Lussekatter and Semlas and Waffles! Oh, My! Posted by Marcus Cederström on Jan 21, 2010 in Culture
The winter season in Sweden is marked by baked goods. From December to the end of March, your local konditori will be filled with some very specific treats. Of course, delicious baked goods can always be found in Sweden, but certain times of the year bring with them certain bakery items. In December, Lucia brings Lussekatter. In February, (or March depending on the calendar) Fettisdagen (or Mardi Gras) brings semlas. And at the end of March, Våffeldagen brings waffles.
This year, Fettisdagen is February 16th and with less than a month left until the big day, the bakeries are rolling them out. Semlas are cardamom flavored buns with the top cut off and the center hollowed out. The hollow is filled with an almond paste and whipped cream. Lots of whipped cream. The semla is topped off with a little hat of cardamom bun. Perfect to use as a scoop for all of that whipped cream.
While delicious, semlas are also blamed for the death of a Swedish king. On February 12, 1771, King Adolf Fredrik died, most likely from a stroke, although the amount of food consumed in his last supper is often cited as playing a roll. Including the semlas, which the king apparently loved.
Swedes also celebrate waffles, despite baked goods being blamed for the murder of Swedish royalty. Of course, their celebration of waffles stems from a bit of linguistic gymnastics. March 25th is the Annunciation, nine months before Christmas and so celebrated as the day that Mary immaculately conceived Jesus. In Swedish, it is referred to as “Vårfrudagen,” “Vårfru” meaning “Our Lady.” The Swedish word for waffle is “våffel.” I think you see where this is going. Today, “Vårfrudagen” is “Våffeldagen” and Swedes have chosen to celebrate waffles. Usually eaten with whipped cream and strawberry jam. Maybe some sugar if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve developed a horrible sweet tooth since moving here. Just so you know.
The development of cultural customs is fascinating. Especially when a linguistic twist can lead to waffles being eaten instead of a religious holiday being celebrated and a dessert is blamed for the death of a king. But with so many days dedicated to sweets, I can’t help but wonder – do other countries celebrate food items like Sweden does, or is the country tormented by the same sweet tooth I have developed?
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About the Author: Marcus Cederström
Marcus Cederström has been writing for the Transparent Swedish Blog since 2009. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Oregon, a Master's Degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a PhD in Scandinavian Studies and Folklore from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has taught Swedish for several years and still spells things wrong. So, if you see something, say something.
Comments:
Jimmy Cappaert:
Here in Belgium, Antwerp in particular, we celibrate ‘lost monday’ every January. I don’t know exactly what the cultural background is, but on that day we eat little sausage breads and pastry with a caramalised apple inside. No one really cares *what* we celebrate, we can eat great pastry 🙂
Then there’s also ‘lichtmis’. On that day, we eat pannkakor.
Not too shabby, I guess, but it’s primarily in Antwerp that we have these customs, so it’s very local … considering the size of our country 🙂
Marcus Cederström:
sometimes I think that is the best way to do it, just as long as there are pastries involved!
sioux:
so its tomorrow already??
better be off to find some semlor then 🙂
Marcus Cederström:
hope you found some in time? I actually ended up eating my semlor today…