En Svensk Tiger (The Swedish Tiger)
During the 1930's amidst WWII conflict, the country of Sweden prioritized neutrality in the sphere of world politics. In order to spread this message of neutrality to the people of Sweden and encourage secrecy, “En Svensk Tiger” was created. This Tiger with yellow and blue stripes was part of a propaganda campaign established by The Swedish Advertising Association during 1939.
The campaign, known as the Vigilance Campaign was established to encourage silence and keeping quiet amongst world conflict. The tiger appeared everywhere around Sweden as print and embroidery: businesses, restaurants, suitcases, stationery, and more common places. The Swedish Tiger ultimately became a widespread symbol of Swedish patriotism and strength through WWII.
The text on this image reads, “Feel free to talk - but not about the defense. The Swedish tiger.”
"Keep quiet about what you know - keep quiet about what you don't know - thus becomes the double watchword of our sentence. Be on your guard against anything called a chatterbox. Don't help the spy solve the puzzle - Guard your country.” - Sven Tunberg, State Information Board (SIS) chairman 1940-44
