Sweden is located in the north of Europe. It borders with 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 had their kinship with the Vikings, which the locals are very proud of.
The population and culture of Sweden
In total, 10 million people live in this country (according to 2017 data). Of these, 7.5 million are Swedes. Indigenous people are also Finns and Sami living in the north. Like all Scandinavians, the Swedes have a restrained, persistent and sedate character. A feature of culture is the principle of "lag", which means moderation in everything. It originated in antiquity, when the Vikings, after winning the battle, launched a goblet with mead in a circle. Drink should have been enough for everyone, so everyone took a sip.
The Swedes are very polite, but it is not customary for them to show attention to women. They fight for gender equality, so no one will give the lady a place on the bus. Being indebted to someone is considered humiliating. In the restaurant, everyone pays for himself, and older people 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 Saint Lucia, celebrated on December 13. On this day, you can see a procession of people in white shirts, in front of which there is a girl with burning candles on her head. The mummers sing a melodic song and distribute saffron buns to others.
Christmas and Easter took root in Sweden, as well as Valentine's Day, Halloween. Many holidays are associated with the seasons. So, Walpurgis Night is considered among the local population as a holiday of spring. People have fun until late, burn torches and bonfires, tell legends. Solstice Day (Midsumar) falls in the middle of summer. It is always celebrated in nature. A pole is decorated with wreaths around which dances, noisy fun are held.
Swedes are very fond of folk festivals and music, both traditional and modern. The country hosts many festivals at which local artists perform. A popular instrument is the violin.
National cuisine
Local dishes bear the imprint of Scandinavian traditions. Smoked and salted products, as well as all kinds of marinades that can be stored for a long time, are preferred. The basis of the diet is fish. There are more than 20 options for cooking herring, which is fried, boiled, pickled, smoked, salted and even fermented in a jar. Caviar served with sauces is popular.
Pea soup and mittballs (meatballs) are considered classic Swedish dishes. Local chefs skillfully cook game, mushrooms, berries. Sweet buns, cookies and pastries 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, then it is quite high. Most residents can speak several foreign languages, of which English and German predominate. In a partner, the Swedes primarily value professionalism. They carefully study business proposals, paying attention to the smallest details.
Diligence, seriousness, restraint and reliability are highly appreciated. The Swedes plan their affairs and meetings in advance, agreeing not only on the start of negotiations, but also on the time for their completion. A delay of more than 3-5 minutes is considered unacceptable. During the negotiations, a relaxed atmosphere is maintained, but no one forgets about subordination.
Often meetings are held not only in the office, but also in the restaurant. Only the most important partners are invited home. The Swedes try not to cross the line between workers and personal relationships, so it’s better to talk on neutral topics. Ironic jokes and inquiries about the interlocutor’s family are considered inappropriate.
Famous personalities
Sweden is the birthplace of great poets and writers. Here, K. M. Belman, E. Tegner, A. Strindberg, S. Lagerlef, V. Muberg, A. Lindgren composed their works. In terms of 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, depicting rural nature and life. An outstanding sculptor was K. Milles. The Park Museum with its works is located in Liding, a suburb of Stockholm.
Speaking about the culture of Sweden, one cannot but recall the legendary ABBA group and the outstanding tenor J. Bierling. A significant contribution to world cinema was made by director I. Bergman. He became famous after the release of the film "A Midsummer Night's Smile."
UNESCO Heritage
The culture of Sweden is not only a 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 XII century on the island of Gotland.
- The 17th century palace complex Drotningholm, in which the Swedish kings lived .
- The oldest Viking settlements in Birka and Hovgorden.
- Engelsberg Iron Plant, founded in the 17th century.
The culture of Sweden has a long history, largely due to the harsh northern climate and the warlike past. Locals are happy to tell visitors about it, demonstrating their hospitality and courtesy.