Snapsvisa

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A snapsvisa (Swedish, plural: snapsvisor) is a traditional Scandinavian drinking song, which is often sung before drinking a small shot of spirit that is called a snaps.^[1]

A typical snapsvisa is a short, vigorous song; its lyrics usually tell of the delicacy and glory of the drink, or of the singer’s craving for snaps. Snapsvisor are short, bright, and easy to learn. The most well-known snapsvisa in Sweden is Helan Går.^[2]

Snapsvisor are an important part of traditional and family festivities in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and among Swedish-speaking Finns.^[3] The singing of these drinking songs is also a lively part of Scandinavian student culture. In some cases universities even have detailed explanations for foreign students on how to sing during formal dinners.^[4] They are also widespread among monolingually Finnish students in Finland, although they are rarely met with elsewhere in Finnish drinking culture.

See also[]

• Drinking culture
• Drinking song
• Snaps
• Helan går

References[]

External links[]

• Drinking song – snapsvisa
• Drinking songs at The Historical Museum of Wines and Spirits