Archive for 'Living in Sweden'
School lunches in Sweden Posted by Katja on Apr 12, 2012
The fantastic, free and hot school lunches of Sweden. It is true that they are hot, free and most often healthy, since it is mainly “Husmanskost” (the Swedish whole food). But depending on who you ask the “fantastic” part is debatable. Ever since the 70’s complaining about the school food has been “cool” amongst…
Påskkärringar in Sweden Posted by Katja on Apr 5, 2012
Most of you have probably heard of the Swedish witches who fly on their broomsticks to Blåkulla (blue hill) on the Thursday before Easter called Skärtorsdag in Swedish. Today. The tradition is for children to dress up as these witches, Påskharar (easter bunnies) or even black cats (though I think they are quite rare)…
Religion in Sweden Posted by Stephen Maconi on Mar 28, 2012
Up until the century 1000, the people of Sweden believed in Norse paganism, but the country was then Christianized, forcing everyone to convert to Roman Catholicism. This lasted until the 1500’s, when Protestant Lutharanism took over after what is known as the Protestant Reformation. Lutheranism was then the official religion of Sweden, though foreigners visiting…
Lived in Sweden too long? Posted by Katja on Mar 16, 2012
Humerous way of looking at Sweden and Swedes Most of these phenomenon are probably known to you, I as a Swede know of them but still enjoyed reading, so I thought I’d share. Either you know you have lived in Sweden too long, or you know you’re a true Swede when you recognize yourself in most…
Swedish names Posted by Katja on Mar 8, 2012
The naming of your child in Sweden is a process that actually has to go through the Swedish tax agency. Recently unusual names have become the norm. Names for girls like Elin, Anna, Hanna, Sofie, Lisa, Felicia and Moa have just in the past year been substituted for 1200 new girls’ names and 1000 new…
Will you work until you are 75? Posted by jennie on Feb 9, 2012
Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has sparked a huge debate the last couple of days due to his new suggestion that Swedes should keep on working until they are 75- instead of 65 as the standard retirement age is today. “The pension’s scheme isn’t based on magic. It is a welfare ambition based on large-scale…
Slickepott – The rubber scraper Posted by Katja on Feb 8, 2012
Ok, so I thought of another kitchen utensil which can be found in almost all Swedish house holds. I don’t know who invented this one, so it may very well not be a Swedish invention. That does not stop swedes from using it religiously however. Kids love to help out with baking, wanting to clean…