Incorporate Your Swedish Heritage in Your Perfect Wedding - Two, Maybe Three Wedding Rings

I was charmed when I first arrived in Sweden and realized that when a couple became engaged, both began to wear an engagement ring. They made the decision to marry together. (Although, I'm sure one or the other asked and the other answered!) And then, together, out they went to purchase a gold band apiece.

Diamonds are a fairly recent addition to the Swedish wedding scene, brought here by Hollywood and wedding magazines. There's certainly nothing wrong with diamonds, they're a gorgeous stone. However, he simplicity of the golden bands is quite lovely and the notion that both people are visibly engaged, proud and happy to announce their commitment to the world is a wonderful statement.

Then when the couple married, both the bride and groom added a second gold band. This announced your status change from engaged to married. And on you went in life until you had children.

It was not uncommon in earlier times for the woman to add a third gold band as she became a mother. Sometimes that ring was added as the couple married, sometimes the ring wasn't added until the children arrived. (At this point, you'd want to be adding fairly small bands!)

If you were going to do that today, both the parents would want to add a gold band, because both are equally proud and both are equally responsible for that family. Celebrate life where you find it. Use gold bands to signify your dedication to your beloved, your marriage and your family.

This is a lovely custom to consider, one, not very like a traditional American engagement and wedding ring traditions, but with a great amount of integrity.

American Swedish Institute - Feel Swedish in America

To feel the magic of Swedish culture and history in the heart of the United States, the best place to visit is the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Located on the east side of I 35 west and housed in the magnificent Turnblad mansion, the American Swedish Institute is the brainchild of Swedish immigrant newspaperman Swan J Turnblad which was launched in 1929. It is a fascinating museum, astounding mansion and a significant cultural centre which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This 33 room manor house depicts a fusion of Swedish and American cultures. The elegantly designed house reveals the best of 20th century Swedish architecture. It is beatified with carved stone, a grand two story hall, painted plaster sculptures, intricate woodwork, sculpted ceilings and unique porcelain tile stoves.

Among the many diverse exhibits on display at the American Swedish Institute are fine Swedish glass, important information on folk music, textiles and other decorative arts.

A popular display at this museum is the exhibit on Radiant Knits. The Bohus Tradition demonstrates the history of Swedish Bohus knitting styles and techniques. It displays some original and beautifully knit costumes knitted according to the Bohus style. The Bohus couture garments are on display from January 23rd to March 29th, 2009. This is the first time that the costumes are displayed in the United States ever since the 1964 World's Fair that took place in New York.

Reflected Splendor is a mesmerizing display of Nordic Art Glass and its Regional Influence. It features over 200 pieces of fine art glass selected from the permanent glass collection of the museum that boasts more than 1,200 pieces. The exhibits are stunning masterpieces of 13 skilled Swedish artists and 21 renowned glass artists from the United States.

The American Swedish Institute is an outstanding place of learning since it offers Swedish educational programs for adults, youths, families and even provides scholarships. Visitors can enjoy group tours with loads of fun and activity.

Fishing in Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland is known for its fishing and many people come from far and wide to fish in its waters which are suitable for all types of fishing. The area is full of rivers and lakes that are ideal for fishing for all types of fish. The lakes and rivers are known for their purity and fine fishing along with some of the freshest air. The grayling is high in numbers and the most popular sought after fish but there are other species such as the brown trout, whitefish, powan and coreganus spp. The Tana River in Lapland is famous for its Salmon fishing and Salmon fisheries and the river Tana is known as the best Salmon River in Norway and Finland and the largest Salmon caught in 1929 weighed in at a massive 36lb. The Tana River is 348 kilometres long, which makes it the longest river in Lapland

In fact Swedish Lapland offers many unspoiled fishing waters that are full of different species of fish including the char, sea trout and big browns. There are many activities going on in the summer months where you can become involved in some of the best fishing for miles around., Many of the local guides know the areas like the back of their hands and will indulge you in a fishing adventure that you will never forget.

Thanks to local conservation work, the river Atran in Sweden offers some of the best wild Salmon fishing. Fishing tales place right in the centre of town and you can fish for sea trout on the 1stMarch when the season begins. This spectacle draws in the attention of many anglers and bystanders. At the end of April, beginning of May the fresh run Salmon is the catch of the day and by mid June the catch is usually the smaller Salmon and the Grisle which enters the river at about this time. This great fishing can be enjoyed right until late September when the season closes to allow for spawning. The river Atran situated in Falkenburg is located right at the river mouth and is an area that is steeped in tradition and history. There are some great places to stay such as hotels and camp sites and there is also some great accommodation that is situated right by the river.

Lapland and Sweden offer some great fishing and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy your surrounding areas which are surrounded by beautiful countryside and local attractions.

Malmo, Sweden - The Swedish Riviera

Malmö is Sweden's third-largest city, with about 286,000 inhabitants as of 2009. Malmö is located way down in the southernmost part of Sweden, and believe it or not is closer to Italy than it is to the northernmost tip of Sweden.

Malmö has historically been a blue-collar city, and although it dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, it has experienced its ups and downs throughout the centuries, and is currently moving away from an old-style heavy industry economy to a more modern information based economy.

Malmö has thus become the new city with a plethora of impressive architectural developments. It is now a center for biotech and information technology based companies, and Malmö University is flourishing. The University College of Malmö has been established recently, and the focus is on education, and the arts. In fact, Malmö was ranked in Grist Magazine as one of the 15 greenest cities of 2007.

There is much history to be see and enjoy in Malmö. Some of the 14 original buildings and 15 century, along with the 13 Century, the Church of San Pietro, on tour worth it. The famous Art Nouveau style of many northern countries in mid-1800 to mid-1900 is widely used here.

Do not forget to visit the West Harbour waterfront beach, where you'll find a long walk and the people he saw outside. There is also outdoor swimming pool, the warmest year Sweden will benefit. Despiteof the chilly climate, this area is sometimes referred to as the "Swedish Riviera", or the "Riviera of the North".

Shopping, bars and coffee shops are best found at the Lilla Torg and Möllevängestorget pedestrian areas. From there, there is no shortage of theaters museums and art galleries all within walking distance. The historic town hall is located at the big square. Keep in mind, Malmö is home to a rich, although transitory, array of musical companies and independent theater groups. It's also a hub for dance clubs rock and dub culture.

Winters in Malmö are particularly biting; it is recommended to visit in the warmer summer months.