Are there any special Christmas traditions in Sweden?
Post ByAdequate Travel
Summary
Christmas is always a special and magical time of the year, and in Sweden it is no different. Dive into the wonderful Swedish Christmas traditions and discover what makes the festive season really special in the Scandinavian country. As you prepare for your journey, familiarize yourself with the specific
entry requirements, including any necessary visas or documentation.
Special Christmas Traditions in Sweden
1. Saint Lucia Day: Celebrated on December 13th, Saint Lucia Day is one of the most significant traditions in Sweden. The day is named after Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in catacombs. The celebration involves a girl dressed in a white robe with a crown of candles on her head leading a procession, accompanied by other young girls and boys dressed in white, singing traditional songs.
2. Advent: Advent is the period of preparation for Christmas and is observed on the four Sundays leading up to December 25th. Swedes light candles on an advent candle holder and often decorate their homes with advent stars and wreaths.
3. Christmas Market: Christmas markets are popular in Sweden, especially in the larger cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. These markets offer numerous stalls selling crafts, Christmas decorations, food, and beverages. It is a festive gathering where people come to enjoy the holiday spirit and shop for unique gifts.
4. Julbord (Christmas Smorgasbord): Julbord is a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, consisting of a variety of cold and hot dishes. It typically includes pickled herring, cured salmon, gingerbread cookies, meatballs, sausages, and a variety of cheeses. Families and friends gather to enjoy the festive meal together, often accompanied by schnapps.
5. Santa Lucia Procession: Similar to Saint Lucia Day, the Santa Lucia procession is another tradition that involves a procession with girls dressed in white robes, adorned with a crown of candles on their heads. The procession typically takes place in schools, churches, and other community gatherings.
6. Dancing around the Christmas Tree: A common tradition in Sweden is dancing around the Christmas tree. Once the tree is decorated, family and friends hold hands and dance in a circle around it, singing traditional songs and spreading joy and cheer.
7. Tomte: In Swedish folklore, the Tomte is a mythical creature similar to a gnome or elf, often depicted as an old man with a long white beard. It is believed that the Tomte takes care of the family and animals during Christmas time. Swedes often place a bowl of porridge or a plate of Christmas food outside their doors to appease the Tomte and ensure good luck for the year ahead.
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travel restrictions that may impact your itinerary, such as limited access to certain regions or attractions.