Feb 26 • 09:11 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Jana Stahl: The Coastal Swedish Culture is Currently Experiencing a Renaissance

Jana Stahl states that the Coastal Swedish culture is undergoing a renaissance, highlighting efforts to preserve and promote this unique heritage.

Jana Stahl, who recently received the Cultural Capital's top award for folk culture for her dedication to preserving and showcasing the Coastal Swedish cultural heritage, asserts that this culture is undergoing a significant renaissance. The history of the Coastal Swedish people in Estonia dates back at least a thousand years, yet today, there are fewer than a thousand descendants of this community remaining. As one of these individuals, Stahl has been actively working for many years to maintain and promote the unique cultural practices and heritage of her ancestors.

Stahl elaborates that the areas historically settled by the Coastal Swedes before World War II include Ruhnu, Vormsi, parts of Hiiumaa, Noarootsi, Nõva, Vihterpalu, Osmussaar, Pakri Island, and Naissaar. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the Coastal Swedish culture, evidenced by the release of a book on Old Swedish folk clothing, an exhibition at the Estonian National Museum, and seasonal fairs that feature the culture prominently. These initiatives have contributed to the broader recognition of this heritage and its significance in the cultural landscape of Estonia.

Overall, the acknowledgment of Coastal Swedish culture's renaissance brings forth the potential for increased awareness and appreciation of minority cultures in Estonia. This revival not only helps in safeguarding the traditions of the Coastal Swedes but also enriches the cultural diversity of the nation as a whole, inviting more attention and respect for the unique stories and histories that minority communities contribute to Estonia's heritage.

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