Cultural changes in Sweden during the late medieval period were important as the country became more united. Let's look at these changes in simpler terms:

1. Language and Books:

   • A common Swedish language started to develop. This made it easier for people from different parts of Sweden to talk to each other.
   • The very first book printed in Swedish was the New Testament, released in 1526. This showed that reading and writing were becoming more important.

2. Religion:

   • In the early 1500s, there was a big shift in religion called the Reformation. This brought Lutheranism as the main religion of Sweden.
   • By 1544, the country officially accepted this faith, which changed how people practiced their religion and expressed their culture.

3. Social Classes:

   • The noble class started to have more power, and by the late 1500s, there were about 100 noble families.
   • A new group of wealthy merchants also began to grow, helping to increase trade and changing how society was organized.

4. Art and Buildings:

   • Swedish buildings showed new styles, like Gothic and Renaissance, with famous examples like Uppsala Cathedral.
   • Local art and crafts became popular, highlighting the unique traditions of Swedish people.

5. National Pride:

   • A strong sense of what it meant to be Swedish began to develop. National symbols and stories helped bring people together.

These changes were important for Sweden as it grew into a modern country.