Central Europeans, People of the Central Europeans, People of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) Former Soviet Union (FSU) and Scandinaviaand ScandinaviaChapter 7
IntroductionIntroductionSome of the earliest and largest
ethnic groups to the USContributions include◦Bread baking◦Dairy farming◦Meat processing◦Beer brewing
Central Europe FSU/Russian Federation
Germany Armenia
Austria Azerbaijan
Hungary Belarus
Romania Georgia
Czech Republic Kazakstan
Slovakia Kyrgyzstan
Poland Rep of Moldavia
Switzerland Tajikistan
Liechtenstein Turkmenistan
FSU/Baltic States
Ukraine
•Estonia Uzbekistan
•Latvia
•Lithuania
Immigration Patterns: GermansImmigration Patterns: GermansLargest ethnic group in US and least visibleEarliest in early 1700’s◦Pennsylvania Dutch seeking religious freedom
German farmers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and IndianaSecond group in 1800’s◦ Farmers and their families
Early 1900’s◦Unmarried industrial workers◦Descendants of Germans who had settled in
Russia1930’s brought Jewish refugeesAfter WWII there were German refugees
Immigration Patterns: PolesImmigration Patterns: PolesEarliest to US was 1608Most came between 1860 and 1914◦German ruled areas of Poland ◦Western Germany
After 1890 Poles from areas under Austrian and Russian rule◦Chicago, Buffalo, and Cleveland
After WWI came from political dissatisfaction
Immigration Patterns: OthersImmigration Patterns: OthersAustrians◦ Initially classified with Hungarians and unskilled◦Austrian Jews fled Hitler’s arrival
Hungarians◦Early immigrants were wealthy political refugees
after 1848◦ Later Ohio, West Virginia, N Illinois, Indiana coal
minesCzechs◦Nebraska, Wisconsin, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota
farmers◦Skilled laborers settling in the urban areas of
New York, Cleveland, and Chicago.
Immigration Patterns: OthersImmigration Patterns: OthersSlovaks◦Northeast and Midwest◦Coal mines, steel mills, and oil refineries
Swiss◦Artisans or professionals ◦Urban areas of New York, Philadelphia,
Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Los Angeles
Gypsies or Roma◦ Insular ethnic group found throughout the
world◦ In US primarily from central Europe
Immigration Patterns: FSUImmigration Patterns: FSU◦Often listed as Russians
Lithuania◦After 1861 and then after WWII
Ukraine◦Recruited to coals mines of Pennsylvania◦ Factory work in Ohio, New York, and Michigan
Armenia◦ First in 1890 for economic opportunity◦Armenians from Turkey came after both WW◦ Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Detroit,
Chicago, and the agricultural region of Fresno, California.
Current Demographics and Current Demographics and Socioeconomic StatusSocioeconomic StatusGermans◦Some maintain aspects of their heritage◦higher in economic achievement and are
generally conservative in attitudinal ratings
◦ Heavy anti-German sentiment after WWI◦Rapid assimilation
Poles◦Just below or solidly at middle-class level◦Formation and leadership in labor unions
Current Demographics and Current Demographics and Socioeconomic Status: OthersSocioeconomic Status: OthersAustrian◦Clothing and tailoring, mining◦Bakeries, meatpacking operations, and
restaurants Hungarians◦Urban, white collar workers◦Engineers
Czech◦Sales, machinist, or white-collar jobs◦Founded businesses in cigars, beer and
watches
Current Demographics and Current Demographics and Socioeconomic Status: OthersSocioeconomic Status: OthersSlovak◦White collar families with high incomes◦Strong family and cultural ties likely
Swiss◦Multicultural, multilingual◦Work in Swiss companies
Gypsies◦Tradition of roaming, are very mobile◦ Independent trades and service positions◦Women are often in the mystical arts
Fortunetelling
Current Demographics and Current Demographics and Socioeconomic Status: Russia/FSUSocioeconomic Status: Russia/FSURecent immigrants settle in urban
areas◦Ukrainians in PA◦Armenians in CA
Most have easily assimilated◦In part due to anticommunist sentiments
Recent immigrants with advanced degrees
Recent Armenian immigrants may be far below poverty line
Worldview – Religion: GermansWorldview – Religion: GermansEarly immigrants primarily LutheranSome JewishSome Roman CatholicMennonites◦From the Anabaptist movement◦Simple lifestyle◦Rejection of oaths, public office, military
serviceAmish◦Strict sect of Mennonites◦No electricity or cars
Worldview – Religion: Poles, Worldview – Religion: Poles, OthersOthersPoles◦Devout Catholics
Austrians◦Most Catholic ◦Some Jewish
Hungarian and Slovaks◦Primarily Catholic
Czech◦Catholic, but many have left the church
Worldview – Religion: GypsiesWorldview – Religion: GypsiesFrom Asian Indian religionsWorldview called Romaniya◦Believe in God, devil, ghosts, and
predestination.◦Persons and things are either pure or
polluted.◦Preserve purity ◦Avoid contamination through contact with
non-gypsiesSome Gypsy Americans are Christian◦Often fundamentalists◦Combined Christian and Gypsy concepts
Worldview – Religion: Worldview – Religion: Russians and People of the FSURussians and People of the FSURussia◦Majority are of the Russian Orthodox
Church◦Soviet Jews
Ukrainian and Lithuanian Americans◦Roman Catholic
Armenian Americans◦Armenian Apostolic Church◦Armenian Rite of the Roman Catholic
Church
Worldview: FamilyWorldview: FamilyGermans◦Traditionally large families on farms, later
in businesses.◦Pennsylvania Dutch (descendants of
German immigrants) and the Amish still have large families
Poles◦Patriarchal with mother caring for home. ◦Wives and children rarely worked outside
the home
Family: OthersFamily: OthersAustrian◦Tight nuclear family with father in charge
of finances and mother ruling home life.Czech and Hungarian◦Male dominated with many relatives.
Slovaks◦Strong family ties with respect for parents.
Family: GypsiesFamily: GypsiesMaintain extended family Temporarily band together while
traveling with multifamily groups. Father in charge of all public matters Women take care of family income
and manage all money matters◦Retain power due to ability to
communicate with the supernatural worldArranged marriages are common
Family: RussiansFamily: RussiansTraditionally large familiesWomen legally dependent on their
husbands◦Changing◦Families are smaller due to women
working and with more education◦Still maintain all household chores
Russian families have fewer childrenEducation emphasized◦Russian language
Family: FSU Family: FSU Ukrainian and Lithuanian early
immigrants were single men who were basically forced to intermarry with other ethnic groups.
Men dominate the householdWomen run the homeExtended family is the normArmenians are tight-knit with respect for
elders maintainedAll are similar to the average American
household
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: GermansPractices: GermansGerman biomedicine uses botanicals
extensivelyIllness may be believed to be caused by
infection or stressExpected consequence of hard laborDress properly, avoid drafts, breathe
fresh airExercise, work hardTake cod liver oilSuffering is “a blessing from God”Lots of home remedies used
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: Pennsylvania DutchPractices: Pennsylvania DutchHearty diet Home remedies, homeopathy, healers
commonSympathy healing◦ Laying on of hands◦Powwowing or Brauche◦Charms, spells, and blessings to cure symptoms◦Healer acts as God’s instrument and requests
God’s direct assistance in treatmentsReflexologyHerbal Teas
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: PolesPractices: PolesShortage of medical supplies in Poland
led to widespread use of faith healersFaith in GodReligious medalsAvoid sick peopleHealthy dietSleepKeep warmExerciseLoving homeAvoid gossip
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: GypsiesPractices: GypsiesHealth maintained through marimé ◦Purity and pollution related to Asian Indian
beliefsSeparate clean from unclean◦Upper body and all secretions pure◦Lower half unclean and shameful◦Avoid contamination of upper body by
touching lower body Left hand only for personal care Menstrual blood especially impure
◦Avoid public places non-Gypsies frequent◦Don’t touch contaminated surfaces
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: GypsiesPractices: GypsiesIllness due to ◦Contact with non-Gypsies◦Conditions caused by spirits, ghosts, the
devil, or breaking cultural rulesHome remediesGypsy healersNon-Gypsy conditions are suitable for
treatment by non-Gypsy physicians◦May still consult a non-Gypsy folk healer
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: Russian and the FSUPractices: Russian and the FSUNatural cures, alternative medicine used
extensivelyOften integrated with biomedical therapySaunasMassageSteam bathsBalneotherapy◦Bathing in mineral springs
Mud baths, sulfurated hydrogen bathsHomeopathic preparations and herbals
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and Practices: Russian and the FSUPractices: Russian and the FSUMagic and the occult ◦ Cure illnesses due to supernatural ◦ Psychics and Znakarki
Elder women who whisper charms and sprinkle water with magic powers
Siberia◦ Spiritual crisis, soul loss, evil spirits, breach of taboos,
curses◦ Shamans realigned life forces, retrieved souls
Visualization, singing, chanting, prognostication, dream analysis, séances
Russians who don’t believe in occult practices ◦ Illness from social conflict, political problems, war,
poor medical care, starvation
Traditional Food Habits: Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common FoodsIngredients and Common Foods Determined by what
grows in cooler, damper climates
Potatoes, Beans, Beets Cabbage and cabbage
family Eggs and Dairy products Pork, Beef, Fish Seafood from the Baltic Fresh fish from local
lakes Apples Rye, Wheat, Barley
Traditional Food Habits: Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common FoodsIngredients and Common FoodsDried, pickled, or fermented for
preservation◦Cucumber pickles◦Sour cream◦Sauerkraut
Traditional Food Habits: Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients & Common Foods: BreadsIngredients & Common Foods: Breads Rye and other grains Darker
◦ Whole or cracked wheat◦ Black◦ Rye or pumpernickel◦ Caraway, egg, or potato◦ Cornmeal◦ Pretzels
Dumplings◦ May be stuffed or
unstuffed Pastries Stuffed pockets Buckwheat - Russia
Traditional Food Habits: Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients & Common Foods: MeatsIngredients & Common Foods: MeatsPork is the most
popular◦Schnitzel
Meat cutlet
◦HamBeef◦Sauerbraten◦German National
DishVeal◦Young calf
Poultry◦Goose
German Holidays
◦Chicken Kiev Russia
Game meats◦Hasenpfeffer
German rabbit dish
◦Bigos Polish “Hunter’s Stew”
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Ground Meatsand Common Foods: Ground MeatsSeasoned with a binder to stretch meat
when it was expensive or scarceSteak Tartare◦Raw ground beef on toast
Ground meat to stuff vegetables or make meatballs
Hungary known for gulyás◦Goulash◦Paprika-spiced stew◦Sweet Hungarian Paprika is ground, dried,
red chile peppers with sugar added
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Sausages (Wurst)and Common Foods: Sausages (Wurst)Rohwurst◦Cured and smoked ◦Can be eaten as is
Bruhwurst◦ Frankfurter
Kockwurst◦ Like a cold cut
Bratwurst◦Similar to raw
sausage links
Polish ◦Kikielbasa
Garlic flavored
Austria ◦Wieners
Czechs and Slovaks◦ Jaternice
from pork
◦ Jelita blood sausage
Traditional Food Habits: Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: FishIngredients and Common Foods: FishFresh and salt water fish◦Fresh, smoked or cured
Trout, carp, and eelGermany◦Pickled herring
Russia ◦Smoked salmon and sturgeon
Caviar (sturgeon roe)Poland ◦Fish is not popular as associated with Soviet
rule
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Dairy productsand Common Foods: Dairy productsEaten dailyCheeses served at any mealMay be fresh and sweet or strongly flavoredFresh milkButterButter milk◦Kefir (FSU)
Sour creamFresh creamWhipped cream daily in Austria and Germany
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Fruits/Vegsand Common Foods: Fruits/VegsCold weather fruits and vegetablesRed and green cabbagePotatoesBeetsKohlrabiCucumbersOnions Mushrooms◦ In Poland a meat substitute on religious fast days
Temperate vegetables more common now◦ Cauliflower and tomatoes
Apples, cherries, plums, berries
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Sweetsand Common Foods: SweetsEnjoyed dailyCheesecake, coffee cakes, doughnuts, nut or
fruit-filled individual pastriesApple, cherry, raspberry, chocolate, almond,
poppy seed flavorsAustria: ◦ Apple strudel
Germany: ◦ Black Forest Cake
Lithuania and Poland: ◦ Branch Cake
Russia◦ Cooked fruits such as the berry pudding kisel
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Beveragesand Common Foods: BeveragesCentral Europe◦Coffee is most common
Russia◦Strong tea◦Served in samovar
Brass urn heated by charcoal
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Beveragesand Common Foods: BeveragesGermany, Austria, Hungary, ◦Beer most popular◦Excellent wines
German beer can be sweet, bitter, weak strong and typically bottom-fermented◦ Lager◦Bock beer is strong flavored◦Marzenbier
Midway between pilsner and bock◦Weissbier
Wheat beer with lemon or raspberry fruit syrup◦Schnapps
Fruit brandy
Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients Traditional Food Habits: Ingredients and Common Foods: Beveragesand Common Foods: BeveragesCzechs◦ Pilsner Beer
Bitter but light in colorPoland ◦ Goldwasser
Has flakes of gold◦ Mead
Fermented from honeyRussia◦ Kvass
Sour beer fermented from rye bread or beets◦ Vodka
Distilled spirit from potatoes Popular in Poland and Russia
SwitzerlandSwitzerlandKnown for Fondue◦Hot dish of melted cheese, etc., in which
food is dippedZesty cheeses with holes◦Emmenthal
Original Swiss cheese
◦Gruyère.
ArmeniaArmeniaCuisine greatly influenced by Greeks,
Turks, Persian, Syrians and other Arabs
Word for bread is “meal” or “food”Lamb is staple meat, pork rarely eatenFreshwater fishYogurt and cheese dailyFresh, dried and pickled fruits and
vegetables
Armenian DinnerArmenian DinnerMezze with anise-flavored aperitif rakiSoups made with yogurt, eggs, lemon,
tomatoesSaladsKebabs, stew or casseroleBread such as pitaFruit for dessertCoffee, tea, than ◦Yogurt thinned with water and flavored with
mintWine and brandy
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily PatternsDaily PatternsCentral Europe◦5 – 6 large meals daily in the past◦Today 3 meals plus snacks
Gypsies◦Two meals daily◦Morning and late afternoon◦Social occasions
Russia and the FSU◦3 hearty meals daily ◦Snacking is rare
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily Patterns: Central EuropeDaily Patterns: Central Europe Breakfast
◦ Bread ◦ Butter and jam◦ Hardboiled eggs◦ Cheese◦ Ham
Midmorning breakfast◦ Coffee◦ Tea◦ Hot chocolate◦ Pastries◦ Bread and fruit OR◦ A small sandwich
Lunch◦ Soup◦ Fish, 1-2 ◦ Meat dishes with vegetables◦ Stewed fruit◦ Dessert with whipped cream
Mid-afternoon break◦ Coffee or tea, cake or
cookies Evening meal
◦ Lighter◦ Salads◦ Pickled or smoked fish◦ Cheese, ham and sauces◦ Selection of breads
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily Patterns: Russia and the FSUDaily Patterns: Russia and the FSUBreadSoup made from beets◦Borscht
CabbageFishKasha◦Cooked porridge from barley, buckwheat or
milletLithuania◦Soup is replaced with salad
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily Patterns: RussiaDaily Patterns: RussiaCzars ate 4 meals
dailyZakuski◦Part of the traditional
czarist evening meal◦ “Small bites”◦Still part of Russia
today◦An array of
appetizers◦ From simple to
countless
EtiquetteEtiquette More formal than Americans Germany
◦ Invitations for dessert or wine later in the evening Host begins meal with appropriate announcement Gifts are good quality dessert wines, candies, or pastries
◦ Not Vodka where it is served Fork in left hand, knife in right
◦ In Germany do not use knives unless absolutely necessary◦ Knife to cut potatoes, etc., an insult as it implies the food is tough
Hands above the table with wrists on edge Pass dishes to left Specific glasses for each beverage that will be refilled quickly
◦ Consume vodka in one shot
Special OccasionsSpecial OccasionsUsually have religious significanceTraditions often have pre-Christian
rootsChristmas and Easter are major
holidaysImmigrants brought to the US ◦Christmas tree◦Easter egg hunt
Special Occasions: GermanySpecial Occasions: GermanyLand of popular festivals Lots of food and drinkMunich’s Oktoberfest◦Sausage eating and beer drinking◦World’s largest public event
Easter bunny hides eggs on EasterHam and pureed peas for Easter
dinner
Special Occasions: GermanySpecial Occasions: GermanyAdvent and Christmas are holiest seasons◦ Tree lit on Christmas Eve◦ Christ Child brings presents◦ Take tree down on Epiphany◦ Large dinner on Christmas
Christmas Carp on Christmas EveHare or goose with apples and nuts on
Christmas DayMarzipanSpice cakesCookiesFruit cakesGingerbread houses
Special Occasions: PolandSpecial Occasions: PolandChristmas and Easter are the most
importantEaster dinner◦Roast suckling pig, hams, coils of sausages
and roast veal◦Painted hard boiled eggs, grated horseradish◦Paschal lamb sculpted from butter or white
sugar◦Babka is a rich yeast cake◦All food blessed by the priest
Special Occasions: PolandSpecial Occasions: PolandChristmas Eve is a fast day◦ Meatless meal served when the first star of the
evening is seen◦ Barszcz Wigilijny
Soup similar to borscht made with mushrooms and beets◦ Carp on Christmas Even◦ Makowiec
A rich Christmas cakeNew Year’s Eve◦ Paczki
Jelly doughnutsNew Year’s Day◦ Bigos ◦ Washed down with vodka
Special Occasions: Czech Special Occasions: Czech RepublicRepublicCzechs◦Eat carp four ways
at Christmas Breaded and fried Baked with dried
prunes Cold in aspic Fish soup
◦Vanocka Christmas bread
◦Easter dinner is ham or roasted kid
Special Occasions: SlovakiaSpecial Occasions: Slovakia Christmas Break Advent fast with
oplatky◦ Wafer with honey
Christmas Eve meal ◦ Wild mushroom soup◦ Cabbage◦ Potato dumplings◦ Stuffed cabbage ◦ Mulled wine◦ Babalky
Bread with poppy seeds
Easter Dinner dessert called
paska◦ Pyramid shaped dessert
Meal will be blessed by the priest on Holy Saturday
Ham, sausages, duck or goose
Horseradish Syrek
◦ Easter cheese Hrudka
◦ Imitation cheese ball
Special Occasions: HungarySpecial Occasions: HungaryEaster is most important holidayPancakes are eaten on Shrove
TuesdaySour eggs and herring salad on Ash
WednesdayEaster week has new spring
vegetables and painted Easter eggsGood Friday meal with wine-flavored
soup, stuffed eggs and baked fish
Special Occasions: EasterSpecial Occasions: EasterFeast of Easter Eve◦Rich chicken soup with dumplings or
noodles◦Roasted meat◦Pickled vegetables◦Stuffed cabbage rolls◦Cakes and pastries◦Coffee
Special Occasions: HungarySpecial Occasions: HungaryChristmas Eve◦Meatless with fish and potatoes
Christmas Day◦Roast turkey, chicken or goose◦Roast potatoes◦Stuffed Cabbage◦Desserts
Brandied fruits Fruit compote Poppy seed and nut cakes
Special Occasions: AustriaSpecial Occasions: AustriaChristmas and EasterFasching◦Originally a pagan ceremony◦Drive out the evil spirits of winter ◦Parade down the streets ringing cow bells◦Now a multi-day carnival associated with
Lent◦Doughnuts, fritters, other sweets are
typical food
Special Occasions: Russia and Special Occasions: Russia and the FSUthe FSUFast days◦ Fish ◦Mushrooms
Forest meat
Easter is most significant holidayButter Festival ◦Maslenitas◦Precedes the 40 days of Lent◦Blini
Raised buckwheat pancakes Numerous toppings Butter is traditional as can’t be consumed during Lent
Special Occasions: Russia and Special Occasions: Russia and the FSUthe FSUEaster meal after midnight Mass◦Pasha
Cake decorated with XB (Christ is Risen)
◦Kulich Cake made from rich, sweet yeast dough
◦Red or hand decorated eggsPentecost (Trinity) Sunday◦Kulich leftover from Easter eaten
Special Occasions: Special Occasions: Russia and the UkraineRussia and the UkraineChristmas Eve◦ 12 different dishes represent the 12 apostles◦Kutia or Sochivo
Porridge of wheat grains, honey, poppy seeds and stewed, dried fruit
Christmas Day celebrated with festive mealNew Year’s◦Children receive gifts◦Spicy ginger cakes
Krendel◦Pretzel shaped sweet bread◦Eaten on wedding anniversaries and name days
Therapeutic Use of Food: Therapeutic Use of Food: GermansGermansChicken soup◦Diarrhea, vomiting, sore throats
Tea◦Upset stomach
Milk with honey◦Coughs
Pennsylvania Dutch◦Cold drinks are unhealthy◦Eat meat 3 times per day◦Herbal teas for many complaints
Therapeutic use of food: PolesTherapeutic use of food: PolesColic◦ Tea, soda water, sauerkraut
Cramps◦ Chamomile tea
Colds◦ Tea with dried raspberries◦ Wine
High blood pressure◦ Cooked garlic
Coughs◦ Warm beverages
“Sweat out” an illness◦ Tea with honey and alcoholic spirits
Therapeutic Use of Food: Therapeutic Use of Food: GypsiesGypsiesFresh food most nourishing◦ Leftovers unwholesome◦ Canned and frozen items not fresh
Non-Gypsies carry disease◦ Use disposable plates and utensils in public places
Insufficient intake of lucky foods cause poor health◦ Salt, pepper, vinegar, garlic
Home remedies are common◦ Tea with crushed strawberries◦ Asafetida (devil’s dung)◦ Ghost vomit (Fuligo septica)
Therapeutic Use of Food: Therapeutic Use of Food: Russia & the FSURussia & the FSUButter
◦ EyesightDill
◦ DyspepsiaHoney
◦ FlatulenceGogomul
◦ Egg yolk, sugar, milk, baking soda
◦ Respiratory infectionsTeas
◦ Raspberry, chamomile, eucalyptus, cornsilk
Alcoholic beverages◦ Kvass cures hangovers
Balsam flavored vodka◦ Cures anything
Vodka with herbs◦ Supplement ◦ Consumed as a shot ◦ Added to coffee or tea
Full hearty meals ◦ To maintain health
Adaptations of Food Habits in Adaptations of Food Habits in USUSDiet not significantly different from U.S. fareQuantity did increase◦ Especially of meat
Many traditional foods have become common US fare
3 meals a day but with more dairy and sausagesMore traditional meals served at special
occasionsAmish families celebrate religious holidays only◦ Add a day to the celebration◦ Celebrate quietly at home with family
Nutritional StatusNutritional StatusCentral European diet among highest in
animal products, potatoes, sweets, refined/processed items
Germany◦Highest in fats and oils of animal origin◦ 50% German woman are obese, 66% for men
Slightly lower rates in Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary
Recent Russian and FSU immigrants consume diet high in saturated fats, sodium, sugar
All at risk of developing CVD and other conditions associated with high-fat items
Nutritional Status: Russia and Nutritional Status: Russia and FSUFSUImmigrant nutritional deficiencies from
lack of vegs/fruitDietary selenium deficiency, moderate
iron and manganese deficienciesHigh rates of diabetes, HTN, HLD, CVD,
TB, HIVLeukemia and thyroid cancer rates
increased ◦80% of Russian immigrants from regions
affected by ChernobylMay resist x-rays
Nutritional Status: Russia and Nutritional Status: Russia and FSUFSUStrongly support breastfeedingHigh rates of iron-deficiency anemia and
endemic goiter Heavy alcohol use in Russia, some FSU nations
and PolandHigh rates of gastric cancer Lithuania ◦ Due in part to a high consumption of salted and cured
meats and fishHomemade cheeses with unpastuerized milk◦ Increased risk of listeria
Eggs sometimes used raw in uncooked dishes◦ Increased risk of salmonella
Nutritional Status: GypsiesNutritional Status: Gypsies Boston Study:
◦ High rates of HTN, Type 2 Diabetes, Vascular disease◦ Obesity at 85%◦ Chronic renal insufficiency
Europe◦ Dyslipidemia, obesity and insulin resistance
At risk for genetic problems◦ PKU◦ Galactokinase deficiency◦ Citrullinaemina◦ Wilson’s Disease◦ Metchromatic Leucodystrophy
High rates of infant mortality and unfavorable birth outcomes Life expectancy overall is low
CounselingCounselingMay be a language barrier with RussiansGermans – monochronistic◦Formal, polite, respect education and titles◦Direct eye contact and handshake
Poles – quieter than Americans◦Uncomfortable with loudness◦Handshake and direct eye contact
Both may be reluctant to seek medical care
Counseling: AmishCounseling: AmishMay need an interpreterReserved and respectful and expect it in
returnConservative and modestModern health technology okNo photos, pictures, depictions of human
facesMore digestive problems, obesity, bedwettingHigh fat, high sodium dietLess issues with heart disease, alcoholismGenetic issues such as PKU more common
Counseling: Gypsy AmericansCounseling: Gypsy Americans
English may be second languageIlliteracy common“Man’s worth is in his girth”May seek care only in emergenciesMay refuse injections◦Impure
Will bring food to patients◦Contamination feared
Counseling: RussiansCounseling: RussiansRussians expect more formalityMay always respond “no”Direct and possible loud communication3 quick kisses and handshake common
greetingDirect eye contactPreventive medicine unfamiliarCompliance issues with medication or
lifestyle changesAvoid mental health care
Counseling: RussiansCounseling: RussiansMany feel ailments/treatments not
understood in USCulture specific ailments not familiar in
USMedical care in Russia drugs with
alternative treatmentsPrefer injections over oral medsMay self medicateAssertive in US as they had to be
assertive in RussiaMany are highly acculturated
ScandinaviansScandinaviansSweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland
History of Scandinavians in the History of Scandinavians in the USUSLegend says Norsemen first discovered
North AmericaDocumented presence in US◦1629 when Jonas Bronck (Danish) bought
land that became known as the Bronx in NYC
Immigration began in 1800’s◦Norwegians, Swedes primarily◦Few Icelanders
Moved to homestead Midwest statesDanes developed 24 Danish
communities
Current DemographicsCurrent DemographicsAll assimilated wellWere literate, valued educationNorwegians and Sweded◦ Continued farming in Midwest◦ Construction
Swedes◦ Engineering, architecture
Danes◦ Livestock, dairying
Finns◦ Natural resource management, mining engineering,
geology◦ Women in home economics, nursing
Worldview: ReligionWorldview: ReligionMajority who immigrated were
Lutheran◦Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
If not Lutheran, other Protestant churches
Worldview: FamilyWorldview: FamilyNuclear family was center of rural lifeLarge families with father head of
householdKinship ties were strong◦Brought other relatives to US and helped
themSmaller families now◦Finns often with one child
Traditional Health Beliefs and Traditional Health Beliefs and PracticesPracticesFish necessary for good healthNorway◦ Cough and cold confectionaries◦ Herbs and dietary supplement boost immune function
Finns◦ Natural health care ◦ Massage, cupping, bloodletting◦ Sauna used for many things
Swedish Massage◦ Relaxation◦ Increase circulation◦ Promote Healing
Traditional Food HabitsTraditional Food HabitsHearty and simpleAbundant seafood Limited foods produced on landPreservation methods of previous
centuries used◦Fish dried, smoked or pickled◦Milk is fermented or allowed to sour◦Preserve foods with salt
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional Variations Staples and Regional VariationsFeature natural flavors with subtle
seasoning◦Black pepper, onions, dill◦Juniper berries◦Caraway, cloves, nutmeg and cardamom
Lots of FISH ◦Scandinavian dried salt cod◦Pickled herring◦Lox◦Fish sticks ◦Fish with cheese and breadcrumbs
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional VariationsStaples and Regional VariationsCream and butter popularLots of fermented dairy products◦Sour cream, cheese, buttermilk, yogurt-
like products White sauce with milk and parsley◦Known for cheeses
Common for breakfasts and snacks
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional VariationsStaples and Regional VariationsMeats more popular inlandPork is popular, veal, mutton and
lambReindeerGame meats such as elkGoose and grouse, not chickenHistorically meat was scarce and
chopped and combined with other ingredients◦Swedish meatballs
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional Variations Staples and Regional VariationsCold weather vegetables (especially root
crops)◦Rutabagas
Yellow and green split pea soups with ham or pork◦Served with pancakes
Wild mushroomsBerries◦Lingonberries
Fruits stewed or made into preserves ◦Sometimes served with meats
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional Variations Staples and Regional VariationsBreads are often rye◦Norwegian flatbreads◦Swedish knäckebröd
Like hardtack
◦Norwegian lefse Potato and wheat flour dough
◦Norwegian potato dumplings◦Tunnbrød from Sweden
Thin, tortilla like bread Sold as fast food wrapped around fillings
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional Variations Staples and Regional VariationsDesserts rich but not overly sweetButter, cream, sweetened cheese,
cardamomAebelskivers◦Danish pancake puffs
Pancakes or crepes served with berries or jams
Almonds, almond paste or marzipanDanes known for their pastries◦Weinerbrød
Ingredients and Common Foods: Ingredients and Common Foods: Staples and Regional Variations Staples and Regional VariationsMilk is popular beverageAquavit◦Water of life◦Distilling potatoes or grain◦Flavored with caraway or other herb◦Serve ice cold in a Y-shaped glass◦Down like a shot, chase with a beer
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily Patterns: BreakfastDaily Patterns: Breakfast3 meals a day 3 coffee breaksBreakfast ◦Bread◦Eggs◦Pastries◦Cheese◦ Fruit◦Potatoes ◦Herring◦Sour cream or yogurt like fermented milk◦ Fruit soups in winter
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily Patterns: LunchDaily Patterns: LunchLunch in Denmark◦ Smørrebrød◦ Open-faced sandwich◦ Means buttered bread◦ May be a snack
Swedes consume hot lunch◦ Pea soup◦ Brisket or hash◦ Mashed rutabaga◦ At work or school
cafeteria
Swedish SmörgåsbordSwedish SmörgåsbordBuffet mealMeans “bread and butter table”Large variety of hot and cold dishes Served with AquavitStarts with herring, then other fish dishesMeats and saladsHot dishes like Swedish meatballs and
mushroom omeletsDessertToday served only on special occasions
Meal Composition and Cycle: Meal Composition and Cycle: Daily Patterns: DinnerDaily Patterns: DinnerHeavier dinner if lunch is light◦Appetizer, soup, entrée, vegetables, dessert◦Potatoes
If heavier lunch, lighter dinner◦ Informal◦Convenience foods◦ Italian foods
3 most common dishes in Swedish homes◦ Falun sausage, spaghetti with meat sauce, pizza
Milk, beer or wine◦Coffee or wine with dessert
EtiquetteEtiquetteFork in left hand and knife in rightSandwiches consumed with fork and knife◦Only bread eaten with hands
Keep hands above the table with wrists on edge
Pass dishes to the leftFinland: wait for host to initiate eatingNorway: male guest of honor is to thank
hosts on behalf of all guestsWine is always appreciated as a hostess gift
as it is expensive
Special OccasionsSpecial OccasionsConferences and meetingsMilk and coffee with sweets◦Cinnamon buns◦Open-faced sandwiches◦Fruit
Sandwich cakes◦Layers of bread and fillings◦Served mid-afternoon at events
Special Occasions: ChristmasSpecial Occasions: Christmas
From Advent to St. Canute’s Day on January 13
Sweden ◦December 13◦St. Lucia’s Day
Christmas Eve is the big meal
Special Occasions: Christmas in Special Occasions: Christmas in Norway Norway Rice porridge sprinkled with sugar and
cinnamonLutefisk◦Dried salt cod soaked in lye, then boiled
Pork ribs and sausages with cabbageDried lamb rib specialty with mashed
rutabagaCod or halibut with white sauce and green
peasBoiled potatoesCookies and cakes◦ Traditionally 7 types of sweets
Special Occasions: ChristmasSpecial Occasions: ChristmasChristmas Smörgåsbord in Sweden◦ 20 – 30 dishes◦Ham, herring
Denmark◦Roast duck, goose or pork with brown gravy◦Red cabbage and caramelized potatoes◦Rice pudding with whipped cream and hot cherry
sauceFinland◦Pickled herring and salmon, then ham◦Vegetable casseroles with potatoes, carrots, or
turnips◦Prunes, cookies, pies
Special Occasions: ChristmasSpecial Occasions: Christmas
Dozens of cookies◦Ginger and cloves
Tree hung with gingerbread figuresDeep-fried, brandy-flavored dough◦Klejner, klener, klenätter
Traditional holiday beverage◦Glögg◦Hot alcoholic punch
Special Occasions: MidsummerSpecial Occasions: Midsummer’’s s DayDayJune 24◦Swede’s Day in the US
Maypoles, bonfire, feastingSweden◦Boiled new potatoes and wild strawberries
Norway◦Rømmengrøt
Finland◦New potatoes with dill and smoked salmon
Adaptations of Food HabitsAdaptations of Food HabitsDiet did not change significantly3 meals a day ◦Dairy products◦Animal protein
Many Scandinavian foods adopted by Americans
Nutritional Status: IntakeNutritional Status: IntakeIn Finland◦40% obesity for women, almost 60% for men◦Somewhat lower for Denmark, Norway,
SwedenFinns◦High rates of heart disease, stroke,
alcoholism, depression, lactose intoleranceScandinavian Americans may be at
increased risk for CVD due to high fat, high cholesterol diet
CounselingCounselingLow context communicatorsHighly analyticalEmotions controlledSuperficiality and personal inquiries are
avoidedDanes are less formalDirect eye contactFirm, brief handshakeOther touching is reserved for friends and
relativesSickness considered a weaknessWill avoid talking about it