The Swedish midsummer has medieval roots Maybe you’ve heard of the Swedish celebration of Midsummer, or midsommar as we call it. Swedes often joke about it being our unofficial national day. Midsummer celebrations have an old history in Sweden. It was first documented in the year 1555. At the time, Swedes celebrated Midsummer by dancing […]
Is there anything more personal than eating traditions? Traditional Swedish Christmas food has a different meaning for all Swedes and descendants of Swedes. Here is a selection of some of the most common dishes and snacks served at the holidays. Julbord Julbord is the name of the Swedish Christmas buffet. It’s a Christmas version of […]
Today is the last day of Christmas in Sweden. January 13 is Twentieth Day Knut, when the Christmas tree is thrown out, the decorations are put away and the gingerbread house gets eaten. One last chance to come together and dance around the tree. The celebration is named by the plundering of the tree, julgransplundring. […]
Christmas Day in Sweden starts with julotta, an early Christmas service. Sometimes as early as 4 am. Here is Anders Magnus Andersson from Dalaryd, 65, on his way to julotta in Svinhult Parish, Östergötland County, in 1915.
Merry Christmas! The Swedish-Norwegian flag and a cup of coffee at the turn of the century. A doll and a book for the girl. Christmas Eve is when gifts are exchanged in Sweden.
Decorating the Christmas tree with garlands and style. This Swedish couple is likely to be Hjalmar Flodstrand in Munkedal and his wife. From Foss Parish, Gothenburg and Bohus County around 1910.
Glad Lucia! Swedes celebrate Saint Lucy’s Day on December 13. With candles in their hair, songs, and saffron buns. One of these women was Hulda Sundberg. They were photographed in 1914 by Ingeborg Enander, who had a studio in Stenungsund, Gothenburg and Bohus County.
A Swedish Christmas card from 1906 with a line from the still popular song “Now it’s Christmas again.” Chain dances have been a part of Christmas celebrations since at least the 17th century.
All is set for Christmas! The traditional Swedish Christmas straw on the floors (julhalm) must have brought welcome warmth to the cottages. In the middle of the room is the Yule Goat, the bringer of gifts before Santa. From Hudene Parish, Älvsborg County in 1903.
