Swedish holidays
Right, I've realized that I sometimes happen to mention some of these in my confused writings. When trying to mention some of these I've realized that translating them doesn't feel all that right. So, this is the idea: if I explain them a bit here, in my usual to-the-point-consice style I can just link them here and everyone will be happy and just a teensy bit more educated. Wonderful, isn't it? Maybe not, but here we go anyway, in order of appearance ...
Påsk (Easter)
Pretty much the same as everywhere else, heavy focus on candy, eggs and combinations of the two. Kids used to dress up as witches and go around wishing people a happy Easter in exchange for candy, bit like a Swedish answer to Halloween, but there doesn't seem to be as much of that anymore.
Valborgsmässoafton
Don't think this one has much of a correspondence in more English parts of the world, my dictionary suggests the German-sounding name Walpurgis night. Does it say everything to an English reader? Anyway, Valborgsmässoafton is the last night of April and it's when you celebrate the coming of May, spring and generally brighter and more pleasant days. People gather around big fires, think the original excuse is to keep away bad spirits, and sing spring songs.
Midsommar (Midsummer)
The big summer holiday in June. Traditionally people raise a midsommastång, a pole clad with leaves (and a pretty indecent symbol when you think about it :-), dance traditional dances around it and sing traditional songs. Pickled herring, new potatoes and strawberries are very important parts of the Midsummer food.
Allhelgona (All Saints' Day)
Probably one of the least celebrated holidays, people are just happy to get a few days off in the autumn since there are few other holidays between summer's end and Christmas. American influences are making themselves heard here though, Halloween parties are increasing in numbers along with countless "creepy" table decorations and stuff sold everywhere. Guess no-one can resist a grinning pumpkin ...
Jul (Christmas)
Should be pretty familiar to most english-speaking people. Bring in a poor tree, decorate said tree, eat lots of food, give and recieve lots of presents. Repeat on a yearly basis. The most unfamiliar part for most outsiders is probably that we do it all on Cristmas Eve (julafton) instead of on Christmas Day (juldagen), not sure why though ... On a side note, we like to take our time with the giving of presents in my family. See the 27/12 1998 diary entry for further details.
Nyårsafton (New Year's Eve)
Standard fare - fireworks and champagne. Further comments unnecessary ...
