Iceland’s Swimming Culture
Iceland has about 160 swimming pools for its population of 400,000, meaning there’s a pool for every 2,500 people. Swimming is part of Iceland’s culture. In 1940, swimming lessons were made mandatory in schools to reduce drownings.
Film-maker Jón Karl Helgason grew up enjoying these pools, which he describes as playgrounds for everyone. He swims daily in Reykjavík, paying only 4,000 kr (around £25) a year for unlimited access to his favorite public pool. Most of the pools are outdoors and geothermally heated, making it an affordable pastime.
Beyond physical fitness, swimming fosters a sense of community. “You meet people from all walks of life,” says Helgason. Many pools feature hot tubs and cold plunges, encouraging socializing without distractions—no phones allowed. There’s currently a push for Iceland’s pool culture to gain UNESCO heritage status. As Helgason puts it, “You go to the pool, we don’t go to the pub.”
Ukraine’s Fermentation Tradition
In Ukraine, fermented foods are more than just trendy items; they are a deeply ingrained part of the culture. Felicity Spector, an author involved with the nonprofit “Bake for Ukraine,” highlights the country’s commitment to preservation. Many families grow their own fruits and vegetables, learning to preserve food for the winter. This skill traces back even to the Soviet era, when store shelves were often bare.
Spector learned about lacto-fermentation, a method that uses salt and brine to preserve vegetables. This technique is simple: you salt the veggies, weigh them down, and let them sit in a dark place for about ten days before sealing them for long-term storage.
Fermented foods, like kefir and various cheeses, are packed with probiotics that benefit gut health. Spector notes that fermented fruits, including sour plums, are also common. “There’s really nothing that hasn’t been put in a jar,” she says, showcasing the ingenuity born out of necessity.
Switzerland’s Five Meal Structure
In Switzerland, the tradition of five meals a day is common. These include breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a hearty lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner. Dietitian Sandra Mikhail notes that most Swiss people stick to four meals.
The morning snack often includes breads or fruits, while lunch is typically the largest meal. Mikhail explains that this approach aligns with natural body rhythms, making digestion more efficient. Eating smaller meals throughout the day helps maintain energy levels and might even aid in weight management by regulating appetite.
“Every person has unique needs,” Mikhail cautions, encouraging individuals to tune into their hunger signals rather than blindly following a meal schedule.
The Netherlands and the Wind
Dutch culture embraces the wind with a concept called uitwaaien. This term, which means “to clear your mind with wind,” has been around for centuries. Arie Boomsma, a gym owner in the Netherlands, explains that uitwaaien is an active way to relax, unlike the more passive concept of niksen, which is about doing nothing.
Taking a brisk walk in the wind not only uplifts mood but also refreshes perspective. Many people practice uitwaaien to destress and find clarity.
Denmark’s Communal Dining
In Denmark, the tradition of fællesspisning, or communal dining, is making a comeback. Judith Kyst, leader of the food culture organization Madkulturen, explains this movement connects individuals who may feel isolated in a busy modern world.
These meals often feature affordable, healthy options like chickpea curry and a variety of greens. Eating together not only encourages healthier diets but also fosters community ties. Children attending these meals often eat more fruits and vegetables, contributing to a culture of joy in food.
Spain’s Attitude to Rest
Spain is often associated with the legendary siesta, a midday nap. Polly Revaliente, co-founder of The Sleep Project, notes that short naps can indeed enhance alertness and mood. However, timing is crucial. Long naps can disrupt nighttime sleep, making it important to keep them brief.
In modern Spain, many people no longer take siestas during workdays. Workers adapt their schedules in the summer, but the value of rest persists, particularly among older generations.
Germany’s Evening Bread
In Germany, the tradition of Abendbrot means light evening meals, typically featuring bread, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Ursula Heinzelmann, author of “Beyond Bratwurst,” recalls her childhood, where the main warm meal was eaten during the day, allowing for a lighter dinner that aids digestion and sleep.
Today, this tradition is evolving. Many families are becoming conscious of fresh ingredients and healthier options.
France’s Sophrology
In France, sophrologie—a blend of relaxation techniques and mindfulness—is gaining popularity. Dr. Julia Bache highlights that this method is used for stress relief and is increasingly accepted in mainstream health practices.
Sophrology involves practices like controlled breathing and visualization, aiming to harmonize body and mind. This technique, which originated in the 1960s, is now taught in schools and covered by health insurance, shifting from niche to normal.
Italy’s Post-Meal Walk
In Italy, the custom of la passeggiata serves as a post-meal walk that helps with digestion and spurs social interaction. Dr. Federica Amati, a nutritionist, explains that this practice not only aids digestion but promotes community bonding.
Stores often close in the afternoon to allow time for this tradition, reinforcing its significance in daily life.
Sweden’s Saturday Sweets
In Sweden, lördagsgodis—Saturday sweets—have been a cultural norm since the 1950s, intended to combat tooth decay. Linnea Dunne, author of “Lagom,” shares that children learn early on to enjoy sweets only on Saturdays.
Although some might find this restrictive, it reflects broader Swedish values of moderation and balance. Dunne herself infuses elements of this tradition into her children’s lives, promoting healthy eating habits.
These traditions from various countries reflect how culture shapes our routines around food, rest, and community, emphasizing the importance of balance in our lives.
