The Viral Reddit Thread Where #SwedenGate Started Has Other Interesting Stories About Unfamiliar Customs People Had to Observe When Visiting Another Family
"The whole family cleaned their plates of food, then turned them over and ate dessert on the back of their plates."
A recent post tagged as #SwedenGate went viral first on Twitter and then spread like wildfire all over the internet. Everyone was shocked to learn that the Swedes, lovely people that they are, do not invite their children's friends to dinner when they are playing at their house.
The visitor is asked to stay in the room while the family enjoys a hearty meal together. Some are asked to sit at the table but are not allowed to have any of the food.
People online were understandably shocked by this cultural difference. Our knowledge of Sweden was limited to their meatballs, ABBA, the film Midsommar, and do-it-yourself furniture.
We definitely did not expect this from them. The legendary tidbit was not revealed by a candid Twitter user; instead, it was an answer to a question on r/AskReddit. The question was: "What is the weirdest thing you had to do at someone else’s house because of their culture/religion?"
It's obvious that the odd anecdote about Sweden made the most impact on people online, but it wasn't the only interesting answer on the forum. So many questions we didn't even know we had were answered.
Reading their answers was like traveling to another country and immersing yourself in the culture. You can read some of the most eye-opening answers below!
Here's the question that got us spiraling down the rabbit hole:
u/sebastian255251. The answer about Sweden that sent shockwaves online
Wowimatard2. The property manager who had formed a bond with an Asian client
blowhardyboys86
Who took him on walks along the beach and held his hand while they discussed life
blowhardyboys86
3. The family who literally turns over their plates to get ready for the next course
Argybargyass
4. The young kid who was not told he had to pay for his meal
Songovstorms
After that experience, he found another place to play Dungeons and Dragons
Songovstorms
5. Here's an explanation from another comment:
"They can't adjust fire on the Sabbath, so they asked a gentile to do it for them. There are limitations to that as well."
laurens-t
6. The kind of family who are so rich they have no concept of what's expensive
Deadlybutterknife
It's a gift-giving tradition they have carried out consistently through the years
Deadlybutterknife
7. Is it fair to say that they don't like women to have rights?
TomatoOnToothpics
8. We wonder if they were cackling movie witches or the spell-casting kind
erineestevenson
9. This is another legendary Reddit story you have to read
Long story short: It was her first time meeting her boyfriend's parents. She was asked to join in on a weekly family tradition where they each ate an orange, peel, pit, and all. According to Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiologist and author, "Family traditions can create a sense of belonging and connection, which is essential for emotional well-being." Engaging in unfamiliar customs can also foster deeper relationships, as noted by Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, who states, "Participating in the traditions of others can enhance mutual respect and understanding."
frauleinsteve
10. Well, if the Bible says so...
HereticGaming16
11. Sounds like a scam to get free snacks from an unwitting kid
higestache
12. Sounds like a lovely time, to be honest
MadRadInnit
13. Out of curiosity, how old was Jesus according to the cake?
OccamsComb
14. Women cannot be friends because it is a gateway to lesbianism. It is known.
OhCleo
15. Vodka, sauna, free scrub, and making snow angels? Sounds like a good winter was had.
mypoopscaresflysaway
16. That's a lot of prayers before a meal
Bizarre_Protuberance
17. Is it because their religion dictates this, or was it a family rule?
ward_-_
18. Confirmed, Mario is Illuminati
Qix213
19. Nakedness was not optional. Her boyfriend's parents will at least know she had nothing to hide.
asphyxiationbysushi
20. Maybe they were still covered under warranty
macaronsforeveryone
21. Hogmanay happens on December 31st, the eve before the new year
GabberZZ
22. Your friend could have at least clued you in
andeewb
23. That's a lot of sugary soda for one night
mickyburton
24. Surely emergency situations are exemptions not to observe a custom
phoenixfeet72
25. Wassailing is an early British tradition where folks visit orchards to sing to trees and spirits in hopes they will bless the community with a bountiful harvest
-Satsujinn-
Cultures vary from country to country, state to state, and even family to family. When visiting other people, it's best to observe their customs, even if you are unfamiliar with them.
If you are the host and you invited your friend over, it's a good idea to clue them in to your family's "rules" or your religious observations. This way, nobody feels awkward, or at least your friend knows to go home before dinner.
