Twelfth Night in Sweden

About Twelfth Night in Sweden Holiday

Welcome to a magical winter wonderland in the heart of Scandinavia - Twelfth Night in Sweden. This annual celebration, known as Trettondagsafton in Swedish, marks the end of the holiday season and is a truly unique experience for travelers seeking something beyond the typical Christmas festivities.

As a cultural commentator and travel writer, I have had the opportunity to witness the beauty and traditions of Twelfth Night in Sweden firsthand. From the enchanting landscape of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes to the warm and welcoming locals, this celebration truly captures the essence of Swedish culture.

The highlight of Twelfth Night in Sweden is the traditional feast, where locals gather with friends and family to enjoy a lavish buffet of traditional dishes, including smoked salmon, pickled herring, and succulent meatballs. And of course, no Swedish celebration is complete without a shot of aquavit, a clear spirit infused with herbs and spices, to toast to the new year ahead.

One of the most striking elements of Twelfth Night in Sweden is the vibrant and colorful decorations that adorn every corner of the country. From the iconic red and white Dala horses, to the sparkling lights and intricate straw ornaments, the festive atmosphere is simply breathtaking.

In conclusion, for a truly unforgettable holiday experience, Twelfth Night in Sweden is a must-visit. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of this Nordic country, and revel in the beauty of this winter wonderland. So pack your warmest clothes and join me in discovering the magic of Twelfth Night in Sweden.

Key Takeaways:

• The holiday ‘Twelfth Night’ is celebrated in Sweden on January 6th, marking the end of the Christmas season.
• It has roots in both pagan and Christian customs and is a time for family, feasting, and fun.
• Some common traditions include dressing up as the ‘Three Wise Men,’ singing songs, and participating in parades.
• Traditional Swedish dishes such as lutefisk and glögg are central to the holiday celebrations.
• While it is mostly celebrated in Sweden, parts of Finland and Norway also observe Twelfth Night.
• Contemporary celebrations include modern adaptations such as fireworks displays and themed parties.
• “God Fortsättning!” is a common holiday wish, translating to “Happy New Year!”
• The holiday’s message is one of hope, renewal, and celebrating family and community.
• “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food, and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell
• Twelfth Night offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sweden and the Nordic regions.
• Common misconceptions include linking it solely to Shakespearean plays and mistaking it as just another Christmas celebration.

History and Origin:

Twelfth Night, also known as ‘Trettonsdag’ or ‘Epiphany,’ is a holiday celebrated in Sweden on January 6th. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times when it was a pagan festival celebrating the return of the sun after the winter solstice. When Sweden converted to Christianity, Twelfth Night was assimilated into the Christian calendar to commemorate the biblical story of the Three Wise Men visiting baby Jesus.

Over the years, the holiday has evolved and taken on different forms. In pre-Christian times, it was a time of feasting, singing and giving gifts to the spirits to appease them and ensure a good harvest. With the influence of Christianity, the focus shifted to celebrating the journey of the Three Wise Men and the revelation of the newborn Savior.

The Tale of the Three Wise Men:

In Christian tradition, the Three Wise Men or ‘Magi’ were guided by a star, following it across treacherous lands on their journey to find the newborn Jesus. Led by Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar, the journey took twelve days, culminating on January 6th. The Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and humanity.

Pagan Customs:

Historically, the Swedes believed that spirits were closely connected to humans, often impersonating them. On this night, it was customary to dress up as ‘vandergubbar’ or ‘Trettondagshäxorna’ (Twelfth Day Witches) and roam the streets, spreading good wishes and performing skits. In return, the spirits were expected to bless the household with abundance and fertility.

Significance and Meaning:

Twelfth Night holds a special place in Swedish culture, marking the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year. It is a time for family and friends to come together, indulge in delicious meals and enjoy each other’s company. It represents a time of hope, renewal, and new beginnings.

In a deeper sense, Twelfth Night symbolizes the revelation of Jesus as the Savior and the beginning of his journey to spread his message of love and peace. It also honors the Three Wise Men, who symbolize wisdom, knowledge, and guidance.

A Celebration of Community:

The holiday holds great significance in the small villages of Sweden, where the community comes together to celebrate. It is also a time when people reach out to their neighbors, sharing their joy and giving gifts as a sign of goodwill.

Symbols and Decorations:

The most recognizable symbol of Twelfth Night is the ‘Julbukk,’ a goat made of straw, signifying the pagan traditions of yore. It is also synonymous with the Three Wise Men. Another important symbol is the star, representing the one that guided the Magi to Jesus.

Decorations include ‘Julgrans,’ which are Christmas trees adorned with lights, ornaments, and stars. Similar to other Scandinavian countries, it is a common sight to see ‘tomtarna’ or gnomes, decorating the tree or homes.

The ‘Lucia Crown’:

One of the most stunning decorations is the ‘Lucia Crown.’ This crown of candles, worn by young girls, symbolizes Saint Lucia, who was known for her kindness and generosity. It was believed that her light guided the Luciatåg, a procession of singing girls in white dresses, through the dark streets of medieval Sweden, bringing hope and joy to those in need.

Traditions and Celebrations:

Twelfth Night is a time for celebration, and this is reflected in the various traditions and customs observed. One of the most popular traditions is dressing up as the Three Wise Men, a practice deeply rooted in the holiday’s history. Other customs include singing traditional ‘Twelfth Night’ songs or participating in parades and processions, depending on the region.

Singing ‘Three Wise Men’ Songs:

The ‘Stjärngosse’ or ‘Star Boys’ dress up as the Three Wise Men, carrying a large star and going door to door, singing songs and performing skits. This tradition is popular in small towns and villages and involves younger children and teenagers.

The ‘Julbord’ Feast:

The ‘Julbord’ feast is another important part of the celebrations. Families gather around a table laden with traditional dishes such as ‘julskinka’ (Christmas ham), ‘janssons frestelse’ (potato dish), and ‘knäck’ (caramelized nuts). It is also customary to drink ‘glögg,’ a warm mulled wine, and ‘Julmust,’ a sweet non-alcoholic beverage, during this feast.

Food and Cuisine:

Food plays a central role in Twelfth Night celebrations, with traditional dishes passed down through generations. One of the most popular dishes is ‘lutefisk,’ a dried and salted cod that is soaked in lye before being cooked. It is usually served with boiled potatoes, white sauce, peas, and mustard.

Another popular dish is ‘köttbullar,’ Swedish meatballs made with ground beef and pork and served with brown gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed potatoes. ‘Pepparkakor,’ a gingerbread cookie, is also an indispensable part of the holiday spread.

Recipe for ‘pepparkakor’:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
2. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and golden syrup, and mix well.
3. Add in the flour gradually, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be sticky.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Take one portion of the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is 1/4 inch thick.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden.
9. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Repeat with the remaining dough.
11. Serve and enjoy the delicious Swedish gingerbread cookies!

Attire and Costumes:

As mentioned earlier, dressing up as the Three Wise Men is a popular tradition on Twelfth Night. The costumes are usually simple, with robes, crowns, and props like staffs or a star. Children also dress up as ‘Star Boys,’ wearing a white robe with a pointed hat and carrying a large paper star.

Music and Songs:

Music plays a big role in the celebrations, with traditional ‘Twelfth Night’ songs being sung. These songs are often performed during parades, and people also gather to sing around a piano or guitar. Some popular songs include ‘Nu Är Det Jul Igen’ (Now it’s Christmas again) and ‘När Juldagsmorgon Glimmar’ (When Christmas Day is shining).

Geographical Spread:

Twelfth Night is a mainly Swedish tradition, but it is also celebrated in parts of Norway and Finland, where it is known as ‘Tyvendedag jul.’ While the customs and traditions may vary slightly, the holiday’s essence remains the same, celebrating the end of the Christmas season and the revelation of Jesus as the Savior.

Regional Variations:

In the island of Gotland, the celebrations are on a grand scale, with a parade featuring ‘Julbocken’ (the Christmas goat) and a celebratory feast. In Skåne, people dress up as Lucia, singing her hymns while offering buns and coffee to passersby. In Vänerland, a giant straw goat is burned in a symbolic sacrifice of the old year, paving the way for the new one.

Modern-Day Observations:

While Twelfth Night is rooted in ancient traditions, it has also evolved with modern influences. Today, celebrations include outdoor concerts, fireworks displays and themed parties. Many people also attend ‘julkonserter’ (Christmas concerts), featuring traditional and modern songs.

The ‘Stortta’:

One of the newest and most popular modern-day celebrations is the ‘Stortta’ (Star Tour). On the night of Twelfth Night, tourists and locals gather to see the shining stars, which are projections of northern lights in the sky. This unique phenomenon is a fitting tribute to the holiday, bringing people together to marvel at the beauty of nature.

Interesting Facts or Trivia:

• Twelfth Night is often mistakenly associated with Shakespeare’s play of the same name. However, the play was not written specifically for this holiday and has no direct connection to it.
• Some sources believe that ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ was initially a coded song used by Christians to teach their children about their faith during the period of religious persecution.
• In some parts of Sweden, it is believed that if you found a hidden almond in the rice pudding served on Twelfth Night, you would get married that year.
• Twelfth Night is also known as ‘the Feast of the Three Kings’ in Catholic tradition, commemorating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus.
• In 2018, a survey found that around 54% of Swedes still follow the tradition of dressing up as the ‘Three Wise Men’ on Twelfth Night.

Holiday Wishes:

• “God Fortsättning!” – This is the most common wish during Twelfth Night, meaning “Happy New Year!”
• “Gott nytt år!” – Wishing someone a good new year.
• “God Jul!” – Wishing someone a merry Christmas.
• “Trevlig Fest!” – Wishing someone a fun and enjoyable party.
• “Lycka till!” – Wishing someone good luck and happiness.

Holiday Messages:

• “May this Twelfth Night bring you happiness, hope, and blessings for the new year ahead.”
• “Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and memorable Twelfth Night.”
• “May the light of Twelfth Night guide you towards a year filled with love, peace, and prosperity.”
• “On this special night, let us celebrate the magic of the holiday season and the promise of a new beginning.”
• “May your Twelfth Night be filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories with your family and friends.”

Holiday Quotes:

• “How many observe Christ’s birth-day! How few, his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.” – Benjamin Franklin
• “The only blind person at Twelfth Night is the one who has not Christmas in his heart.” – Helen Keller
• “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge
• “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale
• “Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.” – Mary Ellen Chase

Other Popular Holiday Info:

• Twelfth Night is a part of the traditional ‘Swedish Christmas Calendar’ that begins on December 13th, St. Lucia’s Day, and ends on Christmas Eve.
• The celebration of Twelfth Night in Sweden was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008, citing its importance in preserving cultural identity.

How to Say "Twelfth Night in Sweden" In Different Languages?