Norwegian people think really boring things are interesting. You can see the nights sky in ways that you never have before, and the experience is awe-inspiring. According to a Popular Science Monthly study, most Scandinavians have wavy hair, with some parts of northern Scandinavia having more coarse/straight hair. Enjoy your visit! Swedish personality characteristics include humbleness, open-mindedness, honesty, creativity, quietness, competitiveness, and fairness. Scandinavian Stereotypes - Truths & Myths - Life in Norway Depending on which combination of the genes you have, you will develop either red hair and freckles, only red hair, or only freckles. This means hotter summer and longer days. And because Scandinavian women fit those four main characteristics, people often consider them the most beautiful women in the world. The Scandinavian landscape is unlike anything else in the world, offering views that you simply cant find anywhere else. The supposed physical traits of the Nordics included light eyes, light skin, tall stature, and dolichocephalic skull; their psychological traits were deemed . Theres a lot more to Scandinavian people traits than a Viking or model physique and a great sense of fashion. Blue eyes are not as resistant to sunlight as other colors (such as brown). They know that youll do your best when youre on the job, and then leave work behind you when you return home. Scandinavian 'Socialism': The Truth of the Nordic Model Fashion The lighter hair color isnt genetically unique to this part of the world, but it is one of the Swedish physical characteristics that most people are likely to notice right off the bat. According to Hofstede Insights, Sweden is a 'feminine society' in which balance, inclusivity and consideration for others are core components of the social structure. Known for its rolling lowlands and beautiful mountains; Sweden is a temperate location with a population of 9,960,095 people. Maybe it's the lack of sunlight, or maybe it's in the genes. When the Battle Axe culture group fused with the groups already present in Scandinavia this eventually spawned the Nordic Bronze Age people, who are seen as the ancestors of all Germanic people. What do Swedish People Look Like? (Features & Stereotypes) The traits for a Scandinavian management style was defined in an article in MandagMorgen, 22 June 2004: . As youll soon find, the Swedes are great to speak with. People here don't partake in the rest of the Western world's paranoia that, if you leave your baby's stroller unattended for a second, someone will probably steal it - so they'll routinely just leave it on the pavement while . One of the best reasons to include Iceland in the Scandinavian region is that it offers some of the most impressive sights in the world. Common Traits of Scandinavian Women. What are typical Swedish characteristics when socializing? One of the Swedish personality traits that is often mistaken as coldness is their individualism. How the Scandinavian Way of Life Can Make You Happier Although it isnt exactly common with Epicanthic folds among the Swedish population, Swedes with Sami heritage (famous examples include Jens Byggmark, Anja Prson and Ingemar Stenmark), and from the northern parts in general, have higher rates of Epicanthic eye folds. Whether the Scandinavian beauty myth is real or not is hard to say, but Nordic magazine The Local listed Beautiful Women and Handsome Men among the top 10 things US expats notice after theyve lived in Sweden for a while. Scandinavian people also have traditionally had a diet rich in protein, fat, and carbs (crucial for significant muscle growth). Interestingly enough, religion just isn't an issue in Norway. Bokml is more widely used by about 85 percent of Norwegians. Most people are very athletic and hardy, very punctual, and they have everything exactly set. Ultimately, the reason that Scandinavian culture is so effective isnt 100% certain. The Reykjanes peninsula is best known for its hot springs and lava fields, but its also home to one of National Geographics 25 wonders of the world the Blue Lagoon. Ultimately, theres a lot more to the Scandinavian peninsula than Ikea, minimalist designs, and breathtaking fashion. Danish shoe brands: Fall head over heels for these Danish shoes, The best Scandinavian Christmas tree decorations and ornaments, two regions share a very similar way of life, Norway covers around 125,020 square miles, Sweden covers around 173,860 square miles, concept in the Scandinavian culture called Jantelov, AWNL Stockholm: The meteoric rise of Swedish jewellery design, VEJRHJ Watches wood, steel & Nordic minimalism, Meet Larsen and Eriksen: The watch designers from Denmark, Urbanista audio: Scandi designs to suit your lifestyle, Triwa watches: Transforming the watch industry forever. Research surrounding the EDAR gene indicates that Scandinavians (along with most Europeans) generally have thinner hair, than for example East Asians and Native Americans. Everything you need to know about travelling in Scandinavia. Mythology During the following centuries, these two hunter-gatherer groups intermingled and produced one of the most . He ultimately returned to his native Malm with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world. However, people living close to the arctic circle are also exposed to extremely high UV exposure levels during the warmer half of the year (on par with Australia which is notorious for high levels of skin cancer) due to the ozone layer being thinner around the poles. Denmark is home to approximately 5,747,830 people as of the 2018 census. They prefer to stay out of these situations and to avoid inserting themselves in the affairs of other countries if they can avoid it. There are also 9,000 Swedish citizens living in Finland. So, where does the controversy about Scandinavian countries come in? There are major works of art that are placed in places as routine as the metro stations that people use every day. They don't just drive everywhere, they walk, cycle, and hike. It seems the research project is well-funded too (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/forskning/atlas-med-forhistoriskt-dna-ger-ny-bild-av-manniskans-ursprung), so they seem to have the best tools available to analyze this type of scientific data. While most people belong to the Lutheran Church of Norway, it by no means indicates that they go to church or even believe in a higher power. Scandinavian people. The country still has four distinct seasons throughout the year, and the sights and sounds that accompany each season are truly spectacular to take in. True or False: Scandinavians Are Practically Perfect in Every Way - History Some regions have more than 10% redheads, while others only have around 1-3%. If youre curious about how exactly Nordic people communicate with each other, Ive written an article where I go into detail aboutwhich languages each Nordic nationality actually uses when communicating with fellow Nordics. Some people may see this as a rude Swedish trait, but it is not meant that way at all. Winter, Get in touch with your inner Scandinavian. The point of doing so is to see some of the most amazing sights in the sky that you may have ever witnessed in your life, especially given how dark it gets in Sweden in this area. Leave a baby stroller outside. Western Norway has almost as many redheads as the British isles (who win the red hair race by a mile), whereas southern and northern Sweden barely has any. Scandinavian jokes. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe . There is a word in the Swedish language that refers to the coffee break that many people take throughout their work day. It is part of Swedish culture to try to allow others to take care of their own problems while staying on the sidelines and trying to mind their own business. Norse This can be compared to the Mediterranean region, where its concentrated on the chest and back instead. An interesting thing about this is the fact that pale skin is considered highly desirable among many types of people. https://www.svt.se/nyheter/vetenskap/de-var-de-forsta-svenskarna, https://www.myheritage.se/ethnicities/sweden/country-ethnicity-distribution, https://jeffwerner.se/SKIASCOPE+6%20JW%20texts.pdf, https://www.ifau.se/globalassets/pdf/se/2016/r-2016-17-arbetsformedlares-beslutsfattande-och-stereotyper-kopplade-till-utseende.pdf, https://www.thelocal.se/20200918/why-not-all-vikings-were-blond-haired-and-blue-eyed/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10086866/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002929709004649#fig1, https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/skin-cancer-statistics/, https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/tjnj-ser052314.php, https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/17/6/835/601141, https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1006616, http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/10/16/1701, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2795070/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Strongest_Man, https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/hotels-com/pressreleases/svenskar-vackrast-i-norden-1015389, https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2015.0211, https://si.se/bilden-av-sverige-i-norden/, https://fof.se/tidning/2015/5/artikel/darfor-blev-vi-plotsligt-langre, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12328, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1474704916631614, https://www.svd.se/samiskt-arv-skulle-doljas, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00333.x. Copenhagen red light district: Where is it, and is it safe? But sometimes it can be fun to discuss stereotypes some of which may just have an element of truth to them!). Additionally, unlike many cultures around the world, Scandinavian people will avoid arguments at all costs. The age of the Swedish dominance of Northern Europe ended officially with the loss of Finland to the Russians in 1809, and definitively with the dissolution of the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway in 1905. When I came to Sweden for the first time I was really blown away by how good looking the people were in this country. A group of some of the most beautiful countries in the world, Scandinavia doesnt just offer amazing travel opportunities. 16 Things To Know About Norwegian People - ViaTravelers It is a life experience that you wont be able to forget. There are plenty of places you can visit to get a closer look at the fjords, including Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and more. However, a survey done by the Swedish Institute in November 2020 do point towards the Swedish image being affected negatively during the 2020-2021 pandemic. The Scandinavian nature in Norway is diverse, with glacial mountain ranges, fertile plains, and rugged coastline all pulled together into a single space. Finally, dont forget to take in the Swedish art that dots the landscape throughout the country. The people of Sweden do not want to leave anything to chance when it comes to something like this. Gods You will find plenty of art in the everyday structures of life, and that is how the Swedish people like it. The population of the nation is 337,780, which would make it the smallest of all the Scandinavian countries. Thats usually because they dont have the same sun, sea, and sand to offer. Swedish Personality Stay tuned and well bring the essence of Scandinavia to you. Todays Scandinavians are about 65%-80% Scandinavian as far as DNA goes, with the rest of the DNA being primarily Finnish, Western European, British, Eastern European, and Irish (all are > 1%). Once again, not everyone in Sweden will look like this. Thus, they can potentially spare other people from the potential burden of having to help them out. From snow-capped mountains to the beautiful sight of leaves changing color in the Fall, there is something that will knock you back a few steps when you visit Sweden and see what it is all about. It doesnt matter how close the people are to one another relationally, it is not ideal to try to have a spontaneous visit in Sweden. For another deep-dive into Scandinavian looks, Ive plowed through massive amounts of archaeological objects and DNA analysis to find out how Vikings actually looked (how big they were, how they wore their hair, where they came from, their hair and eye color, etc. All Rights Reserved. Naturally, I wanted to see if this data held up based on my own experience, so I gathered all the hair and eye colors of 103 family members and friends who currently live in or around Malm, Sweden (one of the more culturally diverse cities in Sweden I should add). Another wave of migrants came into Scandinavia around 4800 years ago from the Russian steppes, originating from the northern shores of the Black sea and commonly called the Western Steppe Herders. Names Still, genealogists from Stockholm university believe modern Swedes are most closely related to the hunter-gatherers from the so-called Pitted Ware culture when it comes to physical appearance. Will heads up Scandifications tech-team, occasionally reviewing the best of Scandinavian tech and design. In 2010, when Crown Princess Victoria and her partner, Daniel, got married, it was one of the largest royal events ever held. As a native Swede with a Finnish mother, Karl identifies as both Nordic and Scandinavian. Required fields are marked *. When someone is dealing with a Swedish person, they can rest assured that they are dealing with someone who is likely to deal with them in a fair and forthright manner. In fact, one of the traits of Swedish women is a desire to participate in decision-making. Malm So there is at least something to the myth from a North American perspective (beauty standards differ around the world, after all). Its worth keeping in mind that Sweden and Norway were part of the same kingdom until 1814 so they have a particularly close relationship. (Swedish Fish Facts!). Countries in Scandinavia are packed full of incredible culture, amazing sights, and unforgettable experiences that you cant find anywhere else in the world. If you hear loud-speaking people in the public, they are either non-Swedish or drunk. Join thousands of others and stay up to date with the our latest articles. One, Scandi societies are safe (r). Probably one of the most impressive examples of Scandinavian nature, the archipelago is a diverse and beautiful landscape that youll spend days exploring. Hooded eyes are prevalent in the Scandinavian population, and studies have shown that about 18 percent of northern Europeans have so-called sagging eyelids (which is related to hooded eyes but more specifically excess skin over your eye that may or may not disrupt your vision). Because people living in Norway are onto something - 18 things, in fact. They're all socialists. The social events that they do attend are planned well in advance, and they are given notice so that they can prepare themselves for this type of socializing. He was told that the card would arrive in . Be humble. Swedish Culture - Core Concepts Cultural Atlas However, it offers a very different kind of appeal that makes it a must-see for anyone with a passion for beauty. Do Scandinavians have natural white or platinum blonde hair? Please read our. For Denmark, youre looking at May to August, when the temperatures are mild, and the countryside is gorgeous. I never heard of a darker skin mixing and become as white as we are today. The theory is that this has had a long-term effect on the genetical makeup that determines skin color and tanning ability in the Scandinavian region. Everyone's house looks like an IKEA showroom. Whether they got tested by Ancestry DNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or some other company, anyone with European ancestors is likely to show some degree of Scandinavian ancestry. Rather, humans around the world generally consider reproductive factors such as waist-to-hip ratio and other indicators of fertility and health as attractive, rather than a specific eye/hair/skin color or similar. Scandinavian Personality Traits - HRF People from all over the world with high cheekbones are often seen as attractive by todays standards, with Swedish beauty contestant Ida Ovmar as one recent example where its worked out in her favor. About 125 inscriptions dated from ad 200 to . What the Swedes have discovered (that the rest of the world could perhaps learn from!) Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. Keep in mind that its quite chilly, but you can expect slightly warmer temperatures if you move closer towards the inland. The Scandinavian Personality Traits have been under investigation since the late 1800's. There have been multiple publications that have looked at how the Scandinavian Personality Traits are prevalent as much as the light hair and light eyes are prevalent in people with heritage in this region of Europe. Scandinavia before the bronze age had the most genetically diverse population in Europe, with the original darker skinned people being present much longer in Scandinavia compared to the rest of Europe (where the light-skinned farmers pushed away the dark-skinned hunters almost entirely). To find out the origins of the light hair/light eye color combination we need to look at where people in Scandinavia came from originally, and how they looked (based on DNA samples and analysis). If youre looking for more of a winter wonderland, the colder weather in Scandinavia runs between December and March. If you compare this to a region further away, such as Southern Europe (Italy and . How do Finland and Iceland fit into this facts about Scandinavia guide? This atmosphere comes from a concept in the Scandinavian culture called Jantelov which basically means that everyone thinks of themselves as being no better or worse than the rest of the community. Furthermore, according to a 2016 study published in Wiley, people of European origin generally have a facial hair growth pattern concentrated around the upper lip, cheek, neck, and chin, so it can be assumed that most Scandinavians also are able to generally grow whats considered a full and thick beard. They dont like to rush anything. As weve established, most Nordic people today have brightly colored eyes, with some areas reaching up to 80% of the population (P. Frost 2006). The reasons for this are similar to the reasons why they often have pale skin as well. Though differences in size are generally bigger between men and women than between different ethnicities. Although the rest of the Nordics generally view Sweden in a positive light still, there has been a slight shift towards more people having a more negative image of Sweden and Swedes lately. Sweden is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. First, lets get to grips with the countries in Scandinavia. The pale skin of most Swedish people has a lot to do with their lack of exposure to a lot of sunlight. Typically, when youre talking about Scandinavia, youre looking at Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In his last will of 1895, he devoted a large amount of his . It was considered a race or one of the putative sub-races into which some late-19th to mid-20th century anthropologists divided the Caucasian race, claiming that its ancestral homelands were Northwestern and Northern Europe, particularly to populations such as Anglo-Saxons, Germanic peoples, Balts, Baltic Finns . What Does it Mean to Have Scandinavian DNA? - Genealogy Explained When you start to see that everyone seemingly has the same hair color, you are bound to take note of this and mark it down as something interesting and unique about the Swedish people. After all, if youre familiar with facts about Scandinavia, then youll know that all of the countries in the peninsula love their food. You will want to check out what Swedens IceHotel is all about. So, let's set a few things straight! Most of these traits of Swedish people are highly desirable and highly appreciated. Viking identity was not limited to people with Scandinavian genetic ancestry. Experts in the field suggest that this is largely a Swedish genetic trait, given that natural genetic selection along with a diet that is high in protein are what contribute to the above-average height of many Swedes. Blood of the Irish: What DNA Tells Us About the Ancestry of People in BiljaST / Pixabay. Third, Scandinavians do tend to tan and get olive-skinned in the summer, which is due to a mix of genetic makeup, unusually high UV exposure levels, and a diet generally high in Vitamin D. Scandinavians do not have particularly large noses, as Northern Europeans tend to have more narrow noses than people in warmer climates, as an adaptation to the cooler climate. While you may be excited to get to know them and learn more about them, they are unlikely to feel the same, at least in the beginning. In summary, it seems Scandinavians from before the Viking age looked a bit different from todays Scandis, with multiple migration waves that settled in the region up until the iron age being quite diverse in looks and origins. . ), How the Dutch & Scandinavians Are Connected (Complete Guide), Norse vs. Norwegian vs. Nordic: Differences Explained, Average Height in the Nordics (Data & Graphs), https://kaw.wallenberg.org/forskning/atlas-med-forhistoriskt-dna-ger-ny-bild-av-manniskans-ursprung. At work, they compete with men for positions. It may be hard to name some of the top Swedish bands right now, but you have likely heard their music or their influence on music in your life. Because of this, descriptions of the Scandinavian region have started to include places like Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and even Iceland. Even more remotely is that it's the combination of both of these factors. This article may contain affiliate links. The Scandinavian peninsula wont give you the sunny beaches and warm weather that you can expect from locations like Morocco or Spain. The characteristic of this minority is debated: while some see it as an ethnic group of its own some view it purely as a linguistic minority. Scandinavian Women: What You Should Know About Scandinavian Girls Scandinavian people do not have a very high prevalence of the EDAR gene, thought to be connected with thicker hair (among other traits). So the clich blue-eyed and blonde Nordic stereotype seems to hold true then, but where do these physical traits come from and why do they still seem to have a strong presence in the Nordics? On the other hand, further north, theres a more subarctic climate similar to the weather youd find in Finland. This goes back to the fact that they are a humble group of people who are not keen on boasting about their accomplishments. When it all comes down to it the classic Nordic/Scandinavian stereotype seems to hold true still. Understanding Finnish Culture is Key to Thriving in Finland Nordic Traits People dont expect you to put in overtime. The new Battle Axe culture that slowly spread and took over the Scandinavian region is thought to have been a bit more individualistic and was known for how their men were buried with their big battle axes. Related: Why Are They Called Swedish Fish? Theres very little to worry about when living in Scandinavia. 19 Typical Traits of Swedish People (Stereotype or Truth?) The Egyptian foot shape is characterized by the perfect alignment of all your toes in a descending order. People who had access to more or better food in the Viking age were often taller than the average person due to having . For instance, the weather in Denmark typically follows a climate for the marine west coast thats pretty common for its location. Norway Commitment to health: Scandinavian people believe in eating well, looking after themselves, and exercising. Even the most adamant pessimist can find something to love about what they see throughout the country. Answer (1 of 6): After taking a DNA test I was told I was 29% Scandinavian with other ethnicity such as Southern European,Iberian Peninsula%, Scotland/Ireland/Wales/ Great Britain 15%While I was growing up I was told I was half Portuguese and half German.Whatever the fact isI'm short, stocky a. The Swedish-speaking Finns or Finland-Swedes form a minority group in Finland. The prevalence of this gene on the Norwegian west coast is thought to be linked to slaves from Ireland and Scotland being brought to Scandinavia. Theyd pick someone up on the side of the road if they were lost, and they frequently donate a lot to charitable organisations. There's a lot more to Scandinavian people traits than a Viking or model physique and a great sense of fashion. The idea of Jantelov isnt to see yourself as any less than you are but to recognise the inherent value of every individual person. Despite great progress on issues such as social equality, the Swedish people are not known for being boastful. Many people are surprised when they receive the results of their genealogical DNA test. Although some typical Swedish characteristics may be more well-known than others, Im fairly confident youll find these quickly coming out when you start to chat with the Swedes as you should, as theyre definitely a lot of fun! April 21, 2021. Germanic World's largest DNA sequencing of Viking skeletons - ScienceDaily Given the location of the country on the globe, the skin tones of people who have lived in the area for centuries have been paler than it is for people in other parts of the world. ), which may seem out of character for what we know about the people of Sweden, but they seem to love these events regardless. However, Iceland has one of the most varied landscapes, with waterfalls, canyons, sulphur beds, lava fields, and hot springs. It is a special time for people to take a step back and allow themselves to relax a little from the stresses of the day. Finland covers about 130,558 square miles of land, and its got plenty of beautiful lakes to visit. Waterfalls cascade across mountainsides while the glaciers stand firm, offering an amazing insight into the sheer power of nature. Other famous Scandinavians with high cheekbones include Fredrik Ljungberg (pictured below to the right), Mads Mikkelsen, Tim Avicii Berg, and Viggo Mortensen. And in a budding romantic relationship, they don't wait for the other person to make a move: they send the first text, ask the person out on a date, or talk openly about marriage. The amount of curly-haired people in the Nordics is furthermore a much lesser part of the population compared to the rest of Europe. He was a Swedish engineer, chemist, and the inventor of dynamite. Science Scandinavian means belonging or relating to a group of northern European countries that includes Denmark, Norway, and . I have dark hair and dark eyes. Lets keep digging and see exactly how different ancient Scandinavians were from us modern Scandis. Read Article Now. According to the data, those of Celtic ancestry in Scotland and Cornwall are more similar . The modern Irish population share many genetic similarities with Scottish and Welsh populations, and to a lesser extent the English. . Of course, Swedes also have many positive personality traits. I mean, that's just practical. High cheekbones werent always seen as a positive trait in the Nordic region though, as it was fairly common for the Germanic Scandinavians to look down upon the Finno-Ugric Samis as less civilized, at least up until the late 20th century. Subscribe to Weird World: http://bit.ly/WeirdWorldSub #vikings #interesting #weirdworld-----. It should be noted that human length, in general, is determined by a mixture of nature (genes) and nurture (diet), and there are also regions of the world that are believed to have a taller or shorter average height due to primarily genetic reasonssuch as the short Pygmee people of central Africa, and the tall Dinka people of South Sudan. When you don't remove your shoes before entering our house. All systems have positives and negatives and Scandinavian countries are no exception.. One thing's for sure though, Many commentators have clearly never set foot in the Nordic region and barely understand the Nordic way of doing things. Scandinavian people take a moderate approach to all things in lifefrom food to work. Or perhaps it is the fact that they have survived being prepared for the worse, and thus continue to think that way. Recommendations One of the most misunderstood traits that Scandinavians are associated with is their reservation towards strangers or tourists. Rarely both. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Facts about Scandinavia: Everything you need to know (and more).
