The Swedish Christmas holiday begins on December 13 (St. Lucia Day) and continues with many special events and customs until January 6 (Twelfth Night). During this time throughout Sweden, families celebrate with special foods, meaningful customs, special gifts and treasured events.
St. Lucia Day on December 13
The Christmas season begins on December 13 with St. Lucia Day. On St. Lucia Day, the oldest daughter dresses in a long white gown or robe with a red sash. She wears a halo of evergreens and lighted candles on her head and sings while serving coffee and sweet rolls to the family members. St. Lucia Day honors a young girl who lived during the time of the Roman Empire and was martyred for helping Christians with money and food.
Christmas Eve and Dipping Day
Christmas Eve is called Dipping Day. Families remember the time of famine in the past when there was only black bread to eat by dipping black bread into a hot broth of sausage, corned beef and pork. This is believed to bring good luck in the new year. After completing the dipping, the family has a special smorgasbord.
After the meal, the family exchanges gifts around the lit tree. Gifts include special tags with poems, riddles and rhymes. Each one is read aloud before the gift is opened.
On Christmas Eve children set out a bowl of rice porridge for Juletomten, the small elf who brings presents to the family.
Christmas Day
Swedish families attend 5:00 a.m. church services on Christmas Day. That morning they put candles in the windows of their home to light the way for the Christ Child. The rest of Christmas Day is a quiet day that is more focused on the spiritual and restful aspect of the holiday.
Rice Porridge With Almond Tradition
As part of the Christmas dinner, everyone eats a special rice porridge with an almond or gold ring cooked inside. The person who finds the special almond or ring is said to be the next one to wed. If someone finds it who is married or too young to marry, he or shee will be blessed with good luck and lots of teasing.
December 26 or Second Day of Christmas
The day after Christmas is usually spent in special parties for both children and adults. This festive time carries over through January 6 with many people visiting friends and relatives throughout that time.
January 6 or Twelfth Night
The Swedish Christmas holiday season ends on January 6 with the Twelfth Night celebration. The children dress up in costumes and go from house to house singing and collecting treats.
Those in Sweden enjoy many special traditions throughout the Christmas season including Dipping Day, St. Lucia Day, and Rice Porridge. Like other holiday celebrations from around the world, they bring meaning and joy to the people who observe them.
Learn more about Christmas celebrations in Germany.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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