Miscellaneous about Sweden and Italy

SWEDEN

-In 1931 the Coca-Cola Company dressed the Santa Claus in red and
white, and they made him fat and nice to all the people, and after
that, the new Santa became famous all over the world. Before that
event, Santa was a small, ugly with long beard.

-Swedish people drink mulled wine during the Christmas. It should be
warm.
-On the first Christmas day all the people should watch
"Donald Duck" at 3'clock. Every year television shows the same section,
and people start to eat Christmas dinner only after watching it.

-People in Sweden do not celebrate Lent.

-In Swedish Lapland is situated the Ice Globe Theatre. It was first
created out of snow and ice. In the theatre various operas and plays
are staged . Watching the performance in the open air, with the
Northern Lights overhead, is an experience that lingers long time in
the memory of everyone who visits.

ITALY

-Italy is the European country with the highest rainfall (95 cm)

-On the right bank of the River Voltumo, the people shake their
hands to indicate – Yes!. On the other bank, they nod.

-The Italians spend the most time on clothing.

-Italy is the world’s leading exporter of wines ahead of France
-San Marino and Vatican state are not part of the European Union

-The Italian introduced a habit of giving a chocolate by
girlfriend/boyfriend to her/his beloved.
-Sheep is a symbol of love in this country

-Milan is famous for the traditional sweet cake called Panettone (a
cake which is prepared and enjoyed for Christmas)
-In Italy children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their
presents. According to the tradition, the presents are delivered by a
kind ugly witch called Befana on a broomstick.

prepared by Magda Skop