Swedish Culture (Part 7) - Key words

Key words

            The official language in Sweden is svenska (Swedish). However, there are minority languages that are also spoken in the country, such as Finnish, Meänkieli, Sami language, Romani and Yiddish. Besides, there are dialects in the boards with Finland, Norway and Denmark. The minority languages are respected in the country, a clear example about it is the existence of songbooks (book with hymns sung in services) in Sami language and Finnish in the cities with many speakers of these languages.

            There are three words in Swedish that there is not exact translation to other languages, since they are loaded with meaning for the Swedes.

One of these words is Fika, it may be definite as a snack which can be done by anyone, in anywhere, anytime. However, it is not just a snack. It is a moment of socialization in the family, religious community, school, group meetings, and work and with friends. Swedish society is considered individualistic when compared with other societies as Brazilian society (which is said to be collectivistic, but it is a change process). So, in this way, Fika time is deeply important and significant, because it is the time that people have to exchange ideas and simply talk to each other. The most popular Fika is a cup of coffee and Kanelbullar.

Fika 

            Other important word is Varsågod, which can be translated as “you’re welcome” and “continue”. This word is said to answer when someone says Tack (thank you, in Swedish). It is also used when somebody cooks a meal; it is polite that who is sitting around the table waits for who has cooked/ set the table says Varsågod, only then they serve themselves. This situation happens not just in the families, but also in restaurants too, because generally the waiters (if there is in the restaurant) when they deliver the food on the tables, they also say Varsågod. When you have finished your meal, especially inside the families, those who had been eaten say “Tack” to the person who cooked/ served the meal.        

            Swedes like so much to say Tack. As when someone is going to thank other for something, as to ask, solicit or compare something. Thereby, it is common to hear in restaurants and stores, the clients ask what they want and say “thank you”. If someone is asking information on the streets also is important to say “thank you” together the question. 

            It is possible to say that the third word almost represents Swedish society. Lagom, which means “appropriate” or “moderate” is what Swedish society waits for each Swede person, about his behavior. Sometimes, a Swede person may feel suspicious when somebody praise in excess, because he/she thinks he/she is doing just enough, just his/her part that must be done; and, as it is his/her obligation, he/she does not need a “moral recompense”, in other words, a praise. Of course, it is said about a general observation of society, however, each person is unique and is formed by a lot of influences.

            It does not mean that Swedes do not like praises and they do not look for acknowledgment in their area of work. Sometimes, someone who tries to stand out too much is not well regarded by society, as it is expected to moderate behavior.   

            This situation can be more well understand with examples. If, inside a group of friends, one of them makes dinner and the other begin to praise too much, who cooked probably will think “Is it really good? Why are praising so much?” If your computer or other machine broken and you know that your neighbor can repair, when you ask, probably he will answer that “well, can try to repair”, however both know that he will repair it.

Swedish Culture (Part 6) - Sami People

Sami People

            Sami is an indigenous people who live in the middle and north part of Sweden and Norway, some parts of Finland and Russia. Sami people are not the only indigenous people in Scandinavia, but it is the most known. This people are originally semi-nomadic, they have been lived in Arctic zone, and some of them continue in this way, just with some new technological things. However, nowadays, it is also possible to find them in cities and incorporated in local culture.

Homeland of the Sami People

            To tell you the truth, there are not just one Sami people with unique language. There are differentiations into this group called Sami. They have etymology, history, customs, clothes, traditions, beliefs and lifestyle that were incorporated (a small piece) by Swedish people.

Sami flag

              The reindeer herding is legally reserved just for Sami people in Sweden, in other words, in theory all reindeer in the country belong to this people. In northern Sweden is possible to feel the influence of these peoples. There is even a Sami museum in Jokkmokk city. The historical province of Lappland, region in the extreme northern Sweden, is one of the areas that there are more Samis in Sweden. The municipalities of Gällivare, Jokkmokk and Arjeplog were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, as a "Laponian Area", in other words, a Sami people space.

Sami People Museum

Typical Clothes

Website about Sami People:   http://www.nordnorge.com/en/sapmi/?News=57

Swedish Culture (Part 5) - Food and Nature

Foods and nature

           

            Swedes are open mind to accept new cultures live together in their country; however they also preserve their culture.  Some eating habits and traditions can be found nationwide. But there are many others found only in certain localities. How, for example, a special type of cheese produced and consumed only in the cities to the border with Finland. Both in Sweden and in Finland is possible to find this cheese that is sold in small cubes and people put into the cup of coffee, after have drunk the coffee, have eaten the cheese which will be softened.

            Practically in all Sweden is possible to find people in a Fika (like a snack), eating Kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) with a big cup of coffee, generally without sugar and milk (but there is the disposal of those who want). These cinnamon rolls (small breads) are typical of the country and appreciated for a big part of population. They are one of the touristic symbols of the country and, in consequence, very consumed for tourists too. There is no way to go to Sweden in order to know the culture and not experiment one. Besides to cinnamon, there is other ingredient that makes human olfaction recognizes them, it is the cardamom.

Kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls)

              Prinsesstårta (princess cake) is a typical cake from Sweden and much appreciated especially at birthdays, weddings, baptisms and other festivities. Originally made with green topping, round and with edible flowers. Nowadays it is possible to find with other colors and shapes, including cupcake. It is certainly one of the jewels of Swedish cuisine.

Princess Cake

            Dinner is the most important meal of the day, in second position is breakfast and lastly the lunch. Sometimes, people do not have the custom to have lunch, they just have a snack in this time of the day. Since the majority of the work schedules starts around 8 a.m. and finishes around 17 p.m., with three intervals. One for Fika, generally 10 a.m.; other for lunch, which is around one hour; and, the last one, for other Fika, generally 15 p.m. Rules of the country regulate that, in general, people should work eight hours every day. Of course, there are some professions require other schedules, like policemen and doctors in hospitals.  

Fika

            No doubt, feeding the country is based on potatoes. There are potatoes is the majority of dinners. There are a lot of dishes made of just accompanied with potatoes. Generally, foods are raw in salads. They eat a variety of beans in salad. Meats are little consumed, the most common are beef, reindeer, moose, fish and salmon.

Always potatos!

            Due to country climate, a big part of foods are imported, especially in winter. So, in supermarkets are showed below the name of the products, their origin. For instance: bananas from Costa Rica, olives from Greece and lemons from Brazil. Although the high per capita income, food is the most expensive area in Sweden, because of it, the shopping is moderate.

            Swedes are very worried about keeping their health in a good condition, because of this so much cares in food and practice sports in a regular way.

            The Swedish people have a special relationship with sun and nature. The relationship with sun is because of they have very long winters and some days are almost completely dark. Therefore, if it is a sunny day, even temperatures below 10°C, it is possible to see Swedes (especially those who lives in the north) taking “sunbathe” worn with jackets.

Sweden

There is a law which allows walking through the forest without you need an authorization to enter. In a practice way, people are free to walk through the forest and make a Fika without need authorizations, but they need to preserve the place, of course. This is a way that government has found to guarantee what Swedes like so much: walk in the open air.

Due to the influences of pagan religions, until today, Swedes preserve the respect for nature and conserve a good part of their forests.

Swedish humor also is influenced by seasons. So, spring is considered, for a lot of people, the happiest season in the year, since plants are bearing again, flowers start to blossom, animals appear – especially the birds – and people are going to have all summer with a lot of sunny hours to have fun.

In summer happen big parties outside and it is possible, for example, enjoying beaches in the West Coast, which are warmer than the East Coast. The biggest and most important popular party is Midsommar (summer solstice, or midsummer), that is celebrated nationwide with typical food, dances and folk music.

In autumn, landscape starts to change and takes an orange tone and when Swedes see plants “are dying”, they start to be sad, downcast. In winter, especially in the north part of the country, life becomes harder, due to darkness, the amount of snow and cold. Of course, there are winter sports and activities. But, the majority of Swedes prefer summer. 

Winter in Sweden 

Swedish Culture (Part 4) - Church of Sweden

Church of Sweden

           The official religion in Sweden is Lutheranism, which was adopted by King Gustav I of Sweden, more known in Sweden as King Gustav Vasa. Svenska Kyrkan (Church of Sweden) took part of State of Sweden until January 1st, 2000, in other words, every Swedes were considered members of Church of Sweden. Despite it is not more directly connected to State, nevertheless changes are slow and need that people incorporate them.  

     The region where today is Sweden already had other religions, such as paganism, that was substituted by Catholicism, which was really established just in 11th century. King Gustav Vasa decided to introduce the Lutheranism in Sweden and cut relationships with papacy of Catholic Church, headquartered in Rome. Between 1521 and 1531 happened the change, officially. However, several sectors of society did not agree, since in a practice way, services (cults) were very similar to Catholic worship. And, moreover because they knew the real reason of Protestant Reformation in Sweden (King decided to adopted Protestantism), was to secure control over the church and its assets (properties and gold in churches).

           According to official data in 2009, 71% of Swedish population took part of Church of Sweden, giving the country the title of “most Lutheran country in the world” in relation to percentage of members. Nevertheless, many of these members are just in the statistics, since less than 10% of members regularly attend religious activities.      

            Other religions also can be expressed in Sweden. These religions already have presented considerable numbers. Such as Catholics (they are around 1.9%) and Pentecostals (around 1%).  And, other religions (Islamism, Judaism, Orthodox Church and others) summed reach about 11% of the Swedish population.

            Nowadays, it can notice in Swedish Lutheran population a particular view as regards to religion. There is influence from Paganism, Roman Catholicism and local customs, thus, a Lutheranism adapted to Swedish people, a Swedish Lutheranism. Paganism influence can be noticed in the respect and care for nature. For instance, whether it is a beauty sunny Sunday, many Swedish prefer to walk in the forest and think about nature than go to the services.

            Roman Catholic influence can be seen in imagery and the existence of some saints (whatsoever they are not worshiped as Roman Catholicism). Like, for example, Saint Bridget of Sweden, religious leader prior to adoption of Lutheranism in the country. This nun, who later became a saint, is the founder of the Catholic convent of Vadstena, which still exists today. She also designed the Vadstena Cathedral, which later was built and it is the fourth largest cathedral in Sweden.

Swedish population is deeply tolerant and respectful when talk about religion. Fact almost controversial, once the “believe in God” is questioned by the majority of people. Due to big percentage of Swedish who declare themselves atheist, researches indicate numbers between 17 and 70%.

Gammelstad Church Town,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 1996

 Therefore, even within the universe of those take part of Church of Sweden; a part believes more in church social actions than religious thoughts. For this group, church is more like an authority social work than an authority related to theological base.

The national office of Church of Sweden is located in Uppsala city, due to historical importance of this place. Next, is also the Uppsala Domkyrka (Cathedral), which is the largest Gothic cathedral in Sweden and in all Scandinavia, which was founded in 1285. The second largest in Sweden is in Linköping (founded in 1250). 

Uppsala Domkyrka (Cathedral)

Swedish Church Website:  https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/

Swedish Culture (Part 3) - A bit of history

Sweden

 A journey through Swedish culture

A bit of history

            Archaeologists say that the area that today correspond to Swedish territory, started to be occupied for hunters and collector peoples in the Stone Age, after the last Ice Age. A long time later, during the Bronze Age, it was the turn of commercial peoples occupied the south part of the country, since was found remains of commercial cities.

            A truly important people that lived in this region, in the 7^th century, was Viking people. They left a big contribution in maritime technology and in building of cities. More than just that, the Swedish people are Viking descents. So, it is still possible to find Viking features in Swedes nowadays. The called Viking Age, between 9^th and 11^th centuries, was not just in Sweden, because this people lived in Scandinavia peninsula and nearby lands.   

            Kalmar Union was a moment in the Swedish history in that Sweden, Norway and Denmark were together under a same monarch. But, in 1523, Gustav Eriksson Vasa, who later would be called like King Gustav I of Sweden, the first Vasa King (Vasa Dynasty), he removed Kingdom of Sweden from that union and also introduced the Protestantism like a official religion. Sweden still took part of some wars, the Thirty Years War, for example.

            However, nowadays, Swedish people are a peaceful people who do not take part in military conflicts. The last war was in 1814, in the Campaign against Norway, which establish a union under Swedish control. This union was dissolved in 1905, in a peaceful way. However, the pass of the years made Norway became richer that Sweden, due to discovery of oil in Norwegian territory. Norway has a HDI (Human Development Index) higher than Sweden has. This situation makes some Swedish wish a united kingdom with Norway came back, through weddings between royal families.

Greater coat of arms of Sweden

            Sweden takes part of European Union, but it does not use Euro like its currency. The country preferred to conserve own currency, Svensk krona (Swedish krona). However, their currency is more devalued that Euro, nowadays. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and also is the biggest city of the country, followed by Malmö and Göteborg.

Göteborg

Cultura Sueca (parte 3)

Suécia

Uma viagem pela cultura sueca

Um pouco de história...

            Arqueólogos dizem quem a área que hoje corresponde ao território sueco, começou a ser ocupada por povos caçadores e coletores na Idade da Pedra, depois da última glaciação. Após, durante a Idade do Bronze foi a vez de povos comerciais ocuparem o sul do país, uma vez que foram achadas ruínas de cidades comerciais. 

            Um povo muito importante que ocupou a região, a partir do século VI, foi o Viking. Tal povo deixou uma grande contribuição na tecnologia marítima e na construção de cidade. Mais do que isso, os suecos são descendentes deste povo. Então, ainda é possível encontrar traços deles nos dias atuais.  A chamada Era Viking, entre os séculos IX e XI, não ficou apenas na Suécia, uma vez que esse povo ocupava a península escandinava e áreas próximas.

Antigo barco Viking 

            A União Kalmar foi um momento da história em que a Suécia, Noruega e Dinamarca estiveram unidas sob o domínio de um único monarca. Mas, em 1523, Gustav Eriksson Vasa, que mais tarde ficou conhecido como Rei Gustav I da Suécia, o primeiro rei Vasa, retirou a Coroa sueca desta união e ainda introduziu o Protestantismo como religião oficial.  A Suécia ainda participou de algumas guerras, como a Guerra dos 30 anos.  

Rei Gustav Vasa da Suécia

            Entretanto, na atualidade o povo sueco é um povo pacífico que não se envolve em conflitos militares. A última guerra ocorreu em 1814, na Campanha Contra a Noruega, que estabeleceu uma união controlada pela Suécia. Tal junção foi desfeita em 1905, pacificamente. No entanto, o passar dos anos fez com que a Noruega se tornasse mais rica do que a Suécia, devido ao descobrimento de poços de petróleo em seu território. A Noruega apresenta um IDH (Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano) superior ao da Suécia. Tal situação faz com que muitos suecos desejem a volta de um estado unido com a Noruega, por meio do casamento das famílias reais.

            A Suécia faz parte da União Europeia, mas não adotou o euro como moeda. O país preferiu conservar a sua moeda, a coroa sueca. No entanto, a moeda é mais desvalorizada do que o euro, nos dias atuais. A capital do país é Estocolmo, a qual é também a maior cidade, seguida de Malmö e Gotemburgo.

Malmö

Swedish Culture (Part 2)

Sverige (Sweden), a Nordic country, it has an extremely rich history and culture. There is centuries it is a monarchy; however, nowadays, constitutional monarchy, in other words, the Royal Family is more representative that administrator. It is because of the premier is who really governs the country. This country lived wars, lost lands, and attempt of invasion. Despite that, they are a peaceful people, who are not involved in the conflicts nowadays. 

 

Swedes are descent of Viking people. This last lived in the land that today is called Sweden, around in the seventh century.  It is possible, even nowadays, recognize some features of Viking people in the faces and lifestyle of Swedish people. There is a city, in south part of the country, called Vikingstad, that the city’s name means city of Vikings. In this city and nearby have been found a lot of stones with writings made by Viking people. Some of these stones are very near of churches and other stones are along the roads.

In the present time, Swedish culture was influenced by American and British cultures. However, nowadays, it is not just for these cultures, since the population is in transformation. There are around twenty years ago, it has been started to enter a lot of immigrants in Sweden, these people are especially from Eastern Europe and Middle East. Nowadays, the immigrant population represents around twenty percent of population who lives in Sweden. And, it is not a surprise, they brought their culture, lifestyle and religion. Their children, despite they are Swedish people, they also carry the influences from parents’ origin.    

There is diversity about the customs between who lives in southern, middle and northern. These differences are felt when someone lives in the regions; but, the differences are not strong enough to mischaracterize the Swedish people. Small habits like, for instance, put the saucer over the cup, it means that you do not want more coffee or tea; and, make noises with the mouth, these sounds represent the words “yes” and “no”, you can find in the northern.

        

    Country’s geography influences in the culture. Like Sweden is in the Scandinavian Peninsula, a small part of the Swedish lands are inside of the Arctic Polar Circle, in other words, in the North Polar Zone. But, the majority of the country is in North Temperate Zone. The continental climate, there are the four seasons. Including, in the winter time, there is snow. In the extreme north of the country, temperatures in the winter may be -40°C (-40°F) and in the summer hardly ever they pass over 25°C (77°F). This way, people needed to suit to natural conditions. This adjustment can be notice in some habits, like spend a lot of time inside the houses and enjoy as much as possible sunny days. 

Stockholm

Cultura Sueca (parte 2)

Sverige (Suécia, em sueco), um país nórdico, possui história e cultura riquíssimas. Há séculos é uma monarquia; entretanto, hoje em dia, monarquia constitucional, ou seja, a família real é mais representativa do que administradora. Uma vez que o primeiro-ministro é quem governa. Tal país vivenciou guerras, perdeu territórios e tentativas de invasão. Apesar disso, é um povo pacífico que não se envolve nos conflitos da atualidade.

Os suecos são descendentes do povo Viking. Esses últimos viveram por volta do século VII no território onde hoje é a Suécia. É possível, ainda hoje reconhecer traços dos Vikings nas feições e no modo de vida do povo sueco.  Há uma cidade, no sul do país, chamada Vikingstad, que quer dizer cidade dos Vikings. Nessa cidade e proximidades foram achadas várias pedras com escritos feitos pelos Vikings. Algumas dessas pedras estão próximas a igrejas e outras na beira das estradas.

A cultura, na atualidade, é influenciada pela cultura americana e inglesa. Entretanto, não somente por essas, uma vez que a população do país está em transformação. Há cerca de vinte anos, começou a entrar muitos imigrantes no país, originados especialmente do Leste Europeu e do Oriente Médio. Hoje em dia, essa população imigrante representa cerca de 20% da população que vive na Suécia.  E, como não é surpresa, eles trouxeram sua cultura, modo de vida e religião. Os filhos, apesar de suecos, carregam as influencias do local de origem dos pais.

Há uma diversidade nos costumes daqueles que vivem ao sul, centro e norte. Tais diferenças são sentidas quando se convive nas regiões; mas, não são fortes o suficiente para descaracterizar o povo sueco.  Pequenos hábitos como colocar o pirex em cima da xícara em sinal que não se quer mais café ou chá e fazer ruídos com a boca representando as palavras “sim” e “não” podem ser encontrados no norte do país.

A geografia do país influencia na cultura, por estar na península escandinava, uma pequena parte do território está dentro do Círculo Polar Ártico, ou seja, na Zona Polar do Norte. Mas, a maior parte do país está na Zona Temperada do Norte. O clima Continental, no qual ocorrem as quatro estações. Inclusive, no inverno, ocorrência de neve. No extremo norte do país, as temperaturas no inverno podem chegar a -40°C e no verão dificilmente passam de 25°C. Assim, o povo precisou adaptar-se as condições naturais. Essa adaptação pode ser percebida em alguns hábitos, como passar muito tempo dentro das casas e aproveitar ao máximos os dias ensolarados.

Bandeira da Suécia

Swedish Culture (Part 1)

           Sweden, differently than a lot of people think, it is a country that has a very rich and diversified culture.  For being a country with around 450,295 sq km and highly large, it is possible find big differences between who lives in the north part and in the south part. Knowing another country and observe customs, lifestyle, rhythm of the cities and people’s point of view is a unique experience.

            Because of having the opportunity to take part of Exchange Program Ung i den världsvida kyrkan (Young in the Worldwide Church) and have lived during three months in the country, I am delighted with Swedish culture. This program is promoted by Church of Sweden, in partnership with Evangelic Church of Lutheran Confession in Brazil, Lutheran Church in Costa Rica, Independent Church in the Philippines and Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

            Swedish population is in a transformation, due to input many immigrants, especially in the last twenty years. It is possible to see, in a subtle way, the influence of new peoples – including Brazilians – who are present nowadays in Swedish land. In spite of Swedish people is open mind about new things, they also preserve their customs, popular parties and traditions. 

Cultura sueca (parte 1)

A Suécia, diferentemente do que muitos pensam, é um país o qual possui uma cultura riquíssima e diversificada. Por ser um país com cerca de 450 295 km² e muito extenso, é possível encontrar grandes diferenças entre aqueles que vivem ao norte e ao sul.  Conhecer outro país e observar os costumes, o modo de vida, o ritmo das cidades e a visão das pessoas é uma experiência única.

Por ter tido a oportunidade de participar do Programa de Intercâmbio Ung i den världsvida kyrkan (Jovens na Igreja Mundial, em sueco) e vivido por três meses no país, encantei-me pela cultura sueca. Tal programa é promovido pela Igreja da Suécia, em parceria com a Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil, Igreja Luterana da Costa Rica, Igreja Independente das Filipinas e Igreja Luterana da Tanzânia.  

            A população sueca está em transformação, devido à entrada de tantos imigrantes, especialmente nos últimos 20 anos. É possível ver, de forma sutil, a influência dos novos povos – inclusive brasileiros - agora presentes no território sueco. Apesar de ser aberto a novidades, o povo sueco preserva os costumes, festas populares e tradições.