Chandelier

Hi all,
I don't have time to write a full blog post tonight.  The time already changed here, and I have to start Svenska (Swedish) classes tomorrow!  But I just have to mention something. 

Candles are ubiquitous is Sweden.   I will write more about this another day.  But last evening,
we went to dinner at a friends house. It was chilly outside, the lights were dim and above the dinner table (she served salmon,) was a wrought iron chandelier with candles burnings.   It was so lovely...

Jante Law and Lagom -edited 10/25 and 11/15

I want to share two insights into Scandinavian thinking.  Or at least insights into traditional Scandinavian thinking. Below are two guiding principles among Swede's. The first is so foreign to the American way of thinking, that I assumed I was reading it incorrectly.  But I was not.  Learning these concepts helps an outsider grasp this socialist country's conception of fairness and equality.  When you read Jante law, do not assume that this is an attitude just toward outsiders.  This is purported to be a communal attitude.

I welcome any clarification from Swede's if I am misunderstanding or misrepresenting this!  Please feel free!  I have already edited this twice.  I am happy to do it again if it will clarify it. : )

Jante "Law"

Do not believe that you are somebody.
Do not believe that you are as important as we are.
Do not believe that you are wiser than we are.
Do not believe that you are better than we are.
Do not believe that you know more than we do.
Do not believe that you are superior to us.
Do not believe that you are good enough.
Do not laugh at us.
Do not believe that anyone cares about you.
Do not believe that you can teach us anything.

 

Educational reforms in more recent years are trying to work within this system while still encouraging more gifted students. [Edit 10/25:] I was speaking to a Swedish friend last evening who offered some insights into Jante law.  The term is taken from a novel written by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandermose, in the 1930's.  She said the idea was that until recent history, many people groups within Scandinavia were isolated.  When modernized transportation brought together, they were exposed to their differences.  Thus, the author wrote these ten rules to discourage one from thinking themselves superior to another.  My friend is a teacher, and said that it is not uncommon to encourage a student who does not feel up to a task to "break away from Jante law".  I have however,  been told by others that Jante law is still very much alive in Scandinavian culture. So...?

11/15: When speaking to another Swedish friend, she explained that formerly it was more important to blend into the crowd and not be different.  This is still more true in the rural areas.  But in general, Jante Law is not as strong as it had been.  
 

"Lagom"

This is a word that means, "Just enough". It apparently comes from a Viking word.   All were drinking from a common vessel, but only drank "just enough"  to satisfy their needs and shared the rest. So: work hard, but not too hard, eat enough, but not too much, have enough money, but not too much, etc.. 

 

And so it goes...

 

 

Kulturnatten

 

On a Saturday in mid-September, John and I took the short train trip to Lund for Kulturnatten, or “Culture Night.”  The fact that it is called culture “night” is a misnomer as we were able to enjoy it all day. I am not sure if Lund University sponsors Kulturnatten, or of the city sponsors it, and the University is involved.  Either way, there are events scattered around the city all day and evening, for all ages and interests.

 

Our first point of interest was, not surprisingly, Fika at a lovely little bakery.

 

 

Yes, it was as good as it looks.

 

 

 

 

OK. admittedly, this telephone booth has nothing in particular to do with

Kulturnatten, but it is in Lund, and it might be the coolest phone booth ever!

 

 

 

Apparently, during the first few weeks of the school year, the University students wear crazy costumes that represent their areas of study.   I have no idea what these angels are studying.  I understand that the school turns a blind eye to the silliness, and after a few weeks, it is all back to business.

 

 

 

What you see before you is "The White House" of Lund University.  This beautiful building houses the office of the dean ("Vice Chancellor"), beautiful conference rooms, and so on.   The tent outside housed what, for us, was the main draw of the day.  The Science Slam.  The slam, M.C.'ed by a local TV humorist,  featured five University researchers.  Each researcher had eight minutes to explain his or her work.  The audience voted and a winner was declared.  But, of course, gifts were distributed to all the competitors.

 

 

   In the evening, Lunds lovely botanical gardens, which are funded by Lund University, were open to the public.

 

 

 

And finally....

 

 

 

...well, it just doesn't get any better that that...

 



Chokladbollar

{ Dedicated to Laurie, Rollie and Jen }

A friend of mine gifted me with a Swedish cookbook.  She said it is in almost every home in Sweden.  In that there are around 9 million people in Sweden, and the book advertises that there have been over 3.4 million copies sold, she may be right. 

 

I bring this up because I want to share a recipe with you.  The recipe is for chokladbollar, or  "chocolate balls".  They are delicious and they are everywhere.  Everywhere.  One can buy them in large boxes of ~ 25 at the grocery stores, or you can buy one individually wrapped at the checkout of another.  I have seen them for sale on the ferry boat next to individually sold shots of ... some sort of alcohol. 

 

 

 

I have had them at parties, have bought them at church for Fika, and had one while taking a break at the second hand store.  They are so common that I even saw some pretend, stuffed chokladbollar at the Dunkers art museum in Helsingborg.

 

 

And why are they everywhere?  Because they are terrific.  They are creamy chocolate with a hint of coffee and some flaked coconut thrown in for taste and aesthetics.  I have not made them yet.  Why would I?  As  I said, I can get them almost anywhere.  But, chances are my American friend, you cannot.  And so, I am going to let you in on the simple recipe for this knockout confection.

 

Chocolate Balls (approx. 30)

100 g. (7 Tablespoons) butter or margarine, softened

1 dl (1/2 c) sugar *

1 Tablespoon vanilla sugar or 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

2-3 Tablespoons sifted cocoa

3 dl (1 ½ cups) rolled oats

2-3 Tablespoons of cold strong coffee

Garnish: pearl sugar or flaked coconut

 

Beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Stir in the remaining ingredients. Form into small round balls.  Roll in pearl sugar or coconut.  Refrigerate until serving time.  Refrigerate leftovers. 

*I do not know why the authors have equated 1 deciliter (which =’s 100ml’s, to a ½ cup which is 120 ml’s).  1 dl. actually equals ~ 2/5th of  a cup.