Much has now been written about hygge, lagom, fika and other takes on Scandinavian culture. Now that winter is here, this may be the perfect time to learn more about the Scandinavian countries and what makes each unique. This gorgeously illustrated, at times tongue in cheek, book is a good starting point. Subjects covered include style, food, the outdoors, family life, culture and celebrations. Enjoy your trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark with Bronte Aurell; he makes quite a guide.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher:
How to be more Danish
1. Wear black, a lot. From top to bottom. It shows off our (sometimes) blonde hair. Add a really big scarf. A black one.
2. Speak on your in-breath when you say ja (‘yes’), pronounced ‘yeah’.
3. Eat open sandwiches on very dark rye bread. Every day. Sandwiches were meant to be topless. Also, top your open cheese sandwich with strawberry jam.
How to be more Norwegian
1. Go for a hike (ut på tur, literally out on tour) every weekend, ideally somewhere hilly.
2. Always take a matpakke (packed lunch) wherever you go.
3. Every weekend and holiday, go to a hytte (cabin). Any cabin. A garden shed can be used as a replacement. This is called hyttetur (cabin tour)
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How to lagom
Lagom is the most important Swedish word you will ever learn. It goes deep into the make-up of every Swede, at home or abroad, and is part of being quintessentially Swedish. The word lagom is said to derive from the folk etymology in a phrase used in Viking times: laget om – meaning ‘around to the team’ – which was allegedly used to describe just how much mead one should drink when passing the horn around in the group. This etymology is commonly accepted to be right, although some parallels are made with the Law of Jante and the common set of rules about how much one should have of something.
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