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

Slovenia is a small country that has absorbed the best cultural elements of its neighbors - Austria, Italy, Hungary - to create its own authentic culture. Slovenes are friendly, peaceful people who love their country and are proud of it. Since Slovenian is far from being popular language, most tourists do not speak it, so those tourists who have learned at least a few basic phrases can make a positive impression on locals. The majority of the country's population are Catholics. About 85% of local residents are Slovenes. Italians, Hungarians, and Gypsies also live in Slovenia.

Slovenians are hardworking and diligent in business, so one can rarely find hacks or slackers among them. Nevertheless, many of them do not like discussing work during off-hours, especially at the dinner table. They are always ready to help anyone. Inside the local house, it is customary to take off street shoes and wear home slippers. Symbols of high status in Slovenia are cars, expensive clothes and gadgets. A car, expensive or not, often becomes a kind of family member, which is not surprising, since many people have to work hard and save money to afford it.

The family is very important for Slovenes, but houses and lands are even more important for them, especially in rural areas. When a Slovene is not working, he/she should take part in household chores. Both urban and rural residents often sweep their streets and generally try not to litter either on their own or someone else’s territory. Usually, Slovenian families consist of several generations living together, but in recent years, when many rural residents began to move to cities, this tradition has become less common. However, when leaving home, Slovenians do not lose ties with loved ones. Unfamiliar and older married women are politely addressed as “Gospa”, unmarried - “Gospodièna”, men - “Gospod”. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Meeting with friends, Slovenes of both sexes usually shake each other's hands. Kisses and hugs are not as common here as in other Slavic countries, but sometimes close friends and relatives kiss each other on the cheeks. Eye contact is very important. Slovenians can adjust their behavior to the interlocutor belonging to a different culture. A Slovenian would duck the question rather than say something that, in his opinion, may offend the interlocutor. Most people in Slovenia speak quietly and calmly, do not like boasters, respect modesty in others and try to be restrained.

Slovenians do not like being reminded that their country was part of the Soviet Union, as well as being compared with their eastern neighbors. They consider themselves residents of Southern and Western Europe. Slovenian Roma people are often discriminated against by ethnic Slovenes who suspect this ethnic minority of thefts. Representatives of sexual minorities may face discrimination as well, although the law does not prohibit same-sex relationships. Slovenia is a patriarchal country, women are mainly engaged in medicine and culture, the majority of teachers and social workers are women. Working women have to take on additional workload in the form of housework, which traditionally is not expected from men.

Slovenians really love their sportsmen, most of whom are engaged in winter sports like skiing due to the proximity of the Alps. Every winter, the country holds all sorts of sports competitions, which are monitored and watched by millions. Also, Slovenes support their artists, writers, actors, and scientists. The support comes from both the government and ordinary Slovenes who are interested in arts and enthusiastic about visiting theaters, reading books by Slovenian authors, and watching news about the latest scientific achievements. An important element of Slovenian culture is folk songs and dances, which are still included in traditional festivities.