Swedish Christmas

Swedish Christmas refers to the celebration of Christmas in Sweden, which is a blend of domestic and foreign customs that have been re-interpreted, refined and commercialized on their journey from agrarian society to the modern age. Today, Swedish Christmas celebrations are a significant part of Swedish culture and Swedish national identity.

History

The celebration of Christmas in Sweden dates back to the pre-Christian times of the Norse religion and winter solstice festivals. The incorporation of Christmas as a Christian holiday occurred in the 11th century when Sweden was Christianized.

Traditions

Swedish Christmas traditions are a combination of the secular and the sacred. They include the Advent season, the Lucia procession, and the main event, Christmas Eve.

Advent

Advent in Sweden starts four Sundays before Christmas. The first sign of Christmas approaching is the appearance of Advent calendars, Advent candles and Advent stars in Swedish homes.

Saint Lucy's Day

Saint Lucy's Day, or Lucia Day, is celebrated on December 13. The tradition involves a procession of young girls dressed in white gowns with a red sash, and a crown of candles on their heads. The girl chosen to portray Lucia is usually the eldest daughter in the family.

Christmas Eve

In Sweden, Christmas Eve is the main day of holiday celebration. The day is usually started with a Christmas church service. The traditional Swedish Christmas table, or Julbord, is a buffet-style meal that includes various types of pickled herring, gravlax, meatballs, ham, lussekatt, and rice pudding.

Food

Food plays a central role in Swedish Christmas celebrations. The Julbord, or Christmas table, is a traditional Swedish buffet that includes a variety of dishes. Some of the most common items found on the Julbord include pickled herring, gravlax, meatballs, ham, lussekatt, and rice pudding.

See also

• Christmas traditions
• Christmas worldwide
• Saint Lucy's Day
• Julbord