Swedish Culture
How to explain Swedish culture? One part of the culture is of course the Swedish way of being and doing things. Some people coming here find Swedes quiet and introvert at first. Although only a small minority actively participates and attends church, Sweden has a strong Lutheran tradition that has taught us to be modest, democratic and try to avoid sticking out. This, of course, does not mean that Swedes are no fun at all. Maybe you have to give us some extra time to get to know you and likewise for you to get to know us. But once you do make Swedish friends, they usually stick with you for life. You will see that most people in Sweden love to learn new things and discuss different subject. We love to socialize with our friends and families at dinner parties or just meeting for a "fika", drink coffee and chat.
Traditions
Another other part of the Swedish culture is all our traditions that we have throughout the year. If you arrive to Sweden in August you will probably be invited to "Kräftfest". This is a dinner party where we feast on crayfish that you can catch in the lakes during this time of year and it is usually accompanied with special accessories and songs.
In December we do have quite a few celebrations. One of the best know Swedish traditions during this time is "Lucia". On the 13th of December we celebrate the memory of Saint Lucia. A women dressed in white wearing a candle crown, together with other women and men, also dressed in white, comes singing bringing the light into the dark December. So, on the 13th make sure to visit a church where you will be able to take part of this tradition.
We celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December. On this day families are gathering, having dinner and handing out gifts. Already in advent, the first Sunday in December we start the countdown for Christmas. Each Sunday in December we light a candle and by Christmas we have four candles burning.
Another big holiday is Easter, when families gather and children dress out as eastern hags and by knocking on neighbours’ doors getting candy in trade for a home made card. Often children gets "eggs" filled with candy, said to be brought by the Easter bunny.
In June we celebrate midsummer, a celebration of the summer and of the season of light. Usually this is also a gathering with family and friends where you eat together, on the table it's served a pickled herring that we call "sill" and early potatoes. We will also gather outside to dance and sing around a maypole. This tradition, as many others, is hard to explain to the full extent, you simply have to come to Sweden and experience it yourself!
