When visiting Sweden you will find that there are many festivals and traditions that are still a part of their culture. While there are some Sweden traditions that are no longer celebrated as often or to the exact degree of history you will find the people in Sweden enjoy a good traditional and festival. You will find that many of the traditions are bound to legends as well as folk beliefs of the previous past. Traditions of course had an impact on everyday life in the past, and now we tend to be more interested in industrialization and urban society, but that doesn't detract from the long history Sweden carries of the festivals that are held every year.
Customs are going to have a significant impact on any society and you will find in Sweden there are particular customs that are localized rather than national. You will find that one of the oldest traditions in Sweden history is that of Santa Clause. The Swedish are very devote Christians since the beginning of the Christian movement in the earlier centuries. Christmas is a time to celebrate this belief as well as offer presents to children. You will find that Christmas sheaves were first put out to celebrate the holidays and attract birds. The birds were then read as omens of good or bad for the coming year. Most often it was related to the actual crops being able to survive in the following year. You will find that today many still place the plants out for the birds, but omens are no longer looked for. Instead they are used as decorations of the holiday that is celebrated on the 24th. Instead of Santa Clause delivering gifts during the night, Santa delivers the gifts in the evening after the Christmas meal.
Another of the traditions in Sweden is the celebration of Lucia. Lucia is celebrated on December 13th, which is the shortest day of winter in their country. You will find that little girls will dress up in a white dress and a crown of candles in honor of the Saint Lucia. The boys will carry candles and wear white pajamas, as well as a hat with golden stars. Of course the tradition has been changed a bit as the candles have since been found unsafe, but the traditional hats are still in place. You will find that schools tend to close for the holiday during lunch so that the boys and girls can make their progression through the town. The tradition was based on kindness and love of fellow people.
Easter also has a tradition in Swedish culture. You will find that Easter week is celebrated with a solemnity. Weddings and christenings are considered good omens during Easter week and are often schedule for that time. You will also find that Easter week starts with Palm Sunday were they begin to celebrate Jesus triumph in Jerusalem. Traditionally palms, willows, and other offerings are carried about on that day to the church in celebration.
Sweden History Tip #1
Always remember to carry a map of Sweden when you visit, mark on it the whereabouts of your hotel and the full address and keep it with you when you travel. Mark down landmarks near the hotel if you plan to walk so that you can easily spot the direction of your residency for the time of your stay. |
Sweden History Tip #2
If you plan to travel to Northern Sweden to experience the Northern Lights and the Ice Hotel, pack accordingly and remember warm clothing, especially in winter months. Thermal underwear is highly recommended on top of hats, scarves and a couple of pairs of gloves – there's nothing worse than packing just one pair and losing one glove! |
Sweden History Tip #3
Gothenburg Sweden is just one of many things to see in Sweden. A good idea is to plan your trip in advance so that you can get to see the best of the best. The place is full of history, glorious scenery, architecture and quaint little buildings. |
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