Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING SWEDEN PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING SWEDEN PATCH PROGRAM
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1.As the Ice Age glaciers melted around 5000 B.C., settlement began in the land now called Sweden. Locate Sweden on a map. What continent is it on? What is the capital city? What monetary unit do they use?

2. The Viking Age began around the 9th century. The Vikings were famous for long ships called dreki or dragon ships. These long ships made it possible for them to go on extended journeys. They lived in wooden or stone longhouses. Learn more about the design of a Viking ship or the structure of their longhouses. Find out when the Viking age came to an end.

3. Swedish is the official language of Sweden. Today, children are taught Swedish and English in school. Learn to count to ten in Swedish and discover other words and phrases of the Swedish language.

4. Creative Arts are preserved in Sweden by organizations such as “Friends of Handicrafts.” Some of the old cottage industries include woodcarving, weaving, glass blowing, and lace making. Create an art project, a piece of pottery or weaving.

5. One of the best-known writers from Sweden is Astrid Lindgren, author of the Pippi Long stocking books. Research a Swedish author or artist. Read a story written by a Swedish writer, watch a movie with a Swedish film star such as Greta Garbo or Ingrid Bergman; OR draw a picture from a book or a story.

6. A typical Swedish smorgasbord is a buffet of several different dishes. It is used for special occasions. Try a Swedish food from a restaurant or grocery store or make a dish from the recipes included in the manual. Examples: Swedish meatballs, au gratin potatoes, salad, salmon, custard, cookies, or potato soup.

7. There are a variety of holidays and festivals in Sweden. Some examples include: Saint Lucia Day, Christmas, Easter, Jukkmokk Fair, or Midsummer. Visit a cultural celebration or a re-creation of one of these holiday events and learn the meaning of the event. You may also create a drawing, art project or prepare a food served at the event.

8. Swedish people enjoy a variety of outdoor sports and games. Some of the most popular ones are soccer, tennis, ice hockey, figure skating, skiing, gooddag, and sparkstottingar. Learn more about an outdoor activity or choose one to enjoy.

9. The traditional clothing in Sweden is mainly worn for dances or special occasions. The clothing has traditional designs and seasonal emblems. The women’s bodice was usually tightly laced along with a long sleeved white blouse. The traditional colors were blue, red, green, yellow or black for the clothing. Learn more about the Swedish clothing. Draw a picture or make a paper doll.

10. More than half of Sweden is covered by forests. An ancient tradition called Allemansratt (AHL-ler-mahns-rat) meaning “Everyman’s Right” allows everyone to use the woods or fields regardless of property boundaries. This luxury is rarely abused and those that make use of it are careful not to destroy anything and appreciate the right to use the land. Take a hike, prepare a picnic or collect pictures of plants and animals found in Sweden and make a booklet or collage. Some examples are: lynx, artic fox, badgers, berries, lemmings, owls, a large variety of flowers and trees.

11. Sweden has a king and a queen and they live in a castle. The Kalmar Castle has beautiful turrets and a lovely interior that give the feeling of a storybook castle. Research a landmark in Sweden. Some examples are the Stadshusett, National Maritime Museum, Lund Cathedral, Foteviken Viking Museum and Halmstad Castle. (Kalmar Castle is pictured on the patch)

12. Many cottages in Sweden are painted red. The paint contains copper and it protects the wood from the severe weather. What part of Sweden can you cross over the artic circle? Choose a terrain or area in Sweden to learn more about. What type of plants and trees are located in those areas?

13. A people known as the Sami live in Lapland. They have inhabited Lapland since prehistoric times. Find out more about the Sami culture and language.

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this country. If you have the privilege of visiting this country, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the country prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.