scandinavian people traits scandinavian people traits

Throughout Scandinavian history the people in the region have had a diet very high in Vitamin D due to a high amount of fish present in the diet. BiljaST / Pixabay. 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. Of course, Swedes also have many positive personality traits. However, Iceland has one of the most varied landscapes, with waterfalls, canyons, sulphur beds, lava fields, and hot springs. As well as offering plenty of unique cultures and stores to explore, the region is also packed full of great food too. This may sound like quite a generalization (then again, isnt everything on this list!) In fact, the average height in Sweden is much taller than the world average. Blue eyes are not as resistant to sunlight as other colors (such as brown). Most Swedes have blue eyes. How Nordics and Scandinavians see each other, an article where I go into detail about Viking traits and looks, which languages each Nordic nationality actually uses when communicating with fellow Nordics, how Vikings actually looked (how big they were, how they wore their hair, where they came from, their hair and eye color, etc. You can view the incredible sparkling of the sky from countless locations across Finland, Iceland, and other locations in Scandinavia. 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. Sweden is bordered by Finland to the east, and Norway to the west, sitting on the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea. Join thousands of others and stay up to date with the our latest articles. Located near the Baltic Sea, Sweden is one of the largest countries in Europe based on land mass. Scandinavians as a whole are part of a group of ethnicities (along with Finns, English, Irish, Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Polish, Hungarians, and Russians) where the Epicanthic fold is occurring more than in other European populations, but still at a much lower frequency than for example Asian ethnicities. ), 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. The people are rude. 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. Maybe it's the lack of sunlight, or maybe it's in the genes. Do Scandinavians have a lot of facial hair? They are self-confident, have enormous hearts with a gentle soul, and strongly believe in looking out for other people. You can see the nights sky in ways that you never have before, and the experience is awe-inspiring. All Scandinavians are wealthy. Around the world, there seems to be a growing love affair forming with the Scandinavian people and their unique way of life. Genetic links in Icelandic people. 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. Scientists are now able to create eerily realistic facial reconstructions, getting us closer than ever to find out who they were and what the Vikings looked like. Nordic fall/winter), but also get a darker tan under high UV conditions (i.e. The region offers plenty of rare plants and places to discover, as well as one of the most incredible beaches youll ever see. This data may not be representative of the Nordic region as a whole, but at least it gives you an insight into what actual Scandinavian people look like in 2023. As far as I know, the advanced DNA analysis of skeletal remains scientists can do today has proven to be very reliable (the same scientific method has been used to establish the physical traits of Vikings also, and they seem to agree with written records), and its not so hard to imagine Scandinavians skin adapting from dark to light over a long period of time due to changing sunlight exposure, as we are all descendants of dark-skinned Africans (if we go even further back in time) no matter how light our skin color is today. So, let's set a few things straight! People with Scandinavian . 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. 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. Among the Sami people (hailing from Northern Scandinavia), high cheekbones are very common. One of the key characteristics of Swedish culture is that Swedes are egalitarian in nature, humble and find boasting absolutely unacceptable. (Swedish Fish Facts!). The dating site isnt active in Iceland so the Icelanders were not part of the survey. 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. I love this site, and I dont want to make sound as Im complaining now but I must say that I am very skeptical of the dark-skinned and blue-eyed people who are said to be the first Scandinavians. 10945. Of course, most famously, the band ABBA is from Sweden, and they were a big hit throughout the world. For instance, Scandinavian people could leave a baby stroller on the street outside of a store, and they wouldnt be worried that something would happen to it. Does Norway use the Euro? One of the Swedish characteristics that people sometimes take for granted is how humble they are as a people. Swedes have learned over the years to deal with their own problems on their own terms, and they continue to use this personality trait to help get things done. The Scandinavian landscape is unlike anything else in the world, offering views that you simply cant find anywhere else. Spontaneous visits to someone are rare, and they may even be considered rude. For instance, theres a genuine sense of equality in Scandinavian workplaces. 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. These are the people that are happy to let people have their own opinions and continue with life as normal without a debate. Thus, they can potentially spare other people from the potential burden of having to help them out. There is a quietness about them that can be off putting to some people from other cultures that are much more vocal, but the Swedes prefer to keep things quiet and allow the time it takes to get used to new people. IKEA stores are so popular with people that many simply walk through them just to say that they have been through one and getting an IKEA Swedish meatball is just a bonus! If youre ready to learn some interesting facts about Scandinavia, lets begin. In Nordic cultures, recognizing others to reward yourself would be terminal. Overall, the scientists found that people who lived in Scandinavia exhibited high levels of non-Scandinavian ancestry, pointing to a continuous exchange of genetic information across the broader . 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. Scientists have posited many theories on why Scandinavian people have light . The Finnish people are, however, of the Baltic Finnic ethnic group, which actually makes Estonia the Finns closest relatives . (Also see Why Do Norwegians Hate Swedes and Danes? And thats not even mentioning Roxette, Ace of Base, Avicii, Robyn, Swedish House Mafia, The Cardigans, Europe, Eagle-Eye Cherry Safe to say, we certainly owe the Swedish people a great debt of gratitude for all of the contributions they have made toward the advancement of pop music. You should NOT take this with offense. The next time you notice something about a building that indicates that it has some sustainability features, you should note that you are likely looking at something that has Swedish influence imprinted on it. Some researchers have suggested that some modern Icelanders share a genetic makeup with an ancient people group from Asia, called Denisovans.. There are plenty of famous Scandinavians with notably high cheekbones, a trait which is commonly passed down in the Nordic region through families with Sami heritage. Stay tuned and well bring the essence of Scandinavia to you. If you have this type of foot you are likely to be mysterious and secretive. Whether you've heard rumors of polar bears wreaking havoc . . Viking identity was not limited to people with Scandinavian genetic ancestry. Many of the people in Scandinavian countries are defined as compassionate and accommodating. Throughout America and England, many employees feel as though they need to be connected to their phone and email 24/7, just in case. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe . One thing thats particularly interesting when you look at Scandinavian culture facts is the way that these people approach work. 1. They prefer to keep their heads down and continue to work on making the planet a better place. The UK royal family gets all of the press in the United States and many other parts of the world, but Sweden actually has one of the longest-running monarchies in the world. 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. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. When I came to Sweden for the first time I was really blown away by how good looking the people were in this country. Add this one to your bucket list. There are a couple of Scandinavian stereotypes valid throughout the region. The relationship between Norway and the Euro. Germanic Bokml is more widely used by about 85 percent of Norwegians. According to the data, those of Celtic ancestry in Scotland and Cornwall are more similar . Scandinavian people also have traditionally had a diet rich in protein, fat, and carbs (crucial for significant muscle growth). The first inhabitants of the Scandinavian peninsula came from the south with darker skin and blue eyes (known as Western Hunter-Gatherers), later joined by migrants from the east (known as Eastern Hunter-Gatherers) who had lighter skin but darker eyes. Of course, not every Swedish person can be lumped into the same categories, but most agree that those traits are typical of . Often, we think of stereotypes as negative. In this a man advises his brother to stick with the prevailing Anglo-Saxon style and not enter into the "Danish fashion", which is described as a reverse "mullet" hairstyle, with . Do Scandinavians have natural white or platinum blonde hair? Common Traits of Scandinavian Women. Because people living in Norway are onto something - 18 things, in fact. Yes the origins and visual characteristics of the first Scandinavians were discussed in the SVT article (https://www.svt.se/nyheter/vetenskap/de-var-de-forsta-svenskarna), but more specifically this theory comes from research by Mattias Johansson, professor of genetics at Uppsala University. There are a few theories on why people from Scandinavia, and the Nordics in general, can be light-skinned under low UV conditions (i.e. Anyway, I just had my DNA tested and I'm 67% Scandinavian. If youre looking for more of a winter wonderland, the colder weather in Scandinavia runs between December and March. But spend a few days in the country and youll definitely start to notice some physical traits appearing more often than others. NEW VIDEOS EVERY THUR, FRI, SAT & SUN! Fish such as herring, mackerel, and trout are rich in protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants, while rich selections of root vegetables and low GI rye bread . The amount of curly-haired people in the Nordics is furthermore a much lesser part of the population compared to the rest of Europe. 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. Some reward schemes work solely as a manager's toolwith all recognition flowing through managers or senior leaders, and managers presenting years of long service awards and recognition almost exclusively. ): How Did Vikings Actually Look? Additionally, the same is true for the southern areas in Sweden. Exploring Swedish Culture. Of course, not every Swedish person can be lumped into the same categories, but most agree that those traits are typical of the Swedes. Within the central parts of Scandinavia, around Stockholm and Oslo, you can expect a slightly more continental and humid climate. Comparisons Everyone's house looks like an IKEA showroom. I have dark hair and dark eyes. Sweden is a country of just over 10 million people, but they have produced more than their fair share of contributions to the world. 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). It is a life experience that you wont be able to forget. Theres the option to stay in hotels with glass ceilings, or your own personal igloo. ), which may seem out of character for what we know about the people of Sweden, but they seem to love these events regardless. 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. Nordic Traits 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. 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. We couldnt bring an end to this Scandinavian facts guide without giving you an insight into some of the incredible food youll find in the region. Although many visitors prefer to seek out warmer Scandinavian weather when they can, theres a magic to the countries in winter too. How do Finland and Iceland fit into this facts about Scandinavia guide? 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. Of course, these archetypes do not represent all Swedish people in the 21st Century. Much of that protein comes from an animal protein diet, and this is believed to contribute to the height of people who live there. First, lets get to grips with the countries in Scandinavia. Sweden While perhaps not homely in appearance, the women nevertheless possess an edgy, rustic look befitting the harsh living conditions of Scandinavia during the Viking Age. is the fact that remaining quiet allows them to take in more information. Despite their unique roots, nowadays Finns share more cultural traits with the neighboring Scandinavian countries than with their eastern neighbors; for example, Finns have an unshakeable belief in the social welfare system. This continues to cycle through the population as new generations come along, and pale skin remains a defining feature of Swedish people. If they are not the ones doing the talking even if there are some truly beautiful words in the Swedish language they could use they can observe more. Some people may see this as a rude Swedish trait, but it is not meant that way at all. Though differences in size are generally bigger between men and women than between different ethnicities. Are Epicanthic folds common in Scandinavia? Shopping If youre looking for more of a winter wonderland, the colder weather in Scandinavia runs between December and March. Currency in Norway: What currency is used in Norway? According to Hofstede Insights, Sweden is a 'feminine society' in which balance, inclusivity and consideration for others are core components of the social structure. Positive traits of the Swedish personality. 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. They take longer to warm up to new people and new experiences. There are plenty of places you can visit to get a closer look at the fjords, including Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and more. 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. Streaming Tips Norse Whether these traits stem from a diverse pre-bronze age population, geographical conditions, or the modern diet of the region as a whole is hard to say, but they all likely played some part at least. 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. This makes them the second-rarest color (behind green), and that is what is so enticing about them. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe . This can be a Pro or a Con depending on your personal points of view. For instance, the weather in Denmark typically follows a climate for the marine west coast thats pretty common for its location. According to Swedish scientific magazine Illustrerad Vetenskap, this type of microevolution developed as a response to the cold and snowy climate in the Arctic region, as the fatty fold isolates against freezing temperatures and shields the bright reflection of the snow somewhat. It has been presented that the ethnic group can also be perceived as a distinct Swedish-speaking nationality in Finland. Ovmar has even been accused of having undergone plastic surgery due to her high cheekbones, a claim she rebuffs by simply pointing to her Sami background (which seems plausible judging by the picture below to the left). The terms Scandinavian and Nordic are closely related and often erroneously used interchangeably. An interesting thing about this is the fact that pale skin is considered highly desirable among many types of people. This idea symbolises social. As such, it was common that people wanted to hide their Sami heritage, with some even being ashamed of typically Sami features such as high cheekbones and wider eyes (SvD 2012). In his last will of 1895, he devoted a large amount of his . Located just a short distance away from Stockholm, Swedens capital city, this cluster of amazing islands and rocky cliffs is a must-see. of the Nordics (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, and Greenland). Ultimately, theres a lot more to the Scandinavian peninsula than Ikea, minimalist designs, and breathtaking fashion. Instead, one of the Swedish traits that many people pick up on is the fact that they like to stay back and remain quiet. The Nordic people as a whole really like the Swedes and Norwegians. Because Swedes can make reasonable economic . It is believed that the Denisovans had certain physical characteristics, including facial features, that people commonly associated with Asian populations. Keep in mind that its quite chilly, but you can expect slightly warmer temperatures if you move closer towards the inland. This means Scandinavian hair mostly fall into these categories: So Scandinavian hair color is mostly light in character, but what types of characteristics does Scandi hair have? Therefore, many Swedish people are considered to be very beautiful, and the country has a reputation for being a place where many beautiful people live. At least, some Swedish stereotypes do. 4. Will heads up Scandifications tech-team, occasionally reviewing the best of Scandinavian tech and design. Get in to the Scandinavian spirit at home with our premium museum-quality prints and original apparel sent right to your doorstep with free shipping worldwide. Read more about that in my article about Viking Looks! DNA analysis from specimens from this period has shown people with dark hair, a mix of light and dark skin, and most likely blue eyeswhich sounds like a lot of modern-day Scandinavians I know. It is yet another way that the country is a bastion of happiness and joy. To elaborate on this, facial hair is included under the term androgenic hair, so based on data from the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, we see that over 70% of Nordic men (along with Mediterranean men) can grow a beard or mustache (which is well above the global average). Sweden is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. They are a people who prefer to be left alone until they are ready to engage socially. What are typical Swedish personality traits? Finally, dont forget to take in the Swedish art that dots the landscape throughout the country. High levels of Vitamin D produces more melanin, which in simple terms enables skin to tan instead of burn. Norwegians breathe in when saying yes. Historically, . Some regions have more than 10% redheads, while others only have around 1-3%. Its worth keeping in mind that Sweden and Norway were part of the same kingdom until 1814 so they have a particularly close relationship. Quiz There is a word in the Swedish language that refers to the coffee break that many people take throughout their work day. People in Scandinavia dont have to pay to get assistance from a doctor, and there are benefits available if you cant find work. Below the neck, this body hair is generally concentrated on the arms and legs in the Nordics. 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%). Most of these traits of Swedish people are highly desirable and highly appreciated. Obviously, not all Scandinavian women look the same, as they have different hair and eye colors, body types, and defining features. 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. Scandinavians do have curly hair, but as weve established most of them have wavy or straight hair. How Did Vikings Actually Look? Did you know that the Nordic countries (including Sweden) consume the most coffee per capita of any country on Earth? How do the modern-day Scandinavians compare to their ancestors? Scandinavian Your email address will not be published. According to a Popular Science Monthly study, most Scandinavians have wavy hair, with some parts of northern Scandinavia having more coarse/straight hair. By the way, if you'd like to connect to your inner Scandinavian with some stylish prints and clothing, I've created a collection of high-quality and authentic Nordic posters and apparel. The Scandinavian peninsula is geographically the largest in Europe, extending from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle. These events are simply more carefully planned and coordinated than they are in other countries. Blue eyes are most common in Europe, especially Scandinavia. A question of perspective. Copenhagen red light district: Where is it, and is it safe? Subscribe to Weird World: http://bit.ly/WeirdWorldSub #vikings #interesting #weirdworld-----. 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. Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. 2. 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. Gods & Goddesses So the theory is that on top of any Vitamin D youd get from the sun, Scandinavians have also stocked up on it via their fish intake. The Nordic race was a racial concept which originated in 19th century anthropology. Scandinavian means belonging or relating to a group of northern European countries that includes Denmark, Norway, and . Theres no guarantee that it will show on any given night but the colourful lights are visible about 200 nights each year. So, whens the best time to visit to get the most out of the Scandinavian weather? To an outsider, Scandinavia can seem like a group of small, difficult-to-tell-apart Nordic countries. The varied and beautiful countries in Scandinavia make it an incredible place to visit or to live in. These languages are usually divided into East Scandinavian (Danish and Swedish) and West Scandinavian (Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese) groups. Contents show. In Scandinavian regions, everyone expects everyone else to perform to the same standard. This article may contain affiliate links. Between 1-10% of the population of Scandinavia have red hair according to studies that have mapped out the so-called red hair genes. Many of the Scandinavian countries are becoming increasingly diverse but they remain to be some of the safest places on the planet.