In most cultures across the globe, people have habits and quirks that make perfect sense in that particular country but that can totally baffle a newbie. Swedes are no exception and have certain lifestyle codes which can be good for newbies in Sweden to keep track of. As a newbie, it can sometimes be hard […]
traditions
How to act like a typical Swede
Unsocial, cold and candy lovers is often how people describe the Swedes. However, I had noticed many more things in Sweden, but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. I decided to really pay attention to the Swedes around me and wrote down everything I noticed. Here is 5 things to know on how […]
Swedish Playlists for the Holiday Spirit
The end of the year is here and we yearn for the white winter. It is almost like the way they celebrate Christmas Eve and New Year in every other country — the festive lights and red-white decorations surround you. Except, it’s freezing cold and the nights are darker and longer here. Yes, you know […]
Is there such a thing as something genuinely Swedish?
With the winter solstice around the corner and the streets waiting for snow glistening like Christmas cards, the Swedes are turning inwards, in space and time. Knowing there is no way we can overcome the darkness, we embrace it. We collect and bring home warming fragrances of citrus, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, saffron, conifer needles. Stars […]
Christmas in Sweden
Christmas time is here, finally, many of us think. But look around you. If you live in Sweden you probably know someone who actually doesn’t celebrate Christmas. I had never thought about it until I had a Swedish class in which we discussed celebrations and festivities. There and then, I understood that those who do […]
Sweet Swedish Days
Have you heard of special food days such as fettisdagen, våffeldagen or even kanelbullens dag? As a newbie myself, finding out that such days exists just amazes me! Traditionally, there are various types of sweet stuff that are consumed by Swedes on certain days throughout the year. Fettisdagen – the Swedish cream bun day It is […]
Weddings in Sweden – What to expect?
Wedding parties are a great way to observe and learn about the culture of a country. From the multiple-day long weddings of India, to the all-you-can-eat banquets of Portugal, or the more spontaneous ceremonies of Las Vegas, they are all a show of local habits, social behaviours, and family relations in that particular place. Sweden […]
What food is traditionally Swedish?
“What food is traditionally Swedish?” is probably the most asked questions when I go abroad. I never know how to reply. I have asked other Newbies and even Swedish friends but they don’t seem to be sure on that either. What is Swedish traditional food? Ikea has popularised Swedish meatballs all over the world, and […]
What is considered healthy in Sweden?
Food is fascinating in many ways. Of course, eating it – I am a huge fan of this activity, but also as a manifestation of culture. Everyone who has been homesick must know how much the food of the place you call home means. And what efforts you will go through to re-create a dish from […]
The mystery of the Swedish identity during the summer holidays
Sweden is infamous for shutting down during the summer months, and often earlier – and longer, than in most European countries. Why is that so, and what consequences does it it have? The answers are called industrisemester and sommarlov. These are two heavily institutionalised concepts that are deeply ingrained in our work culture and personal […]
The Swedish attitude to weather
However much I have lived abroad and worked with people from all over the world, I am still painfully Swedish, especially when it comes to my relationship to weather. And I am not only talking about going for a walk in rain without grasping the absurdity such a stupid enterprise. I am talking about the fact that right […]
What to expect from a Swedish visitor
Although you might see Swedish cities full of cafés and bars that are frequented all day and night, many Swedes would argue that the best place to meet and hang out with friends is still at home. I would even say that many otherwise seemingly reserved Swedes warm up a little bit in a nice, […]
