Are the religions universalizing or ethnic in Sweden? What are the most common religions in the country? Traditions/festivals?
I couldn't find any traditions or festivals but this is what I have put
Lutheranism took hold in Sweden, and it remained dominant through the 20th century. After Christianity, Islam is the largest religion in Sweden. About 100,000 people are members of Christian Orthodox churches, including Greek, Serbian, Syrian, Romanian, and Macedonian.
Is this good
http://www.google.com/#q=sweden+traditions
Oh, I thought it meant traditions and festivals related to religion..?
Here's a list. If you aren't sure what each is (Epiphany, etc.), look it up.
http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/sweden/festivals
To determine whether religions in Sweden are universalizing or ethnic, we need to understand the definitions of these terms. Universalizing religions aim to appeal to all people regardless of their ethnicity or cultural background. They typically seek to convert believers from different parts of the world. Ethnic religions, on the other hand, are closely connected to a particular ethnic or cultural group and are often passed down through generations.
In Sweden, the majority of the population historically adhered to Lutheranism, a form of Christianity. Lutheranism can be considered a universalizing religion as it originated in Germany and spread to various parts of the world, including Sweden. However, the influence of religion has waned over time, and Sweden is now known for its high rate of secularism. Many Swedes do not actively practice any religion and identify as non-religious or atheist.
In recent years, Sweden has seen an increase in religious diversity due to immigration from different parts of the world. Islam is now the second-largest religion in the country, primarily practiced by Muslim immigrants and their descendants. This indicates a shift towards a more diverse religious landscape in Sweden.
As for traditions and festivals, Sweden has several cultural celebrations throughout the year. Some of the notable festivities include:
1. Midsummer (Midsommar): Celebrated on the summer solstice in late June, Midsummer is a highly popular Swedish holiday. It involves dancing around a maypole, wearing traditional costumes, and enjoying traditional food and drinks.
2. Lucia: Celebrated on December 13th, Lucia is a festival of light. It honors Saint Lucia and marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden. Processions featuring a Lucia bride (a young woman dressed in a white gown with a crown of candles on her head) take place, and traditional songs are sung.
3. Christmas: Christmas is celebrated with various customs, including the exchange of gifts, decorating the Christmas tree, and enjoying traditional meals. Swedish Christmas traditions often revolve around long-standing folklore and pagan influences combined with Christian elements.
4. Easter: Easter in Sweden involves various traditions such as painting and decorating eggs, children dressing up as "Easter Witches" and going door to door for candy, and feasting on typical Easter food like herring and lamb.
These are just a few examples of Swedish traditions and festivals. It's worth noting that Sweden is a diverse country with regional variations in customs and celebrations. Exploring different cultural events and local customs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of Sweden's traditions.