But since it was a small event and half the guests do not speak Swedish we decided it would be awkward. We were tempted to try to implement this into our wedding reception in an effort to share the tradition with my side of the family. This is a strong tradition of short and cheerful songs that are sung before taking a drink of spirit. Then there are also the drinking songs ( “snapsvisa” or “ dryckesvisor“). When you go into a pub it is common to simply order a “Stor Stark,” which literally translates to “Large Strong,” meaning you want a large glass of the strongest beer on tap. There is a toast master to organize toasts from guests, to which there is traditionally many. An interesting tidbit about toasting at Swedish weddings, the bride and the groom do not usually give a toast or say a few words (or at least this was what my husband explained, maybe just to get out of giving a toast? :P). While snaps is a very popular drink here, especially for festive occasions and holidays, just like “Cheers!” a toast can be given casually or formally with wine, beer, liquor, with any drink for any occasion. Our friends and family are very considerate when it comes to speaking English in front of me when they can, of course they slip back into Swedish which I listen to and try to understand, but when it comes time for a toast they often politely smile at me and say “Cheers!!” to which I am grateful, partly because I get to respond with the one word I like to say, “Skål!” which is met with laughter and cheering, the American and her only Swedish word. It was strong and there would be plenty more skåls throughout the course of the meal.įor me, one of the fun parts about this exclamation is that I am excited to share it. No toast, no speech, just drink! Thankfully right before I was about to treat it like a shot, my husband warned me to only take a sip.

Once we all sat with our plates filled with food the glasses were filled with Aquavit and raised high, “Skål!” with smiles and steady eye contact. A snaps glass was set at every plate, which is not a custom I was familiar with. Like any large meal I was met with the familiar festive holiday table full of food and drinks. My first visit to Sweden was during Easter, which is one of the biggest holidays here along with Christmas and Midsummer. I am shy about saying anything in Swedish but I know how to raise my glass proudly and collectively exclaim “Skål!” It means the same in Swedish as it does in English, which I assume would be true for any language or culture – congratulations, good health, well wishes, honor, prosperity, and/or happiness. “ Skål!” was the first word I learned in Swedish, being an important part of holiday dinners with family. In the spirit of waking up with a slight hangover this morning it seems appropriate to write a bit about Swedish drinking traditions.

Drunk speech to text translator