Swedish traditions you need to know about!

Sweden conjures up images of snow and freezing temperatures, serenity and social gatherings. There is a lot more to this fascinating country than meets the eye. A good place to start is by taking a look at some of the Swedish Traditions:

Våffeldagen (Waffle day) 25 March

Dig out your waffle maker! Whilst Waffle Day might not be a solely Swedish tradition, the Swedes are known for making some of the best waffles worldwide with all sorts of tasty toppings. Each year the Swedes celebrate Waffle Day by eating as many waffles topped with whipped cream and jam as they can.

‘Fika’ – coffee break

Fika translates roughly as coffee break. This is one of the first words you’ll need to learn if you visit to Sweden!

Valborg – 30 April – 1 May

This ancient holiday was once a way of warding off evil spirits with large fires but now it is a celebration of the arrival of Spring. Communities across Sweden come together to celebrate with huge bonfires and singing to welcome Spring to the shores.

Nicotine Pouches

Tobacco filled Nicotine Pouches are traditional in Sweden. The concept was first introduced by Swedish Match, who started manufacturing a product that did not taste or smell like tobacco, but provided a good delivery of nicotine. There are numerous flavours such as mint, coffee and cinnamon and a variety of strengths and brands. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine which has been carefully extracted from the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

Meatballs

There are many culinary classics in Sweden. Meatballs must be one of the most well known. Often in the UK we would eat meatballs with pasta but in Sweden you are more likely to find it served with potatoes. This family friendly dish is definitely worth a try!

Midsummer – June

The schools are out and it’s time to celebrate. People leave the city centre to travel to the countryside. A maypole will be erected and the day traditionally starts with picking flowers and making wreaths to place beneath it. It is a day for socialising with friends and family. Get ready for a day of dancing, a day of love, creativity and happiness. It is said that if you pick 7 (or sometimes 9) different kinds of flowers and place them under your pillow you will dream of your future love.

Julafton

The 24 December each year is the date for Swedish Christmas to take place. In many other countries including UK and US this is traditionally Christmas Eve. Swedish Julafton is a time for families and friends to gather, to indulge in lots of delicious food and exchange gifts. The celebrations usually start early in the afternoon when everyone gets together, this is usually followed by dinner (Julbord). After dinner Father Christmas visits. The day ends with present opening and spending more quality time with each other.