Swedish Christmas Traditions
Christmas has special meaning for people all over the world. For the Swedes though, Christmas is much more than a one day event. The Christmas season kicks off on St Lucia day December 13 and last until 15 days after Christmas. This season is rich in tradition and there are many Swedish customs that will not be observed anywhere else in the world.
St Lucia Day
This tradition is named in honor of young Christian saint martyred for her faith in 304 AD. On this day at dawn the oldest girls from family all over Sweden wear white dresses and a red sash. The girl will also wear an evergreen with candles. The girl dresses like Lucia to honor her struggles. There are candle lit processions and singing to commemorate her sacrifice. This is also the official kick of the Swedish Christmas season.
Christmas Eve
In Sweden, this is the time for exchanging gifts and getting together for the holiday dinner. There is not a traditional dinner. Many people will have a buffet style meal with a wide variety of holiday favorites. The dinner that people in the United States would consider Christmas dinner is enjoyed on Christmas Eve. The culmination of the Christmas holiday happens then. After dinner a family member will dress as the Christmas gnome and hand presents out from their bag.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Sweden is a day for celebrating the birth of Christ. Many people attend church service early in the morning. The day is more subdued since the focus of Christmas is about Christ. Prayer and worship are the main focus on Christmas day itself.
Interesting tidbits
Like many other nations Christmas trees and decorations are part of the festivities. One interesting difference between Christmas in the United States and Sweden is the role of Santa Claus. In Sweden it is atomteor gnome and he lives under the floorboards of houses. He comes out to give gifts and bestow blessings on children. People will leave treats out for him much like cookies are left in the United States.
In Sweden, there is plenty of room for decorations and there is no shortage of displays, wreaths, and lights. The nativity scene is an especially power symbol in Sweden, Instead of electric lights, many people light lots of candles during the holiday. Children make decorations for the holiday season. The story of the manager is strong with children so some decorations are made of straw to symbolize Christ lying down in the manager. After the holiday season is over people throw parties to usher theseason out. Swedishfestivitiesare unique, but they do draw from and incorporate many features that one would expect to see during the Christmas season.
