The Culture in the North of Sweden

Author: Jennifer Kristensson

Culture is a broad concept that can often be hard to define precisely what shapes a culture and what makes a particular culture unique? In Sweden, I personally believe there is a significant difference between the culture in the south of Sweden compared to the north. I want to share what I think are the characteristics of the culture in the north.

A Friend from the North of Sweden

A big part of culture is shaped by how the people living in a place interact. All the small things that form a local culture- how people greet each other, whether they are outgoing or more reserved, and much more play a role. What I think characterizes the local culture of the north of Sweden is that people here, in general, are quite calm and reserved in some ways. When meeting someone, it’s not always about saying a lot of words; the focus is more on the shared sense of coexistence between people.

However my personal feeling is that the relationships we choose to invest in are ones we truly value. In my experience, if you become good friends with someone from the north of Sweden, you are likely to be friends for a lifetime.

A Unique Relationship with Time

Life in northern Sweden is deeply intertwined with nature, and this connection influences the cultural rhythm. Time seems to move a bit slower here. There’s an appreciation for letting things unfold naturally, whether in daily tasks or interactions with others. Meetings between people are not rushed; there’s a cultural value in simply being together and allowing the moment to breathe.

Hiking (Photo Credit: Niclas Vestefjell)

Hiking (Photo Credit: Sandra Lee Pettersson (kopia))

Celebrations and Traditions

Traditions and celebrations are vital parts of any culture, and Sweden has its own unique ways of marking special occasions. Here are two important celebrations that hold a special place in local life:

Midsummer celebration

Midsummer is a traditional Swedish celebration that has its roots in ancient pagan rituals to mark the summer solstice and the original date for celebrations is on June 24th. The Midsummer pole was and is a central symbol of the holiday and is believed to have been introduced to Sweden from Germany during the Middle Ages. The pole is decorated with flowers and leafy birch branches. The pole often had a central place in the village or town square where people gathered to celebrate the holiday.

For a period of time, Midsummer celebrations were forbidden as it was seen as a pagan ritual. But celebrations continued secretly in remote, rural areas. Eventually, the tradition spread back into the cities, and today Midsummer is celebrated all across Sweden.

December 13th: Lucia Day

December 13th is Lucia Day, a special time of year in the north of Sweden when the days are dark and cold. To bring contrast to the dark winter, we celebrate Lucia. This tradition can be traced back to Saint Lucia of Syracuse in Italy. According to old heathen and pagan myths, this was a night when evil and dark spirits roamed. On this day, Lucia arrives with lights in her crown, and traditional Swedish Lucia sweets are served.