At first glance, the citizens of the Scandinavian state are no different from the inhabitants of Northern Europe. They dress strictly but stylishly, do not show emotions in public, show the usual politeness to everyone. However, with a detailed acquaintance with the life of the Norwegians, it becomes clear that the life of the northern people is full of features that other people will find unusual and even strange. Thanks to these rules, the descendants of the Vikings are what we have been representing them for decades.
They go to work early
The social idea of norwegians is that each of them should bring all possible benefits to the people of Norway. As soon as the inhabitants of the country complete their studies at the university, they immediately try to find a job in which they can contribute to the development of the country. Mothers who have given birth to a child do not stay on maternity leave for 2-3 years, and after a year (maximum!) they return to performing their official duties. In order for a Norwegian to receive unemployment benefits, he must actively look for work and not reject offers that come from the exchange.
The working day in Norway begins at 8 am, sometimes at 9. The working week in the country is shorter than everywhere else - about 37.5-38 hours.
Children's fast food and sleeping in the cold
For pupils of kindergartens in Norway, a non-standard menu has been developed, almost entirely consisting of sandwiches and sandwiches of different types. Children are given the opportunity to choose the composition of their lunch sandwich: eggs, fish sticks, cheeses, sausage, caviar, sauces and bread are offered. The child is determined with the composition of the sandwich, the staff prepares him, and the pupil eats. The usual hot dishes in the gardens are served about 1-2 times a week. At home, children also eat similar snacks, especially for breakfast before the garden and for dinner after it, parents pack sandwiches for children on a hike, for excursions and for walks.
Newborn babies in Norway have a very unusual sleep – at lunch they sleep outside, despite the weather there. Even if it's snowing, winding or raining, the baby in the stroller should still be sleeping. It will be wrapped in a warmer blanket, covered with a raincoat - and the baby is ready for bed.
Full gender equality
If a Norwegian decides to pay for a girl on a date in a cafe, this can be an insult to the fair sex. The bill in restaurants, cafes and bars is always divided in half, like all household and household tasks. One day, a man will take care of cleaning the apartment and taking care of children, and a woman - washing and washing dishes, on another day the duties will change, and the man will be responsible for the cleanliness of plates and linen, and the woman will have to spend time with the kids and clean the house. Each family shares household responsibilities in its own way, but the ratio of 50 to 50 is mandatory.
Protection of personal space
Norwegians don't tolerate strangers invading their personal boundaries. They do not talk to strangers on the street, in the park or in the store, will not sit next to another person on a bench or on the bus, even if there are too many people there. If someone wants to visit a Norwegian without an invitation, he will not be happy about such a visit and will close the door to the guest, politely saying that he is busy now and cannot devote time to the visitor. They will not hide their discontent for the sake of decency and tolerate an annoying visitor, but will defend their personal border and free it from unexpected guests.
Surströmming is a strange delicacy
One of norway's most surprising and bizarre dishes is surströmming, a fermented herring that has been in a tin can for years. For some reason, they are very fond of rotten fish and offer it to all guests of the country! Surströmming has a very pungent smell, which immediately fills the room, and its taste is appropriate. And this is not a prank: Norwegians really love such a herring, as well as "lutefisk" - dried cod, which was soaked in alkali.
Ardent love for nature
Residents of Norway are very fond of nature and the world around them. They prove their feelings for nature weekly, arranging a Day of Unity with Nature. When the working week ends, many residents of the country take the whole family, collect things and food, lock houses and go a few tens of kilometers from the city, as far as possible from civilization. There they fish, take a break from the city noise, breathe fresh air and unite with wildlife, contemplating its beauty. Outdoor recreation is a favorite leisure activity among the Scandinavians.
Indifference to luxury
Despite the fact that the salaries of Norwegians are considered one of the highest in the world, they do not like luxury goods and treat them with indifference. They do not buy expensive cars, do not build huge pretentious houses, do not wear products made of precious metals with large stones. They ride mainly bicycles, wear simple but stylish clothes and buy inexpensive but high-quality furniture in their small but cozy houses and apartments. Beauty and dignity are in simplicity.
