When most of us in North America learn to braid we are taught to cross each plait OVER the other plaits. In the traditionally Dutch version of the basic 3 strand braid, the opposite is true: each strand is passed UNDER the other strands. In a simple braid- such as a human pigtail- this doesn't make much difference, but in a French style braid (which is essentially what the running braid is) visually it makes a huge impact: Dutch-style braids have a 3-D effect making the braid the "pop" out from the gathered hair, as shown in the photos above.