Danish folk costume. Denmark - traditions and customs. National clothes in Denmark

Denmark (Danmark) is a state in Western Europe, located on the Jutland peninsula and on the Danish archipelago.

Denmark entered the 19th century as the metropolis of a mini-empire, which also included Norway with its overseas possessions - Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands and the north German duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.

It has been in this state since the 17th century. a kind of "constitutional" absolutism was established, since the omnipotence of the king was determined by the "Royal Law". From 1766 to 1808 the mentally ill Christian VII sat on the throne, for whom, since 1784, his son Prince Frederick ruled, relying at first on a group of enlightened aristocrats and carrying out a series of reforms.

From 1808 to 1839 he reigned as King Frederick VI. In the first period of the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark tried to pursue a policy of neutrality, but the attack of the British fleet on Copenhagen in August-September 1807 prompted her to become an ally of Napoleon, declare war on Great Britain and join the continental blockade. Following in the wake of Napoleonic policy led Denmark to war on the side of France in 1813, the invasion of Holstein in December by the Allied Northern Army led by the Swedish Crown Prince Carl Johan. After short negotiations in Kiel on January 14, 1814, a peace treaty was concluded with Sweden, according to which Norway passed to the Swedish king.

Since 1814, universal compulsory education has been introduced in Denmark.

In the 1830s the liberal-democratic movement, which demanded reforms, strengthened in the country. Since 1831, they began to convene legislative regional class meetings of representatives. There was a liberal press. German nationalism grew in the duchies, striving for a closer rapprochement with Germany. In contrast, a national-liberal movement arose, advocating the division of Schleswig, in the northern regions of which the population was Danish-speaking, and its annexation to Denmark. Scandinavian ideas were popular in intellectual circles. The government defended the policy of maintaining the status quo. The aggravation of these contradictions led to a serious crisis in the con. 1840s The revolutionary wave of 1848 also swept over Denmark, where absolutism fell, a Constituent Assembly was convened, which adopted a rather liberal constitution. The power of the crown was significantly limited. The National Liberals came to power. However, the national upsurge in the duchies led to an uprising against the Danes and the Danish war with Prussia and other German states in 1848-1850. Denmark was supported by the Russian Emperor Nicholas I, as well as Sweden - Norway. The unresolved dynastic issue was also superimposed on the Schleswig-Holstein national crisis, since the German movement was headed by the middle branch of the House of Oldenburg that ruled Denmark - the Augustenburgs. With the mediation of Great Britain, an attempt was made to resolve these issues peacefully, but in 1863 a new crisis followed, which caused a war between Denmark and Prussia and Austria. The Danes were defeated, and the result was the loss of the duchies. 200 thousand Danes living in Northern Schleswig also fell under German rule. The National Liberals lost their popularity for a long time.

Downtown Copenhagen 19th century

Denmark was able to quickly heal the wounds inflicted by the war. Economically, Denmark was going through the process of the industrial revolution and industrialization, structural changes in agriculture, reoriented from grain production to meat and dairy, when wealthy peasant landowners became the basis of the agricultural sector, they often united in cooperatives. Politically, there was a rather tough struggle between the conservatives (the Heire party - the right) and the liberals (Venstre - the left, then from 1895 the Radical Venstre) for democratization and the introduction of parliamentary responsibility of the government. The conservative government, supported by the king, was headed from 1875 to 1894. the wealthy landowner J. Estrup, while in parliament the preponderance was with Venstre. In 1876, the Social Democratic Party arose based on the growing working class. Trade unions appeared, in 1898 the Central Association of Trade Unions of Denmark was created. The strengthening of the left forces led in 1901 to the formation of the government of the "Radical Venstre" responsible to the parliament.

In order to better know the features of this country and its inhabitants, it is very important to at least superficially familiarize yourself with the culture. And then, having come here not just for a business visit for one or two days, but for a sufficiently long period, you will get a unique opportunity to feel the worldview of the Danes and get to know their life better. So let's look at the brightest and most unusual traditions and customs of Denmark, allowing you to identify its inhabitants even on the other side of the world.

The mentality of local residents was formed as a result of a long-term impact of special historical, political and socio-economic factors. Therefore, some of the nuances of the behavior of the Danes can seriously surprise tourists. We note the most important of them:

1. The Danish population is distinguished by exceptional law-abidingness: even from very modest salaries, they unquestioningly pay taxes, the amount of which is one of the highest in the world. The only exceptions are football fans and motorists.
2. The Danes do not like loneliness, so a huge number of interest clubs are created in the country.
3. smoke in in public places(restaurants, bars, hotels, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
4. If you plan to attend formal events, take responsibility for the selection of your wardrobe. Locals like people dressed with taste.
5. : at a friendly feast, raising a glass or making a toast, you should look the interlocutors in the eyes and say “skal”.
6. When meeting a friend, it is necessary to greet with a strong hearty handshake, and this applies to both men and women.
7. In conversations, the people of Denmark like to ask a lot of questions, but in no case should you yourself touch on the subject of the interlocutor's personal life.
8. It is in the culture of visiting guests in Denmark to show deep respect for the hosts if you are invited to visit. To do this, present them with a bottle of wine, flowers for the hostess, and a small toy for the child, if any. And do not try to politely refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner: they will not repeat it twice.

Many traditions of Denmark originated in ancient times, and the descendants of the ancient Danes piously observe them. Among the most interesting and colorful of them are the following:

1. Celebration of Saint Hans Day. It is celebrated on June 23 and, according to custom, exciting events are held on this day. festivities. In addition, as a tribute to the memory of ancestors, huge signal fires are lit on the seashore.
2. Viking Festival. This one takes place in June-early July in Frederikssun, located on the island of Zeeland. On it, about 200 Danes dress up in the traditional clothes of their ancestors - the Vikings - and arrange stylized performances and even battles. It all ends with grandiose feasts, where dishes and drinks prepared according to old recipes are served. At the same time, a fair and horse sales in Yallerup open.
3. Fastelavn. It is celebrated at the beginning of February. Earlier on this day, a barrel was hung on a strong rope, and a cat was put inside it. Young Danes, rushing around the barrel, pounded on it with a thick club. The winner was the one whose blow made the cat fly out of the barrel. Today, children in various masquerade costumes simply knock on a barrel with a painted cat glued to it until the bottom falls off and candy spills out of it.
4. Prohibition of local dogs barking at postmen. The state even pays for dog food from its own treasury, which the peddlers of correspondence carry with them on purpose to feed our smaller brothers.
5. Marriage, which is still celebrated according to the ancient custom of the Vikings. Lovers are considered engaged only if their hands are joined by the father of one of them. Mandatory are the "gifts of love" and the ritual "dinner of consent", which gathers all the relatives of the couple. The bride and groom are not recognized as spouses immediately after the marriage is registered, but only after the wedding night. At the same time, all adult members of both families are led to the bedchamber of the young - it is believed that this will protect the newly-made husband and wife from evil forces.
6. Ceremonial changing of the guard. It takes place in the square in front of the palace, which is the royal residence. The ceremony includes the transfer of authority from one guard company to another and the actual changing of the guards at posts worn by traditional form royal guards: heavy boots, woolen uniforms and fur hats.

The Danes love various holidays. Of the religious, the Trinity, Christmas, Easter and Ascension are celebrated on a large scale.

At Christmas, it is customary for the whole family to go to the forest for a Christmas tree, and also to make small nisse trolls using glue from pieces of fur and wool, beech nuts and egg shells. So that they do not mess up in the house, they put a plate with rice pudding plentifully poured with melted butter. The Christmas tree is usually decorated with garlands of hearts and even real candles. On Christmas night, the whole family enjoys roast duck with red cabbage and potatoes and rice pudding, poured with cream and cherry sauce. An almond nut is hidden in the pudding, and whoever finds it during dinner has the right to a gift - a marzipan pig. At the workplace, Christmas is celebrated during a special dinner - Julefrokost. This is a very informal event with games, songs and even flirting.

The pagan festivals of Maslenitsa and Ivan Kupala are also popular. Also important is such a holiday as St. Martin's Day, when a roast goose is cooked in Danish families. This custom comes from the depths of centuries, when the humble St. Martin was hiding from people, not wanting to become a bishop. However, the geese betrayed him with their cackle, so he ordered the locals to mercilessly eat them in large quantities.

Some traditions and customs in Denmark may seem very peculiar to foreigners, for example, weddings. The day of the wedding was always reported by the barker, whose services were paid. At the same time, wedding celebrations were often arranged by the community in a clubbing. When the bride and groom went to church, the crowing of a raven, meeting a funeral procession, stopping a wagon or being ahead of it by another wagon were considered bad omens. Male riders who did not have a family had to gallop, drive to the church and return back. With at least three such runs, this should have guaranteed a happy family life.

When the wedding procession approached the church, all the bells began to ring there and musicians played at the same time: according to legend, this protected the newlyweds from evil spirits. On the way back from the church, the bride threw bread and coins to the children, which was supposed to ensure wealth and the birth of many children.

Also in Denmark, there is a tradition of sprinkling cinnamon on single young people who have reached the age of 25. They are sprinkled with this spice from head to toe, after which a specific smell signals to the opposite sex that the object of their attraction is free.

In Denmark, there is a barbaric tradition of killing dolphins. Young men who have reached the age of 16 are initiated into adult life by participating in this ceremony along with adults. It is believed that in this way they demonstrate courage and courage, although most European countries condemn this terrible custom.

This material is made up of illustrations and will help you get a general idea of ​​how the Danes dressed. The images show the clothing of the Viking Age, as well as the Danish national costume of the early and late 19th century.

If you are engaged in the reconstruction of Scandinavian clothing and would like your materials to appear on the pages of this site, please write to us at the address indicated in the Contacts section.

Viking Age

1-3. Warriors. Middle - with a pipe like an alpine horn, 1 - dressed in sagurr, 4. Leader of the troops with a standard. 5. Warrior.

I. Viking in animal skin pants. 2. Viking (Norman) in a bronze helmet and a blouse with a pattern along the edge. 1 and 2 - from bronze plates found on the island of Öland. 3, 4. Normans in iron and bronze helmets of various shapes. VII - X centuries. 5. Norman warriors. Leather armor with a jagged edge. 9th century Britannia.

Denmark. OK. 1800

Islands of Zeeland and Amager

1. Woman from Skovshoved north of Copenhagen. 2. Clothing for going out to the church of women from Turnby on about. Amager (near Copenhagen). 3.4. Man and woman from Kragerup. 5. A woman from the island of Zeeland, going to milk a cow.

Amager

1. A woman from a Dutch settlement on about. Amager going to church 2. A young man with Fr. Amager. 3. A peasant woman from the southern part of about. Zealand in winter clothes. 4. Woman from Drager on about. Amager in church clothes. 5, 6. Peasants from Fr. Zealand.

1. A peasant from Roskilde. 2. Girl with Fr. Amager. 3.4. Participants of the funeral procession from the Dutch village on about. Amager: 3 - winter, 4 - Summer clothes. 5. Peasant from Fr. Amager in winter clothes.

Denmark. new time

1.2. Man and woman with Amager near Copenhagen. 3. A man with Fr. Lie between the islands of Funen and Als. 4. Owner of a farm near Hedebo. 5. Woman with Fr. Fyn.

Danish folk costume by the end of the 19th century.

1.2. A woman and a man from Refsnes (north-western part of the island of Zealand) 3. A woman from the island. Dreyer, south of about. Fyn. 4. A girl from Ringkebing (west of Jutland). 5. Icelandic. 6. A woman from the southern part of Jutland.

Denmark. Peasant clothes

1.2. Woman and girl with Fr. Fanya. 3. A peasant woman from Skovshoved near Copenhagan. 4. Peasant woman from Agger. 5. Girl with Fr. Bornholm.

Over its centuries-old history, Danish has created its own national culture, reflecting the impact of the natural environment, economic structure and contacts with neighboring peoples. The original material culture of the Danes is still manifested in clothing and food, despite the leveling effect of modern urban civilization.

Traditional types and forms of settlements in Denmark were determined by the structure of the surface and the nature of the occupations of the population. In the east of Jutland, cumulus villages prevailed, in Funen - ordinary ones, stretched along roads and rivers. On Zeeland and in certain eastern regions of Jutland, village houses were located around a round or square shape(the “solskifte” system), where cattle were grazed and gatherings were collected. After the abolition of feudal landownership, farmsteads became the dominant form of rural settlement, which are especially characteristic of Western Jutland, Funen and many other parts of the country. Many former villages have turned into industrial and station settlements.

Danish farms were built separately from each other. It was a system of one-story buildings united under a common roof and placed around a rectangular or semi-oval yard. Residential, barn, and sheds were united under one roof. As a rule, local materials were used for the construction of houses: frames were made from oak, foundations were erected from boulders, walls were built from adobe and reinforced with vines, roofs were covered with straw, peat or shingles.

Until recently, such frame structures were widespread not only in rural areas, but also in cities. Now they have largely given way to brick houses with tiled roofs. In front of the house you can often see elegant flower beds and lawns, and boxes with geraniums on the windowsills.

In the southwest of Denmark, Frisian buildings have been preserved. Many old peasant estates consist of four buildings surrounding a small interior. On the walls of houses, images of cattle are not uncommon. Above front door rises pointed; except for , white and black semicircles are depicted above the windows and doors.

Until half a century ago, in the rural houses of Denmark, the most remarkable were the stoves lined with majolica, which heated only the kitchen. Now in these houses central, and other modern conveniences are quite common. The handicraft rural furniture, made from local tree species, was replaced by the standard urban type.

Since ancient times, the main type of dwelling in Denmark has been a separate house belonging to one family. Now it remains characteristic of the countryside. A significant part of the townspeople lives in apartments in multi-storey buildings, although many single-family houses are still being built.

Even at the beginning of this century, people wore a folk costume in Denmark, and with various regional options. But nowadays it has been completely supplanted by standard European-style clothes. As well as in other Scandinavian countries, woolen products are common in Denmark: sweaters, jumpers, machine-knitted and hand-knitted sweaters.

Elements of ancient women's folk clothing survived the longest in the remote western islands and are associated with Frisian traditions. For folk women's clothing peculiar colored scarves and bonnets, dense knitted sweaters And long skirts trimmed with ribbons, sometimes pleated. Men's, now completely out of use, consisted of wide trousers, an embroidered jacket or vest and a high cylinder hat. All kept in dark colors.

In Denmark, folk crafts (1) have not been preserved. Folk crafts are not preserved. An exception is the lace craft with a center in the city of Tönner. A favorite of Tönner lace is running. These laces are decorated with scarves, shawls, capes, which in the past were an important element of folk costume, and today they are used tourist demand.

In the daily diet of Danes important place takes, pork, and sweets. The most common, one might say, Danish sandwiches have become a national dish - smurrebr' . These are thin slices of bread with ham,

fish, pate, salad, etc. Fish cuisine is very diverse - dishes from cod, herring, eel. The flounder is especially skillfully prepared. Of alcoholic beverages, they usually drink caraway vodka "Ol-Borg Akvavit". The most popular drink is. In terms of its consumption, it occupies one of the first places in Europe. The Danish beer of the Tuborg and Carlsberg brewing concerns is world famous and is a significant item in Danish exports.

All Danes solemnly celebrate Christmas. For this holiday, piglets and geese were specially fattened in the countryside, blood sausage was made, beer was brewed and large round breads were baked from wholemeal flour. According to legend, Christmas and beer have healing properties. All rooms are carefully cleaned and decorated for the holiday, and the animals are given hearty food. It is widely accepted to give Christmas gifts to relatives, friends and acquaintances. The custom of decorating the Christmas tree with toys and national flags has also been preserved.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, shops across the country close early. The next day everyone gets up very early and congratulates each other. This day is usually spent in the family circle, so as not to be taken out of the house. Christmas is especially observed. On Christmas Eve for dinner, roast goose or duck, red cabbage, blackcurrant, potatoes fried in caramel sauce, beer and wine are served at the table. A special dish of boiled rice, which is added with a few grains of blue almonds. whoever gets it gets a Christmas present - marzipan or a bundle of selected Danish pork. Then they arrange dances around the Christmas tree and Santa Claus appears (who is called in advance from special offices) to distribute gifts to children.

No less solemn in Denmark is the New Year's Eve. On the eve, receptions of guests, dances, carnivals, joke games. New Year's dinner consists of plentiful dishes, among which fish dishes are obligatory, especially fresh boiled with a special mustard sauce. Cod is served at the table on the first day of the New Year. This day is usually spent at home. they are greeted with fireworks, an explosion of firecrackers and the launch of paper rockets.

February 21 in the evening in the south-west of Denmark lights are lit in honor of St. Peter, patron saint of sailors. This holiday reflects the traditional ties of the local population with navigation.

At the beginning of February, Shrovetide is celebrated in the country, which lasts three days - Sunday and the first two days of Lent. By this holiday in the countryside, it is customary to dress up branches of birch and other trees and put them on window sills and shelves. On Shrove Tuesday, feasts are often arranged with an abundance of buns, cakes, pretzels and other flour products, and on Shrove Tuesday, fatty pork is cooked.

5 May Denmark celebrates Liberation Day. The day before, the Danish national flag is hung on each window sill, and in the evening a candle is lit in the departure of darkness and the joy of liberation.

On the calendar folk holidays an important place is occupied by the day of St. Hansa, 23 June. On this day, houses are decorated with fresh herbs and a festive treat is prepared. The climax of the holiday comes in the evening, when people gather around the bonfires, on which the effigies of "witches" are burned. This symbolizes the desire to expel all evil forces from the country. Before the burning of the “witch”, speeches are made, and after the burning, people have fun and sing the song of the summer solstice.

Other summer holidays are timed to coincide with various agricultural activities. On the island of Samsø, for example, they solemnly celebrate what is associated with the pagan cult of the fertility of the earth. On August 15, the Assumption is celebrated in the countryside, a big holiday before the end of field work. On this day they put on new or clean clothes, feast and dance.

Folk dances have survived only on some small islands in Denmark. All the inhabitants dance there, most often they lead round dances or walk in a circle. Picturesque lawns have long been chosen for dancing, where, according to legend, they gathered. Now Danish youth prefer modern dancing in country squares or in restaurant halls.

Denmark - a country of continuous literacy, which has an extensive system of educational institutions, folk schools, technical courses.

In 1972, the country introduced nine-year-old children, starting at the age of seven. To continue education, there are real schools and gymnasiums. Graduates of gymnasiums receive the right to enter.

Among higher educational institutions stand out. There are five in Denmark. The oldest of them is Copenhagen (founded in 1479), which plays a leading role in the cultural life of Denmark. The youngest university in the country was founded in 1974 in Aalborg. The other three are in Aarhus, and Roskilde. There are also several specialized higher educational institutions - the Higher Technical Academy, the Higher Engineering Academy, Pharmacists, the Higher Veterinary and Agricultural School, the Higher Trade School, the Higher Pedagogical School, the Academy of Arts, etc.

During the 70s, a number of reforms were carried out to create more progressive education systems, but at the same time, spending on and restrictions on access to higher and special education were being cut, in particular, student benefits from the state were significantly cut. Students are given the right to receive a loan from banks with installment payments over 5-10 years, a very percentage (from 1975 to 14%). Both , and higher educational institutions do not distribute and do not provide work for graduates. This is one of the reasons for youth unemployment, which is becoming an increasingly acute social problem.

in the fine arts of the early 19th century. developed a fascination with neoclassicism. The most prominent representative of this direction, the famous Bertil Thorvaldsen, won world fame. He donated many of his best works to Russia. In the spirit of neoclassicism, paintings by K. Eckersberg (1783-1853), original master the portrait genre, which brought up a galaxy of talented students (V. Marstrand and others). In the 40s of the XIX century. in architecture began to gothic and renaissance, associated with the flourishing of romanticism.

Denmark gave the world the original philosopher S. Kierkegaard (1813-1855), whose works constituted modern existentialism. Great progress in the 19th century have been achieved

you are Danish scientists K. Thomsen, E. Worse and S. Müller in archeology. The method of field excavations developed on the basis of Danish material formed the basis of archaeological science. X. became famous for the discovery of electromagnetism.

In the 60s of the 19th century, when great changes were taking place in the life of Denmark, romanticism gave way to realism in literature. Prominent figures in this trend were the critics the Brandes brothers - Georg (1842-1927) and (1847-1931), the writer Jene Peter Jacobsen (1847-1885), the author of the psychological novels Grubbe and Niels Lühne, the poet and writer C .-dorf (1836-1901).

Romanticism in the visual arts was outlived later than in literature. The most famous portrait painter and genre painter P. Kroyer (1851-1909), the head of the realist movement, who at a later stage of his career was influenced by the French Impressionists.

An original musical school was formed in the country, headed by N. Gade (1817-1890). His works are inherently harsh with a touch of melancholy.

At the end of XIX - beginning of XX century. in literature and art, new trends arose:, and neo-romanticism, manifested in some works of X. Bang, X. Drakman and other writers. Along with this, the development of the realistic trend continued, vividly represented in the work of J. Jensen (1873-1950), the author of numerous novels (The Fall of the King, etc.) and short stories, striking with brilliant stylistic mastery.

Denmark has given the world a whole galaxy of proletarian writers. Among them, the most famous is Andersen-Neksø (1869-1954), the author of the social novels Pelle the Conqueror, Ditte the Human Child, Morten and numerous short stories.

Among the sculptors of the early XX century. the name of Kai Nielsen (1882-1924) is widely known, whose works adorn the modern one. M. Nyurop, the creator of the building of the Copenhagen City Hall, became famous in architecture.

Kai Munch (1898-1944). different stages recent history The novels of X., X. Scherfig, X. Wulff and other proletarian writers are devoted to the Danish people. A series of novels about the position of women in bourgeois society was created by Karin Michaelis. Psychological novels by K. Becker, T. Christensen, K. Soya and X. Brunner are very popular.

In the 1960s, modernist tendencies intensified in the work of some Danish writers (M. A. Hagien, K. Riefbjerg, L. Panduro, V. Sørensen). In opposition to this trend, a current of new realism arose (A. Boselsen, K. Kampman), which grew into a merciless exposure of the capitalist way of life.

IN last years Socio-psychological realistic novels by T. Skou-Hansen, V. Rasmussen, and M. Christenson appeared. There was a renewed interest in the working novel.

In architecture and art, such trends as abstractionism appeared. Along with them, the use of folk artistic traditions continued (especially in monumental painting). Great advances were made in urban planning and functional architecture. Danish has received worldwide recognition.

Research centers of international rank have developed in Denmark: theoretical physics, headed by N. Bohr, the Institute of Animal Physiology, the Institute of Serums, etc. Economic history is developing rapidly.

Danish belongs to the northern branch of the Germanic group of languages ​​and has great similarities with other Scandinavian languages. Among the most celebrated Danish writers are Hans Christian Andersen, whose fairy tales have been translated into more languages ​​than any other book except the Bible; the theologian and philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, the forerunner of modern existentialists; and Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa and Babette's Celebration. Peter Høeg, best known for his novel Smilla's Snow Feeling, is the most important modern Danish writer.

The world's most famous Danish film director is Carl Dreyer (1889-1968). Dreyer has directed many films, including his masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc, recognized worldwide for its rich visuals and innovative use of close-ups.In recent years, Danish cinema has gained attention with the wonderful film Babette's Feast. , as well as the film version of the novel "Pelle the Conqueror" by Danish writer Martin Andersen Neksø, directed by Bille August.The leading filmmaker of the new millennium is Lars von Trier, whose films "Breaking the Waves" and "Dancer in the Dark" won prizes at the International Cannes Film Festival; received the Grand Palme d'Or, the main prize of the festival in 2000.

Carl Nielsen, the famous Danish composer, wrote over 100 works, from string quartets to opera; he is the author of an absolutely amazing work for choral performance "Spring on Funen" (Fyn Island - the composer's birthplace); a clarinet concerto, according to some reviews, the best in the 20th century; and six symphonies, the most famous being the Fourth, "Inextinguishable", and the Fifth, with its almost neurotic drumming. The Royal Danish Ballet, which performs at the Royal Theater in Copenhagen from autumn to spring, is considered one of the best in Europe. Denmark is also famous for its industrial design, its style is cold clean lines in everything from architecture to furniture and silver jewelry.

The Danes pride themselves on being an extremely modern people, so donning national costumes, traditional folk festivals and observance of old-fashioned rituals is not as popular here as in most other European countries. Tourists may notice that the Danes are calm, relaxed, not prone to excesses and tolerant of other people's lifestyles different from their own. In 1989, Denmark became the first country in Europe to legalize marriages between people of the same sex, thereby giving homosexuals the same opportunities to start a family as heterosexual couples. Perhaps no word so accurately reflects the Danish idea of ​​\u200b\u200blife as "hygge", which roughly translates as "cozy, comfortable." This implies the ability to isolate oneself from the worries and problems of the outside world and immerse oneself in a warm, intimate atmosphere. The word reflects the way in which many issues of private life are dealt with, from home improvement to an addiction to small cafes and pubs. by the most best compliment for the hosts hosting guests, there will be gratitude for a cozy evening.

The essence of Danish cuisine is best embodied in a dish called smorrebrot (before ""like bread and butter"), an open sandwich that can be as simple as it is or an elaborate culinary contraption. Danish cuisine consists mainly of fish, meat and potatoes. Traditional dishes are flaskesteg (fried pork with cracklings), gravad leks (canned or salted salmon marinated with dill and served with sweet mustard sauce) and hvid labskovs (stew of square pieces of beef with potatoes, bay leaves and peppers). Delicious pastries, known all over the world as "Danish", in Denmark itself are called vinebrot (Viennese bread), and on almost every second corner you will see a pastry shop where you will be offered the richest selection of rolls and muffins, the sight of which will make you "suck in the pit of the stomach.” The Danish breweries in Carlsberg make great beers. The most popular strong alcoholic drink in Denmark is aquavit produced in Aalborg. Beer, wines and spirits are offered in all restaurants, cafes and grocery stores.