Tradition and preservation of a national heritage is what makes the Swedish culture what it is today. This culture is not only a reflection of what is found in the lives of the Swedish people, but also what has been built upon through influence from other countries such as England, Finland, Germany and Russia. This culture does not only exist in Sweden but also the United States as well with over 1.5 million who have immigrated in recent years (1). Many are here in Minnesota. The Swedish culture exhibits a spirit of friendship and a mentality to look toward the future while also preserving the past.
The history of Sweden has deeply rooted itself into the natural environment. The end of the ice age brought most people to this area of Europe and maintained a cyclical way of life that followed the seasons, holidays and personal preferences of the new immigrants. When most people think of Sweden, the first thing that comes to mind is the Vikings. The Vikings have had an amazing impact on the history of Sweden due in part to their employment as traders and founders of some of the greatest cities of medieval Russia (1).
After two centuries when Sweden was on an economic rise, the power of the Vikings in Sweden was replaced by the agricultural industry. Two prominent figures in Swedish history are King Gustav Vasa and Gustav II Adolf. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. Both men were instrumental in leading Sweden into a position as a world power within a few decades. Gustav II Adolf, best known as Gustavus Adolphus, catapulted the kingdom to great power status within a few decades. When he was killed in the Battle of Lutzen in Germany, in 1632, his death left the country in great turmoil and uncertainty. Due largely in part to his death, Sweden has remained neutral in times of war for over two centuries, including the two world wars (2).
Sweden is most well known as home to the world famous Nobel Prize, named for Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite. The Nobel Prize is given each year to excellence in Chemistry, Physics, Medicine or Physiology, Literature and Peace. Sweden is also home to Carolus Linneaus who had succeeded at classifying all the plants and animals into different species giving them individually unique names.
Sweden is deeply rooted in the matters kept closest at heart such as family, religion and traditional holiday celebrations to unite the people. Sweden has one major language, Swedish. Some minorities speak Finnish, Lappish, Norwegian, Arabic and Danish. Most Swedes can also speak English. However, Swedish still remains the official language.
The daily life of the Swedish people are very comparative to the American life-style that we are accustomed to here in the United States. Because of the low fertility rate in the country, the family units are very small. The school day begins at 8:15 AM and concludes by 3:30 PM. Because of the exceptional education system, Sweden has a literacy rate of 99% (3). Children begin attending school at the age of six and learn Swedish and math. At the age of 9, a child will begin learning English, the sciences (like physics, biology, chemistry or geography), social studies, sports, health, arts and crafts. More than half of the countries children under the age of six are in day-care. Most children stay in school until they are 18.
More than half of the countries children under the age of six are in daycare. Many adults are employed in industrial occupations and office work in the public sector. People in rural areas of Sweden still farm as a major means of employment. The majority of Swedes, 74%, are employed in the service industry (3).
Only a portion of Swedes attends church on a regular basis with 87% of the population being of the Lutheran faith (1). In the past, religion greatly shaped the course of the country. Lutheranism was the family center and three of out four children were baptized. Today, the focus of religion has been lost and instead the values of the people are influenced by mass media and television (2). The rest of the country participates in worship services only on holidays. Favorite pastimes are very focused toward the environment as they are people of nature.
) They love forests, swimming, sailing, snowmobiles, ice fishing, dirt biking and the Laplanders (an ethnical-minority in Sweden, Norway and Finland) likes dog sledding and uses helicopters to assist them in herding reindeer that are somewhat domesticated in Sweden. Since much of Sweden borders the sea and there are a lot of lakes, and since the water is often crystal clear and the summer holidays are long, Swedish children are very avid fishermen (2). Many of the fish in Swedish waters are perch. Catching pike and salmon are also common while fishing in the powerful rivers.
Holiday tradition plays an important role in the lives of the people throughout the country. Many of the holidays are focused around religious traditions such as St. Lucia. At the lightest time of the year, Sweden has sunshine almost 24 hours a day. But, six months later in December, it's dark for most of the day. Then everyone lights candles. On December 13th each year on St. Lucia’s Day, very early in the morning, every school in the country is illuminated by candlelight (2). The Queen of Light leads a slow graceful procession, singing traditional songs with all the maidens. Food is also very common at holiday celebrations including Swedish meatballs, lutefisk, flat bread and various sweet breads.
Recently Sweden has been plagued with rising unemployment rates and high costs of maintaining their country. Sweden has also been faced with a declining position as a world power (1). Modern day Sweden continues to have a worldwide reputation for advancing social welfare policies as a result of the countries strong industrial achievements and economic good fortune in this century. Sweden’s medical system is among the best in the world as they have alleviated the costs to the consumer through their tax system. Sweden is still a land of the people who take great pride in their natural environment and take pride in the beauty of it all while keeping what is near and dear to them always a top priority.
Written By: Wendy Dahring
Bibliography:
“Culture.” The Sweden Information Smorgasbord. http://www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/culture/index.html 6 Sept. 2000.
“Sweden.” http://www.gosweden.org. 6 Sept. 2000.
“Sweden.” CIA- The World Factbook 2000. http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sw.html 20 Nov. 2000.
Picture of Royal Family: http://www.royalcourt.se/net/Royal+Court/The+Royal+Family