Peculiar Yet Unknown Swedish
Food Traditions
Food is a big part of Swedish celebrations. No, I will not write about Herring or Fermented Baltic Herring known as Surströmming. Instead, I would like to share the food traditions I like and cherish. Such as Kanelbullens dag, Våffeldagen, and Semmeldagen.
A cozy Friday is Fredagsmys. Ending a busy week with a cozy Friday is a typical way to wind down. Staying at home and eating tacos for dinner.
Have you heard of the tradition of Lördagsgodis? It is customary to eat Lördagsgodis on Saturday. The tradition evolved to control kids’ sweet tooths and limit their candy consumption. The consumption of candy should be limited to Saturdays, and parents should purchase candy for their children as a treat.
In Sweden, pizza is an unexpected specialty. Italian immigrants introduced pizza in the 1940s. Pizzerias were not popular until many decades later, and since then they have been found in every town. Every respectable pizzeria has its own specialties, such as bananas, kebabs, or bearnaise sauce. Let’s talk about bananas. The banana is Sweden’s most consumed fruit.
On 13th December, Santa Lucia is celebrated with Lussebullar (Swedish saffron buns). An example of how weird customs turn into traditions.
Making gingerbread houses and gingerbread cookies at Christmas is a fun tradition. Gingerbread house contests are a real thing here!
Fika
Exactly what is a “fika”? Taking a break, drinking hot beverages, and eating pastries is one of the most Swedish cultural activities. A freshly baked sweet pastry is ideal. It is literally possible to have a fika anytime, anywhere with anyone. Whether at work, at home, in a cafe, or even while hiking in the woods. Fikas are always welcome.
The love for dairy products
Dairy products are another food custom that may not be well known. Filmjölk with muesli or fruit yogurt is a typical breakfast.
When I was growing up in Sweden, I was served milk with lunch at school. Families with children in Sweden drink milk all day long. Swedes love dairy milk. Oatly, oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, and even potato milk are all vegan options these days. Equally cherished and loved by some people.
Alcohol
It is expensive to drink alcoholic beverages in Sweden. First of all, you can only buy stronger alcoholic beverages, above 3.5% in Systembolaget stores. In 1955, the Swedish government established this to control alcohol consumption. To make purchases in these stores, you must be at least 20 years old. It is common practice to check IDs.
If you’re visiting Sweden, either you should spend a lot of money on alcohol, or you should sober up. Have a Vit månad (literally translated as a white month) where you do not consume any alcohol at all.
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