Culture of Sweden

Swedish culture includes a set of habits, the way of life, life, character and language of the Swedes, as well as music, literature, painting and national cuisine . The culture and traditions of Sweden were influenced by its geographical location, climatic features and, of course, by local residents and immigrants from other countries.

Swedish character and language

The Swedes are reserved, silent and very law-abiding. They do not like to talk about themselves, they rarely make acquaintances and are generally laconic.

Swedish belongs to the German group, was born in Northern Germany, but underwent significant changes, borrowing many words and expressions from English and Finnish.

Religion

Sweden is a Christian country, most of the local population consider themselves Lutherans and Protestants. However, there is no ban on other religions.

Features of Swedish culture

The movement for equality between the sexes is very strong in the country. However, the notion of a Swedish family is primarily an expression of platonic, not sexual relations. In general, family traditions in Sweden are very conservative. Local people are very sensitive to nature, go in for sports, lead a healthy and active lifestyle, take care of proper nutrition. Thanks to good ecology and health care, their average life expectancy is about 80 years for men and 84 years for women.

Also in Sweden you will not meet lazy people and debtors, since here it is accepted from the earliest years not to be dependent on anyone and be able to earn and provide for themselves and their family.

Literature

If it comes to Swedish literature, the works of Astrid Lindgren , as well as Selma Lagerlef, are immediately recalled. Scenarians such as August Strindberg, Sven Lidman, Cheval Wali, etc. are also very popular outside Scandinavia. In general, according to the number of Nobel laureates in literature, Sweden ranks 5th in the world.

Music and Painting in Sweden

Musical art in this northern country is very loved by the people, as evidenced by the presence in the cities of a large number of music schools of different directions. Swedish folk music includes waltzes, polkas, wedding marches. And the most popular local artists are ABBA, Roxette and The Cardigans.

The fine arts of Sweden are represented by ancient frescoes and paintings in temples, as well as paintings and illustrations. Great popularity in Europe was received by the artist of Rococo style Gustaf Lundberg and the author of picturesque illustrations of the countryside Karl Larsson.

Traditions and customs in Sweden

Many national traditions of Sweden are closely related to the season (for example, spring plowing, hunting and fishing) or are influenced by other cultures (Halloween, Valentine's Day). But there are typically Swedish customs:

Holidays in Sweden

The most important festivities in the country are the New Year (January 1), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 6) and church holidays: Epiphany (January 5), Easter, Ascension Day, Holy Trinity and All Saints, and Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas (December 25).

The pagan festival of the Midsummer Solstice is celebrated here by numerous groups in nature, regardless of the weather. In addition to official holidays , the country hosts many fairs, exhibitions and festivals, often very interesting for tourists.

Culinary traditions

Features of the national cuisine of Sweden also relate to the traditions of its people. It was formed under the influence of harsh natural conditions. As in ancient times, Swedes use products of long-term storage: in large quantities you can find pickles, smoking, marinades, etc. For frying and stewing, bacon and lard are usually used, more rarely oil. Spices add very little. A distinctive feature of the Swedes is the love of home cooking. Most dishes are very easy to prepare, for example, mashed potatoes with herring, pea soup, meat balls with sauces, etc. Separately it is worth mentioning local desserts - cakes, ginger biscuits and sweet rolls.

Rules of conduct for tourists

It is very important, being in the territory of this Scandinavian country, to know and follow the generally accepted rules:

  1. Business culture of Sweden. The meeting to discuss the working moments should be agreed in advance. The Swedes are planning everything carefully and long before the event. They do not tolerate fuss, and being late for a meeting for more than 5 minutes is unacceptable. In Sweden, the experience and knowledge of the partner (especially the possession of several languages) is very appreciated and sometimes the working affairs are continued at dinner or at the theater.
  2. Traffic Laws. Drunk while driving is prohibited. During driving you can only use the dipped headlights, this rule applies to any time of day. It is necessary to fasten all seat belts in the car to passengers.
  3. Behavior in society. Smoking and drinking alcohol in transport and public institutions is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is sold only in the stores "Systembolaget" from Monday to Thursday. Special places for smoking in restaurants, offices, shops, etc. are designed for smoking. You can not use mobile phones in theaters and museums, and also wherever you see a sign with a crossed out phone. Most of the toilets in Sweden are paid, except for those that are available in cafes and restaurants. For non-observance of the order, thrown rubbish on the road you can write out a significant fine.
  4. Behavior at a party. To come to visit without an invitation is considered here a sign of bad taste, as well as drinking alcohol during dinner before the owner of the table does not say a toast.
  5. Rest on the nature. It is impossible to cross the territory of reserves without permission, to cut down trees, to break branches, to build a fire and to drive into a forest by car in places where there is no road. Fishing is allowed only on the lakes of Vettern , Vernern , Elmaren and Mälaren . For other places you need to get a special permit.