Sweden in Minnesota

Sweden migration and their story to Minnesota

Sweden in Minnesota is so unique. Sweden has given so many people who were helpless once, opportunities that you don't get everyday. It's the bigger things that make such a big difference in someone life. It's definitely something to want to learn more about.

Swedish migration to Minnesota really began three decades after Fahlström’s arrival. Swedes began to settle in Illinois in the 1840s, and their migration to Minnesota was part of a gradual spread northward. By 1854, a Swede arriving on the East Coast could travel by rail to Chicago and the Mississippi River and then take a steamboat to St. Paul. This stopping-off point in Minnesota Territory (established in 1849) made Minnesota a logical destination for farm-seekers. The Pre-emption Act of 1841 also encouraged settlement, as it enabled migrants to claim government land prior to its public sale. Over a quarter of a million Swedes came to Minnesota between 1850 and 1930, primarily by economic opportunities not available to them at home.

)opportunities for immigrants to obtain land or find employment coincided with increasingly limited access to these resources in Sweden. For nearly 300,000 Swedes who settled in the state, Minnesota presented the right place at the right time. Of the roughly 1.25 million Swedish men, women, and children who came to the United States between 1845 and 1930, more settled in Minnesota than in any other state.

Traits of Sweden

Agriculture and food.

swedish crop production is dominated by cereals, mostly barley, oats and wheat, as well as by grassland. Some 40 percent of arable land is sown to cereals. Cereals and cereal products are Sweden’s largest export products. The food industry is Sweden’s fourth largest manufacturing industry and it plays an important role in raising value by transforming agricultural products into high-quality food and drinks. Only about 2% of Sweden's labor force earned their living in agriculture in 1999, compared with more than 50% at the beginning of the 20th century and about 20% in 1950. Production exceeds domestic consumption. Most farmers are elderly, and few small farms have a successor waiting to replace the present farmer.

Holidays and Traditions

They celebrate christmas and for christmas they gather over a cup of steaming Swedish 'glögg' (mulled wine) accompanied by gingerbread biscuits and saffron buns. For easter the children dress up as Easter witches hoping to get sweets in return They also do a crayfish party they come together to eat crayfish and to spend time together. The crayfish parties normally take place in August and mark an end to summer. They are very family oriented at all of the holidays they all revolve around having their family involved. many Swedes will create Advent calendars where children can open little doors to get a gift each day. During christmas it was common to leave out a bowl of rice pudding on the front porch for santa to eat.

Religion

They celebrate christmas and for christmas they gather over a cup of steaming Swedish 'glögg' (mulled wine) accompanied by gingerbread biscuits and saffron buns. For easter the children dress up as Easter witches hoping to get sweets in return They also do a crayfish party they come together to eat crayfish and to spend time together. The crayfish parties normally take place in August and mark an end to summer. They are very family oriented at all of the holidays they all revolve around having their family involved. many Swedes will create Advent calendars where children can open little doors to get a gift each day. During christmas it was common to leave out a bowl of rice pudding on the front porch for santa to eat.

In conclusion, Sweden is wonderful.

It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.