Decoding Amsterdam's city symbols | I amsterdam (2024)

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Decoding Amsterdam's city symbols | I amsterdam (3)Decoding Amsterdam's city symbols | I amsterdam (4)

Image from cris toala olivares

Updated 24 August 2023 at 14:35

As you wander through Amsterdam, you can spot the city's 'XXX' symbol on buildings, flags or even local food brands. And if you’re in Amsterdam during a major sporting event or on King's Day (formerly Queen's Day), you’ll see a sea of orange everywhere. So what’s the story behind these symbols and colours?

Coat of arms

Amsterdam’s coat of arms is a pretty prevalent sight throughout the city. At its core is the 'XXX' symbol, which is actually three vertical St. Andrew’s Crosses, not (as some people assume) shorthand for the Red Light District. For the Amsterdam coat of arms, the three crosses are in white, atop a red shield with a black pale. St. Andrew was a fisherman who was martyred on an X-shaped cross in the 1st century AD. It is relevant to Amsterdam as the city’s symbol dates back to 1505 when it was a fishing town and all ships registered in Amsterdam flew this flag. In its most official form, the coat of arms is also decorated with the Imperial Crown of Austria and two golden lions.

XXX and the city

It's actually a complete coincidence that the St. Andrew's Crosses on Amsterdam’s 500-year-old coat of arms are also similar to the modern-day shorthand for Red Light District x-rated entertainment. Of course, this coincidence is also widely utilised via the producers of gimmicky city souvenirs, but it's a world away from the historic truth. As such, the 'XXX' symbol can be seen all over the city – on flags, buildings, manhole covers and even on the poles that stop cars from driving on the pavement (known locally as Amsterdammertjes). So have fun spotting them in weird and wonderful places as you explore the city.

Dutch flag

The Netherlands' flag is steeped in history and culture. The tricolour flag we know today went through a number of changes to get to its current state. Its origins can be traced back to the Prinsenvlag (Prince's Flag) – an orange-white-and-blue standard used by the Navy during the Dutch rebellion against the Spanish (the Dutch Revolt). This revolt catalysed the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), which was led by Willem van Oranje; the Prinsenvlag was used until the war's end, at which point it was replaced by the red-white-and-blue Statenflag (States Flag). The current Dutch flag features a deeper blue shade and was introduced by royal decree in 1937.

Orange expression

The colours of the Dutch national flag are red, white and blue, so it may seem strange that the Dutch flaunt their national pride with the colour orange so vehemently. The reason is that the Dutch Royal Family stems from the House of Oranje-Nassau and the lineage of the current ruling family dates back to Willem van Oranje (William of Orange). On King's Day and royal birthdays, the Dutch tricolour flag is flown with an orange pennant above it. Even during the occupation in WWII, Dutch housewives often made a small show of resistance by hanging their wet washing outside in a particular pattern: something orange, something red, something white and something blue. Oranje is also the nickname of the Dutch national football team, and the colour is a fairly common uniform across all sporting teams representing the Netherlands, from hockey to basketball.

I amsterdam letters

An introduction, a slogan and a physical icon: I amsterdam is the city's and its residents' collective catchphrase. When you arrive at Schiphol airport, be on the lookout for the I amsterdam motto, which is hard to miss at more than two metres tall and 23.5 metres wide. The huge set of letters has become a city icon and a much sought-after photo opportunity.

Prior to 3 December 2018, there was also a set of letters at Museumplein, which was very popular with visitors. These letters were removed at the request of the City of Amsterdam because they were drawing too big of a crowd to an already limited space. Now, they are once again travelling Amsterdam and the surrounding region, putting lesser-known neighbourhoods, activities and attractions in the spotlight. Another set can be spotted in the neighbourhood of Nieuw West,designed as an outdoor free-running and parkour track.

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Decoding Amsterdam's city symbols | I amsterdam (2024)

FAQs

Decoding Amsterdam's city symbols | I amsterdam? ›

Coat of arms

What are the symbols of Amsterdam? ›

The coat of arms of Amsterdam is the official coat of arms symbol of the city of Amsterdam. It consists of a red shield and a black pale with three silver Saint Andrew's Crosses, the Imperial Crown of Austria, two golden lions, and the motto of Amsterdam.

What do the three crosses mean in Amsterdam? ›

It is also reported that the crosses represent the three plagues that have hit Amsterdam, namely water, fire and plague. The three crosses can be found on all kinds of buildings, in many logos and also on the Amsterdammertjes.

What are the three words of Amsterdam? ›

The flag of Amsterdam is based on the city's coat of arms. It features a red shield with a black band and three silver St. Andrew's crosses, with the motto of Amsterdam underneath (Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig, meaning "Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate").

What does three x's mean? ›

The three Xs (XXX) are actually the three Saint Andrew's crosses. St. Andrew was a fisherman who was martyred on an X-shaped cross in the 1st century AD, which is relevant to Amsterdam as the city's symbol dates back to 1505 when it was a fishing town and all ships registered in Amsterdam flew this flag.

What are Netherlands important symbols? ›

When you think of the Netherlands, your first thought is of windmills, canals, tulips, cheese and the Dutch Masters. That makes sense, as these cultural icons are world-famous and really should not be missed when visiting our country.

What is the famous symbol of the Netherlands? ›

Windmills, tulips and Delft Blue: these are a few of our favorite things and they're seen as quintessentially Dutch by the rest of the world. While these things are rightfully iconic, there's so much more to Dutch heritage.

What is the cross symbol in Amsterdam? ›

The reason why three X shaped crosses Saint Andrew crosses (saltires) were chosen in the Middle Ages as symbol of Amsterdam has not been known. Today, three white or silver crosses placed vertically or horizontally, are used as the modern logo of the Amsterdam.

Why do people wear orange in Amsterdam? ›

Orange is the colour of the Dutch royal family - the House of Orange-Nassau - and has thus been considered the national colour of the region for hundreds of years.

What is the red right in Amsterdam? ›

De Wallen, together with prostitution areas Singelgebied and Ruysdaelkade, form the Rosse Buurt (red-light areas) of Amsterdam. Of these De Wallen is the oldest and largest area. It is one of the city's major tourist attractions.

What is the motto of Amsterdam? ›

The official motto of Amsterdam is on a scroll below it: Heldhaftig (Heroic), Vastberaden (Resolute), Barmhartig (Merciful). Alternative translation: Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate.

What is the nickname for people from Amsterdam? ›

All about the Dutch Capital's inhabitants. Amsterdam is one of the best-known cities in the world – but what are people from Amsterdam called? The correct term is Amsterdammers in both Dutch and English but people from the city are sometimes referred to as Mokumers.

What does 3 kisses mean from a girl? ›

Usually, one x (one kiss) is used for friends, two xx (two kisses) for best friends or close friends, and three xxx or more (three kisses or more) for your partner or super close friends.

What does 4 kisses mean in a text? ›

An example of a kiss code: 1 kiss means friends. 2 kisses means best friends (however maybe not inter-gender) 3 kisses may mean something a little bit more? 4 kisses well that means SEX is on the horizon!

What does it mean when a girl sends you X's? ›

Before you freak out over receiving an "x" via text, just know that it's a good thing. It's usually included at the end of a message and means kisses. If you've ever seen someone write "XOXO," which means kisses and hugs, then you might already be familiar with the text symbol.

What is Amsterdam best known for? ›

Amsterdam is known for several popular things, and preferences can vary. However, some widely appreciated aspects include the historic canal system, iconic architecture like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, the vibrant cultural scene, and the famous tulip fields.

What is Amsterdam associated with? ›

Amsterdam is home to a number of world-renowned museums and iconic art sites. Historic landmarks include UNESCO World Heritage Site canal ring and a number of cultural attractions. Famous painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer have been popularly associated with the city.

What flower represents Amsterdam? ›

The tulip, which first became popular here in 1594 after being imported from the Ottoman Empire, has become a national symbol.

What is the famous thing about Amsterdam? ›

Art and Culture: Amsterdam is home to world-renowned museums, including the Rijksmuseum, which houses Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, and the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh. Tulips and Flowers: The Netherlands, including Amsterdam, is famous for its tulips.

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