2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Sweden is a country with a cold harsh climate, but very picturesque nature. It was here that the Vikings once lived, and this region can also be called the land of fairy tales. Who hasn't heard of a mischievous little girl named Pippi Longstocking? Or about Carlson, who lives on the roof? Sweden is also known for the fact that Nobel Prizes are awarded in this country, 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 here. Today we will tell you when and how it is customary to celebrate the New Year in Sweden. We will learn about the traditions and customs of this country and what is customary to serve on the festive table.
The Origins of the Celebration
New Year in Sweden according to the Roman calendar begins on January 1st. 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 guns, shout loudly, have fun. On the eve of the New Year, fortune-telling is usually arranged to find out your future.
If in Russia the main place of the New Year's action isRed 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!
Celebrating the New Year
Sweden knows how and loves to celebrate the New Year. New Year's holidays continue for a whole month. Preparation for Christmas begins already at the end of November, from the beginning of Advent (as the time of waiting for Christ is called), and New Year's festivities last until January 13th. Here, as in general and throughout Catholic Europe, Christmas is usually celebrated in a quiet family circle. How is New Year celebrated in Sweden? It is customary to celebrate the holiday in a noisy, large company. Representatives of the older generation prefer to watch TV, which broadcasts traditional TV shows. Live broadcast on New Year's Eve from Skansen is one of the traditions: from the screen, the TV presenter reads a New Year's poem by the famous English poet Lord Tennyson. Immediately after the bells ring 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 go outside to celebrate.
In Sweden, the New Year is celebrated with festivities, fireworks, wild parties. The Swedes sing songs loudly, blow the pipes, because since ancient times it has been believed that loud sounds can scare away evil spirits. And although at present no one believes in it, the Swedes continue to have fun and make loud noises on New Year's holidays. On the most magical night of the year, the dark winterthe sky turns into the perfect backdrop for bright fireworks. They are launched all over the place. On the streets, the Swedes drink champagne - straight from the bottles, sprinkle each other with confetti!
Yul Tomten
The main symbol of the New Year in this country is Yul Tomten. That is what the Swedish Santa Claus is called. In general, to be more precise, Yul Tomten is rather a pretty gnome. Its main function is to give gifts to children.
This character lives either in the forest or under the floorboards of sheds and houses. Yul Tomten's main assistant is Dusty the snowman. Little mice, elves and even the Snow Queen herself help the magic dwarf!
New Year in Sweden: traditions and customs
In order for the coming year to be successful, it is necessary to observe a number of traditions. For example, to get a Christmas tree on your own: it doesn’t matter if you cut it down or buy it and bring it home, the main thing is that it should be there. It is necessary to decorate the house with figures of angels and gnomes, candles and bells.
One of the traditions of the New Year holiday is the burning of a large straw goat. It is also customary to break dishes on the doors of houses where friends live. It is believed that the more broken shards there are, the more family happiness and we alth you will get.
Choosing Queen of Light
On the eve of the New Year's holiday, Swedish kids choose their queen of light, Lucia. This tradition is dedicated to the early Christian saint and martyr Lucy of Syracuse. The main role of this character is to illuminate the dark Swedish winter with light. She is wearing a white dress, and on her heada crown with burning candles. Lucia gives sweets and gifts to children, and also brings treats for animals.
Choosing a queen is not an easy task. The competition is just incredible. Each village and city holds a competition for the title of local Lucia, and the election of the queen of the whole country is held on the air of the central Swedish television! The winner of the competition on the eve of the New Year is touring the city in a carriage. Her program includes mandatory visits to nursing homes and medical facilities.
January 1st
Swedes consider January 1 a very important day. They believe: as this day passes, so will the whole new year. In Sweden, they meet on this day only with pleasant people, it is not recommended to throw anything out into 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 legend, this guarantees excellent he alth for the whole year!
New Year's resolutions
Usually, at the New Year's table, it is customary to talk about what events happened in the outgoing year and what the coming year is preparing. And when the clock strikes twelve, make promises to yourself, such as quit smoking, earn more money, go on a diet, and exercise. 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 the summer, the inhabitants of the country collect this fragrant berry, make jam from it, in order to serve it with cutlets on a solemn night,pancakes and pork. On the table there must be blood sausages, pickled herring, crispbread, liver pate. Dishes made from beans and peas will become a symbol of happiness.
Many housewives brew beer and bake bread on New Year's Eve. It is generally accepted that these days they have magical properties and give he alth for the whole year. It is customary to decorate the table with hyacinths - symbols of prosperity. And homemade candles will give warmth and comfort to the house.
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