The songs gained popularity and became commonplace about 100 years ago, with the introduction of alcohol restrictions and the ration book. The tradition of the snaps song and the ceremony surrounding snaps and aquavit was born in bourgeois, academic surroundings during the second half of the 19th century, mainly from singing students. The snaps song offers us a saucy alternative to the sobriety and steadiness which is so often required in real life. But thanks to Systembolaget and the Swedish health authorities, the modern Swede is very well aware of the downsides of alcohol. Our unusually long and engrained tradition of laws and restrictions when it comes to alcohol has made its mark. This may be in stark contrast to the idea of the introverted Swede, but completely in line with our slightly odd relationship to alcohol. Then we get a headache, stumble and throw up, but generally think it’s been worth it. In the world of the snaps song, we down our drinks, get drunk, happy, sociable and sexy, dancing the samba all night. The snaps song is often about having had one too many and crossing the line, and they don’t shy away from the physical effects of excess. ![]() An unknown melody or long and contrived lyrics prevents a song from being spread by word of mouth, which is another defining characteristic for the Swedish drinking song. They are short, and often humorous, with a twist at the end. ![]() The songs are characterized by the fact that they are sung to accompany the snaps, to the tune of a well-known melody. The snaps songs are a uniquely Swedish, varied, musical treasure. ![]() At least when there’s snaps on the table. Many cultures drink to sing, but singing to drink is a purely Swedish and Finno-Swedish tradition.
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