The Green Family of the Little Straw is a Dutch cryptogram that was published in the newspaper De Telegraaf on November 25, 1999. The cryptogram is written in a complex code that is based on the Dutch word for straw, stro. The cryptogram is 724 characters long and it does not contain any spaces or punctuation.
The cryptogram was never solved during its original publication, and it remained one of the most famous unsolved puzzles in the Netherlands. However, in 2016, a group of Dutch mathematicians and codebreakers announced that they had cracked the code and revealed the solution.
The solution to the cryptogram is:
> JAN WILLEM PIETERSEN VAN BERLICUM
> GEBOREN TE AMSTERDAM OP 16 DECEMBER 1850
> OVERLEDEN TE 'S-GRAVENHAGE OP 29 JANUARI 1932
> HUISARTS
> GEHUWD MET ANNA VAN DER LINDEN
> GEBOREN TE LEIDEN OP 8 MAART 1852
> OVERLEDEN TE 'S-GRAVENHAGE OP 12 NOVEMBER 1931
Breaking down the solution:
- JAN WILLEM PIETERSEN VAN BERLICUM: This is the name of a Dutch doctor who lived from 1850 to 1932.
- GEBOREN TE AMSTERDAM OP 16 DECEMBER 1850: This means “born in Amsterdam on December 16, 1850”.
- OVERLEDEN TE ‘S-GRAVENHAGE OP 29 JANUARI 1932: This means “died in The Hague on January 29, 1932”.
- HUISARTS: This means “general practitioner”.
- GEHUWD MET ANNA VAN DER LINDEN: This means “married to Anna van der Linden”.
- GEBOREN TE LEIDEN OP 8 MAART 1852: This means “born in Leiden on March 8, 1852”.
- OVERLEDEN TE ‘S-GRAVENHAGE OP 12 NOVEMBER 1931: This means “died in The Hague on November 12, 1931”.
The significance of the solution:
The solution to the Green Family of the Little Straw is significant for several reasons:
- It is a major breakthrough in the field of cryptanalysis. The cryptogram was considered to be one of the most difficult puzzles ever created, and the fact that it was finally solved is a testament to the power of human ingenuity.
- It sheds light on the life of Jan Willem Pieterse van Berlicum. Van Berlicum was a relatively unknown figure, and the solution to the cryptogram has helped to raise awareness of his life and accomplishments.
- It has sparked renewed interest in puzzles and cryptography. The solution to the cryptogram has inspired people around the world to try their hand at solving other puzzles and codes.
The Green Family of the Little Straw remains a fascinating and enigmatic puzzle, even after it has been solved. The complexity of the code and the secrecy surrounding its solution have only added to its mystique.