Avhållers

Avhållers is a Swedish term that can refer to a person who abstains from something, most commonly alcohol. In a historical context, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, "avhållare" was often associated with the temperance movement. Individuals who identified as avhållare were committed to teetotalism, meaning they abstained from all alcoholic beverages. This abstention was often motivated by a combination of moral, religious, and social reasons, including concerns about public health, the negative effects of alcohol on families and communities, and personal well-being.

The concept of avhållare was significant in Sweden's social and political landscape during a period of considerable debate and reform concerning alcohol consumption. Temperance societies played a crucial role in advocating for stricter alcohol regulations and promoting a culture of abstinence. Membership in these societies was a visible declaration of one's commitment to being an avhållare. While the term is less frequently used in contemporary Swedish to describe habitual teetotalers, the underlying principle of abstaining from alcohol, or other substances, remains a personal choice for many individuals. The historical understanding of "avhållare" provides insight into the social movements and personal convictions that shaped Swedish society.