National traditions of Slovakia. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Slovakia is a beautiful but quite cold and damp country. Such a climate and decades spent unnoticed under the yoke of other nations formed a national character that can be described as calm and restrained. More than 72% of Slovaks are Christians, mostly Catholics. Evangelicals, Orthodox, and Jews also live in the country. The family is a priority for most Slovaks, close friends are in second place. When a child is born, parents receive a cash support. Children are expected to behave maturely: restraint, courtesy, respectfulness, attentiveness, keeping clothes clean. Physical punishment is still common.

Divorces and remarriages have become common since the 80's. In rural areas, Slovaks still often live together as three generations. Grandmothers take care of their grandchildren. There was a time where the wife left parents to serve her husband’s family after the marriage. Now it is less common, especially in cities where young people are trying to get a separate place to live. The man is traditionally considered the head of the family, although women have more and more influence on the family issues. Back in the old days, women could only be teachers, nurses, and sellers, but since the middle of the last century, the situation has been gradually changed. However, the working woman is overloaded with housework so far.

The question "how are you?" will be answered shortly but negatively, remembering recent failures and resentments. Slovaks can be called pessimists because they often complain about the heat, cold, bright sun or lack of it, and so on. One of the largest national minorities in Slovakia is Hungarians. They often cause hostility in Slovaks. There are also a lot of Gypsies in the country who are subjected to physical attacks by Slovak skinheads from time to time, which in some cases ends in murder. Same-sex relationships are not welcome here, so they should not be shown off. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Slovaks are quite private and do not show their emotions outside the family and a circle of close friends. They may seem cold and arrogant, but Slovaks become warm and open when they get to know a new friend better. When meeting with unfamiliar people, it is customary to shake hands regardless of gender, maintaining an eye contact. Relatives and close friends often kiss each other on cheeks in greeting or farewell. During a conversation, a distance between interlocutors is about one meter. An invitation to home is considered an admission to the private life of a Slovak. More often, they first invite new friends to a bar or restaurant.

Guests usually bring wine, chocolate or an odd number of flowers. However, the number 13 should be avoided - many Slovaks are quite superstitious. White lilies and chrysanthemums are for funerals. One should dress in a formal manner and take off one's shoes at the door. During communication, it is not worth discussing work and finances, unless the interlocutors themselves bring up this subject. Most likely, alcohol will be traditionally served at the table. Non-drinkers should politely refuse the offer.

Smoking is allowed In many Slovak bars and restaurants, and it is often hard to find a non-smoker there. There are wine and beer production in Slovakia, and generally, Slovaks like to drink. Over 70% of Slovaks aged 18-34 still live with their parents. Nearly half of the country's population lives in rural areas, but in recent years more and more young people move to cities. Most people in Slovakia prefer public transportation. The private car is considered an indicator of the status of its owner, as well as expensive clothes, large well-furnished houses or apartments. However, Slovaks do not like to put their wealth on display.

Slovaks mourn deceased loved ones for a full year. All this time, daughters and widows dress in black. Cremation is not common due to Christian beliefs. Slovaks prefer not to intervene in matters outside their country and do not like when foreigners criticize Slovakia but rarely react to this painfully. Slovaks do not accept loud talk, boasting, and arrogance, trying to be modest and restrained.