Sweden is a country with a cold, harsh climate, but very picturesque nature. It was here that the Vikings once lived, and also this land can be called a country of fairy tales. Who has not heard of a little mischievous girl named Peppy Longstocking? Or about Carlson, who lives on the roof? Sweden is also known for the fact that in this country Nobel Prizes are awarded, Volvo cars are produced. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is located on 14 islands. Among all the Scandinavian countries there are the most various attractions and museums. Today we will tell you when and how it is customary to celebrate New Year in Sweden. We learn about the traditions and customs of this country and what is customary to serve on the festive table.
The origins of the celebration
The New Year in Sweden according to the Roman calendar begins on January 1. This holiday is relatively young. It differs from Christmas in that it is celebrated mainly by young people. It is customary to celebrate this holiday noisily, cheerfully, with lots of food and drinks. Young people, seeing off the old year, shoot rifles, shout loudly, have fun. Fortune-telling is usually arranged on New Year's Eve to find out your future.
If in Russia the main place for the New Year's Eve is Red Square, then in Sweden it is the Skansen Open Air Museum. This museum is the oldest in the world, and its exhibits are houses and estates from all over the country!
New Year celebration
In Sweden they know how and love to celebrate the New Year. New Year holidays continue for a whole month. Preparation for Christmas begins already at the end of November, from the beginning of Advent (the so-called waiting time of Christ), and the New Year festivities last until January 13. Here, as a whole and throughout Catholic Europe, Christmas is usually celebrated in a quiet family circle. And how is New Year celebrated in Sweden? The holiday is usually celebrated in a noisy, large company. Representatives of the older generation prefer to watch TV, which broadcasts traditional TV shows. Live on New Year's Eve from Skansen is one of the traditions: the TV presenter reads a New Year's poem from the famous English poet Lord Tennyson from the screen. Immediately after the bell rings from any nearby church, the Swedes fill their glasses with champagne, raise them and wish their loved ones a happy New Year. After that, all those gathered went out to celebrate on the street.
In Sweden, the New Year is celebrated with festivities, with fireworks, stormy parties. The Swedes sing songs loudly, blow to the pipes, since from ancient times it is believed that loud sounds can scare away evil spirits. And although no one currently believes in this, the Swedes still have fun and loud noise during the New Year holidays. On the most magical night of the year, the winter dark sky turns into an ideal background for bright fireworks. They are launched everywhere. On the streets, the Swedes drink champagne - right from the bottles, sprinkle confetti on each other!
Yul Tomten
The main symbol of the New Year in this country is Yul Tomten. This is what the Swedish Santa Claus is called. In general, to be more precise, Yul Tomten is, rather, a pretty dwarf. Its main function is to give children presents.
This character lives either in the forest or under the floorboards of sheds and houses. The main assistant to Yul Tomten is Dusty's snowman. The magic gnome is helped by mouse, elves and even the Snow Queen herself!
New Year in Sweden: traditions and customs
For the coming year to be successful, it is necessary to observe a number of traditions. For example, to get a Christmas tree yourself: it doesn’t matter if you cut down or buy it and bring it home, the main thing is that it is. It is necessary to decorate the house with figures of angels and gnomes, candles and bells.
One of the traditions of the New Year's holiday is the burning of a large straw goat. It is also customary to break dishes on the door of the houses where friends live. It is believed that the more split shards there are, the more you will get family happiness and wealth.
Queen of the light choice
On the eve of the New Year's holiday, Swedish children choose Queen of the World Lucia. This tradition is dedicated to the early Christian saint and martyr Lucia of Syracuse. The main role of this character is to illuminate the dark Swedish winter. She is dressed in a white dress, and on her head is a crown on which are burning candles. Lucia gives children sweets and gifts, and also brings treats for animals.
Choosing a queen is not an easy task. The competition is unbelievable. Every village and city holds a contest for the title of local Lucia, and the Queen of the whole country is held on the air of central Swedish television! The winner of the contest on the eve of the New Year travels around the city in a carriage. Her program includes compulsory visits to nursing homes and medical facilities.
1st of January
The Swedes consider January 1 to be a very important day. They believe: how will this day pass, so will the whole new year. In Sweden, on this day they meet only nice people, it is not recommended to throw anything out on the street so as not to accidentally throw away happiness. On the morning of the first day you need to eat an apple - according to popular belief, this guarantees excellent well-being for the whole year!
New Year's Promises
Usually at the New Year's table it is customary to talk about what events happened in the past year and what the coming year is preparing for. And when the watch strikes twelve times, give yourself promises, for example, quit smoking, earn more, go on a diet and go in for sports. Usually these promises are kept, even if there are enough people sometimes for only a few weeks.
Festive table
It is impossible to imagine the New Year in a Swedish family without lingonberry jam. In summer, the inhabitants of the country collect this fragrant berry, cook jam from it, so that on a gala night it can be served with meatballs, pancakes and pork. On the table must be blood sausages, pickled herring, crispbread, liver pate. A symbol of happiness will be dishes from beans and peas.
Many housewives brew beer and bake bread on New Year's Eve. It is believed that these days they have magical properties and give health for the whole year. Decorating a table is accepted by hyacinths - symbols of prosperity. And homemade candles will give warmth and comfort to the house.