You can always tell a Swede? The myth about the stubborn Swedes
The myth about the stubborn Swedes
Did you grow up hearing that your Swedish heritage was all about being stubborn and serious?
It’s time to bust that myth!
As a genealogist, I help people around the world discover their Swedish roots. To understand my clients better, I’m always learning what they know about Sweden.
Swedish emigrants settled all over the globe, but most went to the US. The American perspective on Sweden may still be the easiest for you to find, even if you live somewhere else.
Through the years, I’ve discovered that many Swedish-Americans think of Swedes as stubborn. There’s even a saying about Swedes being set in their ways! As a Swede, I was actually quite shocked when I first learned this. (Take it from me, don’t say this to your Swedish cousins. It’s a bad idea.)
Sweden grew from innovation and cooperation
In reality, a core value in Sweden is innovation, where it’s currently ranking second in the world. Swedes are also big on consensus. Some would say to a fault.
One thing is sure, Swedes have always been diligent. Imagine living on the same latitude as Alaska without electricity. That was the reality for your Swedish ancestors. Summers were bright and mild, but everything changed in the winter. The darkness never ended. Surviving took hard work and resilience.
In fact, Sweden went from being poor, agrarian, and hit by famine to one of the richest countries in the world by the 1970s. This happened in only a century, thanks to hard work, innovative industries, and cooperation.
Pride is taboo in Swedish culture
There’s something else that doesn’t mesh with the image of the stubborn Swede. It goes against the Swedish norms.
There’s a Scandinavian version of the tall poppy syndrome, popularly named the Law of Jante. This is the ideal to fit in with the crowd. Making a fuss about yourself or your accomplishments is strictly taboo. Some may find this annoying, perhaps your ancestors did too. But it’s a stretch to think that this didn’t apply to the emigrants.
About a fourth of all Swedes emigrated in the late 1800s. It’s not likely that they all fled this social convention.
Swedish tradtions are “silly”
Despite the hardship, your Swedish ancestors always found the time to celebrate. They often did it in the silliest ways.
I mean, take Midsummer. It’s a day for dancing around a leafy pole like little frogs and drinking while singing. It’s also the essence of Sweden and the most Swedish of all holidays.
Summers in Sweden end with crayfish parties. At Christmas, the dance goes through the entire house, and by Easter, Swedes dress up as witches. Your ancestors never missed the chance for some fun despite the endless grind.
The hardships that shaped Swedish migrants
Consider this: your Swedish ancestors weren’t just Swedes; they were survivors.
After years of researching Swedish immigrants, they have all impressed me. Their determination to create a better future despite the odds is inspiring. They were born poor. Some were became orphaned at a young age. For others, their local industry collapsed. Some yet escaped the dysfunction of alcoholism.
Can you imagine learning that your ancestor escaped a difficult marriage. How would that change the way you understand your family history?
Your Swedish ancestors weren’t just Swedes; they were survivors.
Not all survivors chose to leave. Some changed their lives around where they were. Others sadly perished. But I want you to know this. Your Swedish ancestor probably survived particularly difficult circumstances. This is especially true if they left in the 1800s.
The Swedish migrants gave up everything they knew for a better future. They said goodbye to their families, their homes, and the landscapes that shaped them. Unfortunately, once they arrived, they were often met with more of the same struggles.
They worked hard and faced endless, new and daunting choices, trying to adapt to a new reality. The willpower they showed will make anyone seem stubborn and serious.
If you think of your Swedish roots as stubbornness, I invite you to explore your Swedish heritage. You’ll discover something completely different.
Conclusion
Your roots have grown from determination, resilience, as well as joy and openness. Your ancestors faced incredible odds and still found ways to play and dance. From the brightest of summer to the darkest of winter, they had a tradition of celebration. That’s the spirit you inherit—silly, resilient, and a little bit magical.
What are the traditions you inherited from your Swedish ancestors?
What’s next?
Is your Swedish family history making you scratch your head?
Shortcut to Sweden is my collection of tools and guides for Swedish genealogy, made specifically for descendants of Swedes wanting to make sense of their ancestry. You’re welcome to try it out now.
AI disclosure: This blog post was written by Annika Höstmad. Some iterations of this text have been edited using AI. This version has been checked for readibility using a non-AI tool.
