a nostalgic vision of “old Holland”: peaceful villages, windmills turning on the horizon, colourful tulip fields, cobbled streets and a slower, simpler rhythm of life. In this way, the kissing couple has truly become a Dutch icon.

Although traditionally predominantly known as a souvenir and as a 10cm tall Delfts Blauw porcelain statue, there is now also a larger than life statue of this adorable kissing couple in Zaandam, just north of Amsterdam. Each statue weighs over 6800 kg and stands over 9 meter tall and you can admire them along the Sloterdijk - Amsterdam Centraal biking route.