Hundreds of years ago, the Swedes were in the midst of cooking large, scrumptious meals that covered a variety of food types. These meals consisted of goods like simple cheese and breads, hot spreads, and traditional Swedish dishes. Eventually, this magnificent spread would become an ocean of dishes burying a table somewhere underneath. All the food provided leaves every visitor and family member a chance to take a stab at many different types of Swedish cuisines by getting a little bit of everything. This could be imagined as truly the best of both worlds – a lot of hearty, Swedish food and getting to savor any of it that you please. Eventually, the Swedish people named this monstrosity of a meal preparation and presentation the smörgåsbord. The smorgasbord has become a recognizable part of Sweden’s culture internationally and keeps their cuisine well known across the globe. More often than not, when a culture of a country becomes as globalized as Swedens has over the past 25 years, the unique traditions surrounding celebrations and cuisines can slip right through the fingers of its citizens. Although Swedish culture has been globalized, the smorgasbord remains a culinary presentation custom for the country, making it the nation’s signature culinary tradition that is dreamt about all over the world. 

 

The history of the smorgasbord is what makes the meaning of this food delivery style such a strong cultural tradition. Broken down into the roots of prefixes and suffixes that make the food masterpiece up, smorgasbord literally breaks apart and translates into “sandwich” and “table.” This only makes sense considering the origins of the smorgasbord began selections of bread, butter, and cheese – the delicacies that make up the perfect sandwich. The smorgasbord originated as a meal specifically for the upper class. Over time, it became more accessible to the common people as a middle class emerged. Swedes in history were traveling long distances to visit friends and family. The smorgasbord became the perfect way to entertain guests while waiting for others which showed appreciation for the long travels the visitors endured that led to the quality time of family and friends (Zimberoff). The history of the smorgasbord is what makes it of the utmost importance to be a part of celebrations; a delicacy that was once only available to few is not available to all.

Because of this rich history of the smorgasbord being so important to Swedish citizens, there is no doubt that it would be used for the biggest celebration in Swedish culture. Sweden is of strong Christian heritage, meaning that they often have lavish Christmas celebrations (Albala 359). When being served during the Christmas holidays, the smorgasbord is called a julbord, translating into “Christmas table.” For the Christmas smorgasbord, some people even begin prepping their boards more than a month in advance (Zimberoff). The Christmas smorgasbord is the grandest of all celebrations in the country, making it one of the prime opportunities for Swedish dishes to be represented for people all around the world to indulge in with this magnificent presentation (Bergflødt).

The smorgasbord legacy is so substantial, it has become second nature to citizens and can be seen around the world where Swedish citizens have laid new foundations. This strong tradition has continued its spread outside of the country by and into the United states where just this past Christmas, the Swedish embassy in Washington DC worked for a month to create the perfect Smorgasbord feast to be shared with American friends. One thousand elite guest were invited, allowing Swedish cuisine to be experienced by people of all different cultures and backgrounds in the most presentable and impressive way that the Swedes know how. (Zimberoff). The dishes consisted of pickled herring to scrumptious Swedish meatballs. Many traditional dishes and other dishes infused with other cultural influences were devoured by all.

 

The smorgasbord legacy is so important to the traditions in Sweden that it was served at what is considered to be the most unifying event of all time. At the 1912 Olympic games hosted in Stockholm, Sweden, the smorgasbord was the choice of presentation of Swedish Cuisine for guests from all around the world. These world class athletes were not only able to experience Swedish cuisine, but they were able to do it in the most traditional, special way. The smorgasbord was not just offered as a source of variety of snacks for these athletes and celebrities to sample, but was adopted as the main course to serve to these people from all around the world (Brones).

Although this tradition spread around the world, the recipes and presentation remain original in Sweden where the roots of the smorgasbord strongly stand today.  Influences and recipes are invited into Swedish culture continuously, but the most successful recipes last through generations and are still served on this special spread to this day (Coombs). These recipes in combination with the smorgasbord make it simple create the ultimate Swedish cuisine experience for all. Although the smorgasbord is originated in Sweden, it is flexible by being able to be a presentation of all diverse cultures of food and appears in many places around the world.

Whereas we as Americans might be overwhelmed by a presentation of so many different dishes to pick and choose from, the tradition of the smorgasbord is as simple as breathing to the Swedes. It is a tradition so strong, it has lasted since the origins of the country itself, traveled to different areas of the world, and has remained constant through all celebrations of life. The smorgasbord is not just a tradition that is loved by the Swedish people, it is one that changes the faces of their holidays and celebrations as a whole. A celebration, housewarming, a meeting, or even a wedding is not the same without the over abundance of Swedish dishes to tend to all the attendees.

 

 

Works Cited

Albala, Ken. Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia. Greenwood, 2011.

Bergflødt, Sigurd. Interview with Dr. Richard Tellström. Anthropology of Food, Season 7: Nordic Food Culture, 2012.

Brones, Anna. “Straight-Up Scandinavia: Understanding the smorgasbord”. Galding.Com, Gadling. Retrieved 17 February 2018.

Coombs, Anna Olsson. Modern Swedish Cookbook. New York : Current books, Inc., A. A. Wyn,1947., 1947. EBSCO Search.

Zimberoff, Larissa. “At Christmas, The Swedish Smörgåsbord Redefines Over The Top.” The Salt, NPR.org.