From Mourning to Munching: A Peak at Swedish Funeral Feasting
Sweden is a country rich in culture and history, with many fascinating traditions and customs that make it a unique and unforgettable travel destination. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Sweden, learning about the country's funeral traditions can be a fascinating and insightful way to gain a deeper understanding of Swedish culture and history.
Funerals in Sweden are typically somber and understated affairs, with an emphasis on simplicity and respect for the deceased. One of the most notable traditions is the use of pine caskets, which are affordable, environmentally friendly, and have been used in Sweden for centuries. Pine caskets are often decorated with wreaths of flowers or greenery, and family members may write messages or tributes on the casket before it is buried or cremated.
Another tradition in Swedish funerals is the wearing of black clothing to signify mourning. While this practice has become less common in recent years, it is still seen as a sign of respect and solidarity with the deceased's family. In some cases, family members may also wear white armbands or ribbons to symbolize their grief.
After the funeral ceremony, it is customary for mourners to gather for a reception or meal. The food served at these gatherings can vary widely depending on factors such as the family's cultural background and personal preferences. However, one traditional Swedish funeral food is gravlax, a type of cured salmon often served with dill and mustard sauce. Other common funeral foods may include open-faced sandwiches, meatballs, and potato salad. There is also a special dessert known as a Princess Cake, or "Prinsesstårta" in Swedish, which is a light sponge cake layered with vanilla cream, raspberry jam, and whipped cream, and covered in a layer of green marzipan. It is traditionally served at special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and, of course funerals. The origins of the Princess Cake date back to the early 20th century, when it was created by a Swedish baker in honor of the princesses of the royal family. Today, it is considered a classic Swedish dessert, and is often used as a symbol of comfort and tradition in times of mourning.
In addition to the Princess Cake, there are other desserts and pastries that may be served at Swedish funeral receptions, including cinnamon buns, almond tarts, and chocolate balls. These sweets are often paired with coffee or tea, and provide a comforting and familiar touch during a difficult time.
It's worth noting that while the Princess Cake is a traditional Swedish dessert, it is not exclusively associated with funeral traditions. In fact, it is often served at other special occasions throughout the year, such as Christmas and Midsummer celebrations. However, its association with comfort and tradition make it a fitting choice for funeral receptions.
As far as disposition methods are concerned, cremation is the more popular option for burial, with approximately 88% of all deceased persons being cremated. This is in line with the trend seen in other Nordic countries, where cremation has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. Cremated remains are typically placed in an urn and interred in a cemetery or scattered in a meaningful location.
Another interesting aspect of Swedish funeral traditions is the practice of "dödsannons", or death notices. These are published in local newspapers to inform the community of the passing of a loved one. The notices typically include information about the deceased's life and achievements, as well as details about the funeral service. In some cases, the notices may also include a request for donations to a charity in lieu of flowers.
For those interested in exploring Swedish funeral traditions further, there are many museums and cultural centers throughout the country that offer exhibits and educational programs on the subject. One such museum is the Swedish Funeral Museum, located in the city of Sollefteå. The museum offers a fascinating look at the history of Swedish funeral traditions, including exhibits on caskets, mourning clothing, and funeral rituals.
While the idea of learning about funeral traditions may seem morbid or uncomfortable to some, it can be a rewarding and enlightening experience for those who approach it with an open mind. By learning about Swedish funeral traditions, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the country's culture and history, and gain insights into the ways in which different cultures approach death and mourning.
If you’re looking to cook up some of the food discussed above I have one extra treat! Funeral Glogg, also known as "Begravningsglögg" in Swedish, is a traditional Scandinavian spiced wine that is typically served at funerals or wakes. It is a warm beverage made by combining red wine, port or brandy, spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and sugar. Some variations may also include almonds and raisins.
The name "Funeral Glogg" may have originated from the tradition of serving warm spiced wine to mourners to provide comfort during a time of grief. However, it's worth noting that this beverage is not exclusive to funerals and can be enjoyed on other occasions as well.
The result is a rich and complex beverage that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter's day. The raisins and almonds add a chewy texture to the drink, while the spices and citrus peel provide a warming and aromatic flavor. Served hot in mugs and garnished with a cinnamon stick and almonds, funeral glogg is a comforting and traditional way to honor the memory of a loved one.
But funeral glogg isn't just for funerals - it's a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Whether you're looking for a cozy drink to sip on during the holidays or a warming beverage to enjoy on a chilly evening, glogg is a classic and delicious choice.
So why not try making funeral glogg at home and raise a glass to loved ones past and present? It's a heartwarming and comforting way to honor their memory and celebrate the traditions of Swedish culture.
Funeral Glogg
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine
1 cup of port wine
1/2 cup of vodka
1/2 cup of brandy
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 cup of blanched almonds
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
1 dried orange peel
1 dried lemon peel
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the red wine, port wine, vodka, and brandy.
Add the raisins, blanched almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, dried orange peel, and dried lemon peel to the pot.
Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and let the glogg simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 30-40 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and strain the glogg through a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and fruit.
Serve the glogg hot in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick and blanched almonds.
Vegan Swedish Princess Cake:
Ingredients for sponge cake:
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup of plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Ingredients for filling:
1 can of full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of raspberry jam
1/2 cup of vegan pastry cream (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup of marzipan
Ingredients for decoration:
1 can of full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1/4 cup of marzipan
green food coloring
icing sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until fully combined.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
To make the filling, open the chilled can of coconut milk and scoop out the solid cream into a bowl. Whip the coconut cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the top of the cake.
Spoon the vegan pastry cream over the jam and spread it evenly.
Roll out the marzipan on a surface dusted with icing sugar to create a circle large enough to cover the top and sides of the cake.
Carefully place the marzipan over the pastry cream and trim any excess from the edges of the cake.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining marzipan with a few drops of green food coloring until you get the desired shade of green.
Roll out the green marzipan and cut it into leaf shapes.
Whip the chilled can of coconut milk and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form and spread it over the top of the marzipan-covered cake.
Arrange the green marzipan leaves on top of the whipped coconut cream to create a flower decoration.
Dust the cake with icing sugar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
And there you have it - a delicious vegan version of the classic Swedish Princess Cake that's just as beautiful and tasty as the original!