{"id":36999,"date":"2014-09-24T02:57:58","date_gmt":"2014-09-24T06:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=36999"},"modified":"2020-07-13T03:14:10","modified_gmt":"2020-07-13T07:14:10","slug":"swedish-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/swedish-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Swedish Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"
When you have lived some time in Sweden you will notice that there are many traditions and celebrations throughout the year which are very important to the Swedes. If you want to become part of your new community the easiest way to do so is to participate in those very typical festivities.<\/p>\n
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New Year<\/strong><\/p>\n The New Year is usually celebrated with friends. People dress up and have a nice dinner where memories of the old year are shared and hopes and plans for the new year are discussed. At midnight people go outside huddled in warm clothes (remember we are talking about Sweden and December is really cold) to welcome the New Year with fireworks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Walpurgis Eve – 1st of May<\/strong><\/p>\n Walpurgis celebrations are not a family occasion but rather a public event, and local groups often take responsibility for organising them to encourage community spirit in the village or neighbourhood. Large bonfires are lighted which in old times used to keep away evil spirits like witches and demons and are now a beautiful part of the celebration and the coming spring is welcomed by singing spring songs. May Day\/Labor Day (May 1st) follows Walpurgis Night celebrations with a wide choice of events, parades and festivities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n National Day of Sweden<\/strong><\/p>\n National Day of Sweden, formerly known as Swedish Flag Day is celebrated every year on 6th June. This day, special ceremonies welcoming new Swedish citizens are held around the country on National Day. The King and Queen also take part at Skansen, Stockholm\u2019s open-air museum, where the yellow and blue Swedish flag is run up the mast, and children in traditional peasant costume present the royal couple with bouquets of summer flowers.. Many people go for picnics with family and friends or celebrate in their homes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Midsummer<\/strong><\/p>\n Midsummer Eve is always a Friday between 19 and 25 June and marks the the longest day of the year. People often begin the day by picking flowers and making wreaths to place on the maypole, which is a key component in the celebrations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n