Swedish Holidays or Traditions You Should Adopt This Year

I was born into a large, proud Swedish family, and as each year passes I am learning to appreciate my heritage more. There are certain traditions and holidays my family celebrates that I want to pass on to my daughter someday. Whether you are looking to celebrate your own Swedish heritage or just want to add a new tradition for your family, this post has something for you. Learn more by reading below the six Swedish Holidays or Traditions You Should Adopt This Year.

January 13th: King Knut’s Day

King Knut’s Day or St. Knut’s Day falls on the twentieth day after Christmas and marks the end of the Christmas season in Sweden and Norway. I’ve heard several stories as to how this holiday came about. One story is that Knut Levard was a Danish duke who was assassinated by his cousin and rival on January 7th, 1131, so he could usurp the Danish throne. There was then a civil war, which led to Knut being named a saint. I’ve also heard a more colorful tale of a king who wanted Christmas to last a little longer. Either way, what an excellent excuse to extend the holiday season.

King Knut’s Day gives you an excuse not to remove any decorations or stop listening to Christmas music until January 13th. If you love the Christmas season, then you should certainly adopt this Swedish holiday.

March 25th: Våffeldagen

According to visitsweden.com, the “25th of March is the day when the archangel Gabriel came down to earth and told Mary that she would bring birth to God’s son in 9 months time. From the beginning, what was celebrated was Vårfrudagen, (“Our Lady Day”), but in Swedish it kind of sounds like vorfleday, or “Våffeldagen”. Over time this tradition has become more about the Waffels than about virgin birth.”

Våffeldagen is national Swedish waffle day! A day to eat waffles. What could be better? If you love a good waffle, then I highly recommend making this Swedish holiday a tradition for your family every year.

June: Midsommer’s Day

Midsommer’s Day is typically celebrated somewhere between June 19th and 25th, on the longest day of summer. It’s a cherished Swedish tradition that celebrates light and warmth and summer in general. Swedes are well-attuned to the rhythms of nature. Winter is dreary, and most days are spent in the dark. It’s no wonder that Swedes choose to celebrate the longest summer days with feasts, flowers and frolicking.

If you also love the warmth of summer, Midsommer’s Day is the ideal holiday to add to your list. Many Swedish communities here in the United States celebrate Midsommer’s as well, including my own hometown of Lindsborg, KS. Feel free to join in the fun this summer!

December 13th: Santa Lucia

Again, I have heard many different stories about the origin of St. Lucia. According to tradition, St. Lucia was one of the earliest Christian martyrs. She was killed by the Romans in 304 CE because of her religious beliefs. As a little girl I was told St. Lucia used to provide goods to the needy in the dead of winter. In order to hold the food and blankets, but still be able to see in the darkness of winter, she wore a wreath of candles on her head. I’m not 100% that story is accurate, but I love the reminder of generosity and purity in the Christmas season.

Families in Scandinavia observe Santa Lucia in their homes by having one the eldest daughter dress in white and serve coffee and baked goods (such as saffron bread and ginger biscuits) to the other members of the family. These traditional foods are also given to visitors throughout the day. My hometown celebrates in a similar way by appointing a Lucia to walk around town.

Anytime: Döstädning or Death Cleaning

Okay, so this tradition might seem a little morbid or sad, but idea behind it is very thoughtful. Döstädning is a new method of downsizing and organizing from the Swedish author and artist Margareta Magnusson. Magnusson says, “Death cleaning is not about dusting or mopping up. It is about a permanent form of organization that makes your everyday life run more smoothly.” Basically, döstädning is getting your house in order and clutter-free, so that some day when you pass on your family will not have trouble sorting through your belongings.

I know it’s a little sad to think about, but if you were looking for a reason to organize in the new year, Döstädning might be good motivation!

Anytime: Lagom

The word lagom in engish means moderation, which is exactly what this Swedish concept is all about. Everything in moderation. According to an article by the Huffington Post, “Lagom isn’t perfection, but finding simple, attainable solutions to your everyday worries like stress, eating better, having downtime and achieving happiness. It’s a balance of work and life so everything is in sustainable existence with each other.” Sounds a lot like hygge-living, no?

If you are looking for a little balance and peace in the coming year, I highly recommend adopting the Swedish concept of lagom.

Thank you for reading about my families Swedish Holidays or Traditions You Should Adopt This Year. For more inspiring content, check out the following posts:

Swedish Christmas Traditions and Decorations
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How to Have a Hyggeligt Holiday Season
Unique Christmas Traditions You Should Try This Year

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Love Always,