Tag Archives: Swedish holidays
Swedish Jul – A Christian Tradition with Pagan Roots Posted by Chelsea B on Dec 24, 2021
Swedish jul (Christmas) is more a cultural fixture than a religious observation. Its roots connect to the pagan Yuletide season, centered around the winter solstice – the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth came later. This week, we’ll discuss how modern Swedish jul tells the story of shared historical and religious practices. Roots of Yule…
The Swedish Kitchen Series: Festmiddag Posted by Chelsea B on Nov 26, 2021
The holidays are upon us! And because I’ve been busy cooking Thanksgiving dishes today, I wanted to take another look at Svenska institutet’s booklet on Swedish food and traditions,“Det svenska köket.” Festmiddag (Dinner Party) is the last chapter of the book and reflects the culture of the sometimes formal, yet relaxed Swedish dinner party among…
Swedish Jews Observe Yom Kippur Posted by Chelsea B on Sep 16, 2021
Yom Kippur, is considered the holiest day of the Jewish calendar year. A day of atonement, fasting, and prayer, emphasis is placed on individual reflection and atonement in preparation for the year to come. It’s estimated that 15,000-20,000 Jews live in Sweden, and because even secular Jews tend to celebrate Jom kippur, as it’s spelled…
Celebrate Pride with Swedish Queer Vocabulary Posted by Chelsea B on Jun 18, 2021
June is recognized as Pride Month all around the world. With Sweden’s long progressive stance on gay rights, it’s no surprise that Swedes host more Pride celebrations per capita than any country in the world. From rainbow-painted park benches and crosswalks in cities like Malmö and Göteborg to the Stockholm Pride parade drawing half a…
58 Swedes Sommarpratar for Iconic Radio Show Posted by Chelsea B on Jun 11, 2021
At one o’clock in the afternoon, when summer temperatures are at their highest, sun-loving Swedes take a respite and adjust the dial to Sommar i P1. Today, Sveriges radio announced the 58 Swedes who will narrate personal stories, reflections, dreams, and critiques with audiences this summer. Comedians, actors, composers, CEOs, songwriters, even an astronaut, and…
Waffle Day featuring Nordic Food Geek Patrice Johnson Posted by Chelsea B on Mar 26, 2021
Crispy and crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, the waffle is a triumph. It’s no wonder that Scandinavians pay homage to this breakfast-meets-lunch delicacy with its own holiday, Våffeldagen! For today’s blog, we’ll learn the linguistically mixed-up origins of Våffeldagen OCH grab some waffle-inspo from the Nordic Food Geek herself, Patrice Johnson. She…
Glögg: Swedish Christmas in a Cup Posted by Chelsea B on Dec 24, 2020
Mulled wine, Glühwein, glögg! A cup of this warm, aromatic drink is a must around Christmas time. Swedes purchase glögg in a ready-made bottle or brew their own with red wine, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom – serve with a pepparkaka, and you’re all set! This week, we’ll learn a bit about the history of glögg…