8 Traditions from the Scandinavian Countries You Must Experience

The Scandinavian countries have a lot to envy, partly due to their economic situation, but also because of their numerous traditions and unique lifestyle. Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden are countries known to be the happiest in the world. Ever heard of hygge? This concept refers to the wellness experienced daily by the Danish population. On many aspects, we have a lot to learn from the Scandinavian way of living, where people take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. Here are some key traditions from Scandinavia. You may be tempted to adopt some, who knows! 

1. The sauna, more than an occasional getaway

For Scandinavian people, enjoying a sauna or hammam is something very common that’s part of the routine. In fact, saunas have reportedly been around Finland for 2,000 years. Relaxing moments are an important part of daily life and can be found just about anywhere. In Finland, there are a total of 1.4 million saunas for 5 million inhabitants, which makes them easily accessible. Different types of saunas—even floating ones—can be found for a full thermal experience. During the winter, hot and cold variation is used for complete relaxation and detoxification. Multiple benefits are observed such as pore cleansing and muscle relaxation. 

2. Joik singing

This is one of the particularly interesting traditions from the indigenous Saami people—also called Lapps—from Northern Finland. Joik is a traditional form of song that initially had spiritual motives with shamanic traditions, but that eventually became a form of expression at the end of the 20^th century. The song can take many different forms and will vary upon the improvisation of the singer, who’s called a joiker. Usually a cappella and sometimes accompanied by the traditional drum, the use of repeated syllables is what characterizes the joik. While the lyrics may sometimes be made up of a traditional text, they can also be made up of whispers, interjections and animal noise imitations. Joik’s purpose is to describe the essence of a person, an animal or a place, so every Saami has its own melody that represents him.

3. Lappish and reindeer farms

Saami people mainly live in Northern Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia, and are known for their great hospitality. This community lives in the Great North’s often extreme conditions and carries many ancestral traditions. As part of those traditions, they raise reindeers on farms and provide for themselves through hunting and fishing. Reindeers are a symbol of Finland and the raising of this majestic animal goes back a long time. But although herders work very hard, it’s not always easy. The reindeers roam free so herders must follow their herds every day. Visiting a traditional reindeer farm will give you the chance to make great human and animal encounters.

4. Fish for breakfast

Are you a fan of smoked salmon for breakfast? If so, you’ll probably be happy to enjoy Norwegian salmon for your first meal of the day. It may seem odd to swap the good old toasts for salmon, but this fish being so rich in omega-3 fats, it provides energy and alertness to start your day the right way. You can have it smoked, cooked or marinated. Apart from salmon, the breakfast is hearty and diverse. Swedes, on their end, will enjoy a crusty bread (knäckebrot) topped with fish roe in a tube. Doesn’t that make your mouth water?

5. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Holiday

Did you know that Quebec isn’t the only place to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day? Surprising, isn’t it? Although the meaning is slightly different in the Scandinavian countries, it is nonetheless very important, especially in Sweden. The sun and light worship gets celebrated like nowhere else. There, they call it Midsommerfest (summer solstice celebration) and huge bonfires are lit for the occasion. The celebrations take place on the Friday and Saturday closest to June 24^th, official Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. On that day, a maypole is erected and people decorate it with birch branches and flowers to later dance and sing around it. The Holiday gets celebrated in all villages, farms and gardens and creates a festive gathering atmosphere.

6. Clean and inviting homes

Scandinavian countries are known for the cleanliness of their public areas and houses. As per the norm, you should never enter a Norwegian home with your shoes on! The custom is to leave them at the door and carry a clean pair of shoes with you. In a Danish home, you’ll find lit candles and a fireplace to illuminate the room and give it a warmer feel.

7. The midnight sun

If you ever find yourself in Northern Norway, Sweden or Finland during the summer months, you’ll be able to see the sun on the horizon at all times of the day—and night. This phenomenon casts a soft and romantic light that creates a surreal atmosphere. At midnight, you can gather to the sound of traditional folk songs.

8. Easter

Easter celebration starts on Holy Thursday and features traditions other than the well-known chocolate bunny. This Holiday somewhat resembles our Halloween as Scandinavians go from house to house collecting candies. Kids paint their faces with bright colours and wear long skirts and shawls to walk the streets. There’s also a superstitious side to this Holiday. According to tradition, fireworks and firecrackers will scare evil spirits and witches away so during the festivities, they can be heard and seen from everywhere. Then, on Easter Eve, people prepare bright-coloured cardboard eggs filled with candies for the kids.