Swedish culture: national characteristics, contribution to history

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:53

Sweden is located in the north of Europe. It borders Norway, Denmark and Finland. Features of the culture of Sweden are largely predetermined by the natural and historical conditions of the country's development. So, individual provinces in the past had little contact with each other, so each has its own character. A huge influence on the formation of the mentality of the Swedes was their relationship with the Vikings, which the locals are very proud of.

People and culture of Sweden

In total, 10 million people live in this country (according to 2017 data). Of these, 7.5 million are Swedes. Finns and Saami living in the north are also considered the indigenous population. Like all Scandinavians, the Swedes have a restrained, steadfast and sedate character. A feature of culture is the principle of "lagom", meaning moderation in everything. It originated in ancient times, when the Vikings, after winning a battle, passed a goblet of mead around. The drink should have been enough foreveryone, so everyone took a small sip.

Swedes are very polite, but it is not customary for them to show signs of attention to women. They are fighting for gender equality, so no one will give a lady a seat on the bus. Being indebted to someone is considered humiliating. In the restaurant, everyone pays for themselves, and the elderly go to nursing homes, not wanting to become a burden for relatives.

National customs

The culture and traditions of Sweden were formed under the influence of both pagan culture and Christianity. Many holidays were borrowed from Germany. This happened with the day of St. Lucia, celebrated on December 13th. On this day, you can see a procession of people in white shirts, in front of which is a girl with burning candles on her head. The mummers sing a melodic song and distribute saffron buns to those around them.

Christmas and Easter have taken root in Sweden, as well as Valentine's Day, Halloween. Many holidays are related to the seasons. So, Walpurgis Night is considered by the local population as a holiday of spring. People have fun until late, burn torches and bonfires, tell legends. The solstice (Midsummar) falls in the middle of summer. It is always celebrated in nature. A pole is decorated with wreaths, around which dances and noisy fun take place.

Swedes are very fond of folk festivals and music, both traditional and modern. The country hosts many festivals where local performers perform. A popular instrument is the violin.

Ethnic cuisine

Local dishes carryimprint of Scandinavian traditions. Preference is given to smoked and s alty foods, as well as all kinds of marinades that can be stored for a long time. The basis of the diet is fish. More than 20 cooking options for herring are known, which are fried, boiled, pickled, smoked, s alted and even fermented in a jar. Caviar served with sauces is popular.

Classic Swedish dishes are pea soup and "mittbols" (meatballs). Local chefs skillfully prepare game, mushrooms, and berries. Sweet buns, cookies and cakes often appear on the table. Coffee is drunk here in incredible quantities. This is a whole ceremony, which is accompanied by a confidential conversation and has a special name - "fika".

Features of business culture in Sweden

If we talk about the qualifications of local businessmen, it is quite high. Most residents can converse in several foreign languages, of which English and German predominate. In a partner, the Swedes value professionalism first of all. They carefully study business proposals, paying attention to the smallest details.

Diligence, seriousness, restraint and reliability are highly valued. The Swedes plan their affairs and meetings in advance, agreeing not only on the start of negotiations, but also on the time of their end. Being late for more than 3-5 minutes is considered unacceptable. During the negotiations, a relaxed atmosphere is maintained, but no one forgets about subordination.

Meetings oftennot only in the office, but also in the restaurant. Only the most important partners are invited home. Swedes try not to cross the line between work and personal relationships, so it's best to keep conversations on neutral topics. Ironic jokes and questions about the interlocutor's family are considered inappropriate.

Famous people

Sweden is the birthplace of great poets and writers. K. M. Belman, E. Tegner, A. Strindberg, S. Lagerlef, V. Muberg, A. Lindgren composed their works here. According to the number of Nobel Prizes awarded for success in the literary field, the country ranks fifth in the world. By the way, A. Nobel himself, who became rich after the invention of dynamite, also lived in Sweden.

Of the artists, the most famous are G. Lundberg, who worked in the Rococo style, and A. Zorn, who depicted rural nature and life. K. Milles became an outstanding sculptor. The park museum with his works is located in Liding, a suburb of Stockholm.

Speaking about the culture of Sweden, one cannot help but recall the legendary band "ABBA" and the outstanding tenor J. Bjerling. Director I. Bergman made a significant contribution to world cinema. He became famous after the release of the movie "Smile of a Summer Night".

UNESCO Heritage

Swedish culture is not only national character, traditions and works of art. UNESCO has taken protection of 15 unique historical sites of the kingdom.

Among them:

• Rock reliefs of the Bronze Age in the settlement of Tanum.
• The city of Visby, built in the 12th century on the island of Gotland.
• The 17th century Drottningholm palace complex, where the Swedish kings lived.
• The oldest Viking settlements in Birka and Hovgorden.
• Engelsberg Iron Plant, founded in the 17th century.

Swedish culture has a long history, largely due to the harsh northern climate and warlike past. Local residents are happy to tell visitors about it, demonstrating their hospitality and courtesy.