Swedish Daily Life
A look at the traditional lifestyles, housing, clothing, and cuisine of Sweden.
Traditional Lifestyles of Sweden
The people of medieval Sweden are commonly associated with seafaring adventures, but life at home tended to be more mundane. Agriculture has formed the basis of Swedish society for about 6,000 years, supported by a smaller pool of skilled tradesmen and merchants. The typical free man or woman lived and worked on an independent farmstead. They grew and produced much of their own food, clothing, and utensils. Because serfdom never spread as a major social institution in Sweden, land was often privately owned and changed hands frequently. This led to a somewhat higher social standing for its common people than the rest of Europe, balanced by the relatively harsh climate of Scandinavia.
Swedish Diets and Cuisine
Historically, Swedish diets varied by region. Cold northern areas supported little agriculture compared to the warmer south. As a result, their residents relied more on meat products, including reindeer and fish. Long ocean voyages and short growing seasons encouraged the preservation of foods, especially fish and cabbage. Farmers grew mainly grain crops, which they baked into a variety of breads and porridges. Dairy also played an important role in traditional Swedish cuisine. The potato, introduced in the 16th century, has since become another dietary staple.
Today, the people of Sweden enjoy rich and varied diets. Their meals may be based on old staples or imported from other cultures. Some of the most well known Swedish dishes include meatballs, pickled herring, salmon, dumplings, smoked eel, breads, pancakes, and pastries. Crayfish, once a delicacy, are popular in late summer. Certain foods are associated with specific days of the week, such as pea soup and pancakes on Thursdays. Sweets include sweet breads, candies, and fruit soups. Lingonberries, which grow wild through much of the country, accompany many dishes as a jam. A large spread of these traditional foods is known as a smörgåsbord.
Historic Housing of Sweden
Most ancient and medieval Swedish families lived in timber or wattle-and-daub longhouses. These homes were often part of a larger farming compound and could be up to 90 feet long. They might have turf roofs for insulation or use thatch. Each house contained several rooms for the family, as well as a byre for livestock in the northern regions. This was done to keep both families and their animals warm. In other cases, multiple buildings were used as separate living, work, and storage quarters. Southern homes tended to organize around a central courtyard, with a building on each side.
Modern Sweden is famous for its red and white cottages, a tradition stretching back centuries. The red paint was an abundant byproduct of Sweden’s copper mining industry based in Falun. “Falun red” is still popular and widely used within the country.
Swedish Fashion
Sweden’s folk costumes are derived from earlier peasant dress, the details of which changed from town to town. As a general rule, women wore colorful vests over white cotton blouses with a skirt, while men wore a similar shirt and vest with trousers. One famous Swedish folk outfit, the Sundborn costume, was invented in 1902 by local artists. While not strictly authentic, the Sundborn costume was meant to encapsulate Swedish folk dress for those who had lost their older customs. It can be recognized by its green vest, striped skirt, and red apron. These outfits may still be worn on holidays or special occasions, though the vast majority of Swedish people now wear Western apparel.
Modern Lifestyles of Sweden
Modern Swedish people for the most part lead typical Western lifestyles. About 87 percent of the population now live in urban areas, where apartment housing is the norm. Despite this growing trend of urbanization, many Swedish families keep close ties to nature. Berry-picking and celebrations like the maypole dance are still commonly practiced.
Many elements of modern Swedish lifestyles are governed by the concept of lagom, a term that loosely translates to ‘moderation,’ ‘sufficiency,’ or ‘enough.’ A person leading a lagom lifestyle might live in a tasteful but modest apartment and eat just enough food to feel satiated. This attitude of sustainability and collective benefit has shaped Swedish society as well as the habits of its citizens.
Learn More About Swedish Culture:
Cultural Overview | Geography | History | Daily Life | Society | Economy | Beliefs | Arts & Music
References
Eleish, Rhonda and Edie van Breems. Swedish Country Interiors. Gibbs Smith. 2013.
Henderson, Helene. The Swedish Table. University of Minnesota Press. 2005.
Kent, Neil. A Concise History of Sweden. Cambridge University Press. 2008.
Magnusson, Lars. An Economic History of Sweden. Routledge. 2002.
Myrdal, Janken and Mats Morell, eds. The Agrarian History of Sweden: 4000 BC to AD 2000. Nordic Academic Press. 2011.
Peterson, Gary Dean. Vikings and Goths: A History of Ancient and Medieval Sweden. McFarland. 2016.
Scott, Franklin Daniel. Sweden, the Nation's History. SIU Press. 1988.
Shukla, Pravina. Costume: Performing Identities through Dress. Indiana University Press. 2015.
Sprague, Martina. Sweden: An Illustrated History. Hippocrene Books. 2005.
“The World Factbook: Sweden.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 14 Aug. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sw.html.
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