Denmark is a small country, but its inhabitants consider their land to be the center of Scandinavia. The Danes themselves in the Old World are called sane, neat and decent people. They honor their customs and live in complete harmony with nature and the world around them. The old traditions of Denmark today are observed mainly in the countryside, but in the capital, national holidays are still celebrated not to please tourists, but to satisfy their own preferences.
Under the red flag
For every resident of the country, the flag of Denmark is a real symbol and relic. Stingy Danes certainly have a flagpole in the middle of their land, on which a red rectangle with a white cross soars into the sky on special days. The list of required dates is neatly magnetically attached to the fridge and a punctual Dane has no chance of missing something important.
In addition to public holidays and days when foreign heads of state visit the country, Danish traditions instruct residents to celebrate birthdays and city events by raising the flag. If there is no room for the flagpole, the banner appears on tables and bookshelves. By the way, it was the inhabitants of Andersen's country who began to be the first to draw the image of the national flag on their faces during important sports matches.
Leafing through the calendar
It is customary to celebrate many holidays in the country, but the most favorite were and remain Christmas and Easter. By tradition, Denmark also celebrates the feast of St. Martin, when a roast goose appears on the table. The story goes that Saint Martin was a humble man and hid from people, not wanting to become a bishop. He was betrayed by the loud cry of geese, for which Martin ordered to eat them mercilessly once a year.
When choosing a time for a tour to Denmark, you should pay attention to the middle of summer, when its inhabitants meet the day of St. Hans. This is the name of the holiday, familiar to us as the day of Ivan Kupala. Bright bonfires and festivities on St. Hans are a tribute to the pagan past of the Danes. By the way, the traditions of Denmark are preserved in the annual Viking festival held on the island of Zealand. The program includes competitions and battles in medieval armor and a feast with dishes of ancient cuisine and Viking drinks.
About dogs, postmen and whales
- According to Danish tradition, a dog has no right to bark at anyone, especially the postman. Therefore, the local letter-carriers always have a delicacy in their pockets for the most vociferous.
- After celebrating their 16th birthday, Danish youths go whaling with adults to prove that they are now grown men.
