In some cities in Sweden winter is over and spring is on its way or has already come. One of many signs are dandelions (maskrosor) popping up everywhere. You will also see happy people smiling and walking slower just looking around in total happiness. Alright, everybody won’t be as happy as that but people in general will start seeing and living again after a sort of winter hibernation. It is also common that people are in better moods due to the sun.

In the more northern parts spring will come upon the cities in a matter of days. In the short period of around about two weeks all the snow will disappear to be replaced by the dry sidewalks and uncovered benches. Children jump jumprope (hopprep) and run around in their much missed sneakers (gympaskor). All the heavy clothes are left at home and every child’s thoughts are focused on the up coming summer holidays (sommarlov). In schools teachers and students have counted the days until the summer holidays start, knowing exactly how many days not counting weekends and so on and so forth. People ride their bikes to work and you see sunglasses everywhere.

Just before spring breaks out there is a longer period of much enjoyed time as well. The Swedish term for this is called Vårvinter. Literally Spring Winter. People go up to the mountains (fjällen) to go downhill skiing and it is not uncommon for families who share cottages to vigorously take turns inhabiting them.