Our Swedish Ancestors' Culture

Recently, I attended a Zoom presentation on Swedish culture entitled "Home Swede Home". I continue to learn more about our ancestors and their way of life through online meetings, reading, and researching. And every time I learn something new, I am filled with more pride in my heritage and also more questions about how our ancestors' daily lives were impacted. 

Today, I'm sharing a few parts from the presentation that might reinforce characteristics of the ancestors you knew and maybe lend support to what you know about yourself.

Like most cultures, Swedes embraced folk tales, stories that contained warnings or lessons that were passed down from one generation to the next.

Stories of trolls that were ugly, had tails, and lived in the forest; children who died and were not properly buried; and cousins of humans who tempted children were all part of Swedish folk tales.

Sweden was a matriarchal culture with strong women who protected and warned children of the bad things that could happen if they wandered off or didn't follow the rules. Unlike many other societies, there were no stories of manly heroism, men slaying dragons, or saving the damsel in distress.

Swedes were known for their hospitality, even with strangers, and believed that good deeds were rewarded and bad deeds were punished.

They believed in three shames:

• Sloth
• Begging
• Looting and stealing

They believed in three glories:

• Work ethic
• Cleanliness
• Self-reliance

They believed in three evils:

• Starvation
• Dependency
• Disease

The Swedish culture was a stoic society. Do your  job, come home, don't expect accolades for doing what you were supposed to do.

The best helping hand you can find is at the end of your arm.

Note: As I listened to the speaker, I started thinking of my own grandparents. A very strong, and strong-willed Maude Olofson Linn; a kind and quiet Peter Linn. I reflect on stories I've heard about Olivia Rask Olofson, Gus Linn, and others. I see many of the qualities and beliefs presented above in these ancestors. 

Maybe this is all too general and doesn't ring a bell with you when you look at your Swedish ancestors or even at your own work ethic and beliefs. Let me know your thoughts.

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Looking for some books to read about Swedish culture and way of life?

Vilhelm Moberg wrote several books about emigration and struggles in a new country. A series of four books give details of a Swedish couple as they make the decision to emigrate and continues their lives to Minnesota.

• Book 1--The Emigrants, 366 pages
• Book 2--Unto a Good Land, 402 pages
• Book 3--The Settlers, 431 pages
• Book 4--The Last Letter Home, 262 pages