[NikolaNovak]

I think this article describes it well, including the absolute cultural prevalence, belief, and influence :). It is written in regard to a single country (Croatia) but applies to Balkans and few other parts of Europe as well:

https://zablogreb.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/propuh-or-the-gre...

[jacobush]

In Sweden too, at least a generation back or two, it was like this.

[soared]

Incredibly interesting, thanks!