Swedish Culture

SWEDISH CULTURE
A PRESENTATION BY GROUP 3
TOPICS AND SUB TOPICS
1. What is Swedish culture
2. Religious beliefs
3. Manner of Dressing
4. Food
5. Marriage Customs
6. Philosophy and Values
7. Forms of Communication
What is Swedish Culture?
Characteristics: Swedes are
egalitarian in nature, humble and find
boasting absolutely unacceptable
One of the most notable aspects of
Swedish culture is their respect for  Country in the Northeastern
the environment and commitment to Europe. Between Finland and
sustainability. Norway, part of Scandinavian
Peninsula.
They are a global leader in organic
agriculture, recycling, and renewable  Fourth biggest country in Europe
energy.
 The Capital is Stockholm.
 Ethnicities: Swedish, Finnish, Greek,
Danish, Norwegian, Turkish, and
more.
Religious beliefs
Sweden has a diverse cultural landscape, and
religious beliefs in the country reflect this diversity.
 Lutheranism - Dominant religion of the Sweden.
 Secularism - separation of religion and civil affairs
 Religious Diversity - Sweden is home to a variety of
religious and spiritual beliefs.
Religious Celebrations
Christmas: Sweden has a unique Christmas tradition called “Julbok”, where a
goat made of straw is often placed in homes for good luck during holiday
seasons.
Includes church services, advent calendars, and lighting of advent candles, and
decoration of Christmas trees.
Midsummer: a traditional Swedish holiday with both pagan and Christian
routes. People
RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS
CHRISTMAS MIDSUMMER
Manner of dressing
TRADITIONAL CLOTHING
FOLKDRAKT- traditional costumes that are SAMI CLOTHING – Sami people have their
worn for special occasions or festivals. own traditional clothing such as “Gakti”.
Manner of Dressing
Casual Outfits Layering Outfits
FOODS
SWEDEN FOODS
Sweden's food culture centers on local
produce, but many classic dishes have
international roots. As early as the 17th
century, French influences started creeping into
Swedish cuisine, giving rise to the rich. creamy
sauces loved by Swedes still today.
With Sweden's strong history in trading, exotic
spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, anise and
saffron found their way into popular Swedish
baked goods like the cinnamon bun and ginger
bread cookies
FOODS
PEA SOUP AND PANCAKES PYTT I PANNA
Add a Slide Title - 4
PICKLED HERRING SWEDISH MEATBALLS
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS
Swedish marriage customs have evolved
over time, and modern Swedish weddings
often combine traditional elements with
more contemporary practices. Here are
some common customs and traditions
associated with Swedish weddings:
Click icon to add picture 1.PROPOSAL
Proposal:
Traditionally, the
man would propose
to the woman.
However, in modern
times, proposals can
happen in various
ways and may be
initiated by either
partner.
3.Wedding
Ceremony
Swedish weddings
are typically held in
churches or other
venues. The
ceremony can be
religious or secular,
depending on the
couple's beliefs.
4. WEDDING
CROWN
In some regions,
the bride wears a
traditional bridal
crown, often
adorned with
flowers or other
decorations.
5. PROCESSION
The wedding
procession includes
the bride and groom,
as well as their
attendants and
guests. The couple
might walk together to
the ceremony venue
or arrive separately.
6. Wedding
Banquet
After the ceremony, a

wedding banquet or
reception is held,
where guests enjoy a
meal together,
speeches, and
celebration.
7. Toastmasters
Swedish weddings
often have designated
toastmasters who
lead the event,
entertain the guests,
and facilitate various
activities.
8. Cake Cutting
Cutting the wedding
cake is a common
tradition, symbolizing
the couple's first joint
task as a married
couple.
9. Dancing and
Music
Dancing and music
play a significant role
in Swedish wedding
celebrations.
Traditional folk
dances and modern
music are both
enjoyed.
10. Wedding
Dances
The bride and groom
may participate in
specific wedding
dances, such as the
"brudvals" (bridal waltz)
and "brudpolska"
(bride's polka).
11. Wedding
Speeches:
It's customary for
family members and
friends to give
speeches and toasts
during the reception.
PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES
 Swedes often use the word “Lagom” which
means “not too much not too little - just right.”
 Swedes are very modest and they refer to
Sweden’s informal code of modesty as
jantelagen( law of jante).
 Swedes are Egalitarian in nature.
 Swedish people are nature lovers.
Forms of Communication
VERBAL and NON -VERBAL
Communication Style:
Communication in Sweden is participative, with everyone
encouraged to share their perspective. There is a tendency for
Swedes to avoid conflict or confrontation and refrain from raising
their voice or showing anger. Rather, one may show anger by looking
away or stopping talking.
Verbal
 Interruption: It is considered rude to interrupt someone during a
conversation.
 Silence: Moments of silence are rarely seen as awkward in Sweden. In turn,
Swedes don’t tend to rush to fill periods of silence in conversation.
 Pronouns: In 2015, the official dictionary of the Swedish language was
updated to include a third, gender-neutral pronoun.
NON - VERBAL
 Personal Space: Many Swedes value their personal space and do not
appreciate it being invaded by others.
 Physical Contact: Traditionally, Swedes seldom embraced in public or put
their arm around another. However, this is changing, and people are
becoming more casual.
 Eye Contact: Eye contact is an important element of conversation.
 Gestures: Swedes tend not to use excessive hand gestures when speaking

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SWEDISH CULTURE

After the ceremony, a

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