Sweden

Image Source: Flags of the World. CIA: The World Factbook. Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sw.html = __SWEDEN __ =

//Christmas Traditions //
Christmastime in Sweden begins at the start of Advent, and lasts until January 13, known as //hilarymas// or “tree plundering.” Sweden’s unique celebration of St. Lucia is held at dawn on December 13. Traditional Christmas celebrations are held on Christmas Eve. Families gather together to eat a big meal and open the presents from under the tree.

Lucia Festival
The Lucia Festival, celebrating a saint from Italy, is essentially a festival of light and is a 400-year-old tradition. The festival is held in streets, hospitals, workplaces, schools, and homes, but primarily, in churches. A girl is chosen as Lucia and she wears a crown made of candles. She is followed by other children, including some dressed as elves, and they walk in a procession and sing Christmas carols bringing forth light. The Lucia Festival coincides with the lighting of the Advent wreath, as well as the time when most Swedes decorate their trees and homes in light.

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**Video Sour****ce: Christmas-Santa Lucia Sweden. (2008, February 28). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2-Q_ObdE4&feature=related**

Food
On the first Sunday in Advent Swedes get together with friends, family, and coworkers to drink //glögg,// a hot, spiced, mulled wine. This is accompanied by blanched almonds and raisins, saffron buns, and ginger biscuits. Competitions occur each year for whom makes the best //glögg//.

On Christmas Eve, the Swedes have their ultimate smorgasbord, known as the //julbord// (pronounced “yulelog”). The tradition of the julbord comes from fabled eating and merrymaking by the Vikings. In earlier days the //julbord// consisted of pig’s trotters, which was meant to be left on the table overnight when the dead come to feast. Today, the traditional //julbord// is made of ham, pork sausage, gravlax, meatballs, pickled herring, liver paté, potatoes and lutfisk, a special fish dish. Beer and schnapps help wash down the meal.

Visit Sweden has further information on how you can have [|A Verry, Merry "Swedish" Christmas!]



Image Source: Julbord. (2008). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.fulltupp.com/blog/

References  A Very, merry 'Swedish' Xmas. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2010 from http://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/Attractions/Culture/Traditions/A-very-merry-Swedish-Xmas/

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