Norway is a Scandinavian country where love for the Western way of life and old northern traditions coexist perfectly. Here national costumes and "street fashion", which came from America, perfectly coexist. And the usual Norwegian menu contains both fast food and classic Norwegian dishes.
Norwegians have always been supporters of a quiet, measured and calm life. They rarely gather in large companies in a cafe or restaurant, they do not particularly like mass noisy events. Traditionally, in this country, it is customary to spend time with family or friends, comfortably settling in at home. However, do not think that the Norwegians do not know how to have fun at all. On the contrary, as soon as the weekend comes or holidays come, local residents forget about business, work and study, completely surrendering to rest.
In the northern country, many people are fond of sports. Therefore, every city here is full of sports shops, gyms. Norwegians prefer to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is forbidden to smoke in public places in the country, tourists should remember this in order not to get into an unpleasant situation. Norwegian cities are also zealous to ensure that there is no garbage on the streets, so that people do not harm the nature around them.
According to the once established traditions, a woman is recognized as the head of the family in Norway. Usually it is the woman who makes the final decision on any important issue. She is also the keeper of the hearth. Norwegian men, on the other hand, often come across as melancholic, unhurried, calm and even slightly indifferent personalities.
It is not customary in Norway to demonstrate prosperity, wealth. If any of the newcomers begins to clutch at his status or seeks to show how wealthy he is, the Norwegians look at such a person with disapproval. Despite the fact that Norway is far from a poor country, people here prefer to live modestly and are in no hurry to stand out from the crowd with expensive branded clothing, jewelry, cool cars or fashionable gadgets.
Traditional colors in Norway are blue, red, green and white. It is these shades that are most often found in decor, in the interior, in clothes. Traditional Norwegian clothing, usually made in the colors mentioned, is called bunad. In everyday life, such outfits are almost never used, but they are considered a must at a wedding and during traditional holidays, for example, the Independence Day of Norway.
Young people in Norway can be in love for a long time, but until they are officially engaged, they are not usually called the bride and groom. In the northern country, men usually get married at the age of 25-28, women at the age of 22-25. It can take a very long time from engagement to wedding. Official marriage is allowed only if the man can fully provide and support the family. According to the old tradition, one of the obligatory wedding dishes is wheat porridge prepared by the bride with the addition of sweet cream, honey and nuts.
Many locals are straightforward; during communication, they can seem harsh and rude. In Norway, it is customary to express your point of view directly, clearly and accurately. Sometimes it seems to tourists that the Norwegians are too unrestrained in their statements, which they often spice up with specific humor.
