Sunday 26 November 2017

Swedish Christmas Fair


I’ve got a short list of holiday fairs or Christmas Markets that I’d like to check out in the next few weeks. True to my interest in international travel, the first event that I attended this weekend was the Swedish Christmas Fair.

I had been to Sweden before and have fond memories of the country and its people. So far Stockholm was the only city where I stayed in a quirky youth hostel which lies in a docked ship, overlooking the Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the Royal Palace. My fun-filled visit to Stockholm deserves a retrospective post some day...

It was an enjoyable afternoon at the Swedish Christmas Fair where I learned new information and captured some of the fair activities in the following pictures.

1) St Lucia, born in Italy, died a martyr's death and was declared a saint in 303 AD. St Lucia is the symbol of light during the darkest season of the year. Lucia celebrations are one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden. On December 13, Swedish families, schools, and the workplace celebrate Lucia by singing traditional songs like Santa Lucia. The Lucia Pageant with young carolers dressed in white, holding candle lights while singing traditional Swedish Christmas carols,  were lovely.

The Lucia Pageant
2) The Swedish folk dancing performance accompanied by music was lively, with many quick steps, and move co-ordinations among the performers. It reminded me that dancing is an excellent way to stay in shape.


3) The Sami art and cultural exhibition was informative. I learned that the Sami are an indigenous people of the Arctic. They live in an area called Sápmi that stretches from the Kola Peninsula in Russia through Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway. According to the Norwegian Sami Parliament, there are about 100,000 Sami, and Norway is the country with the highest number of people considering themselves Sami. Different Sami groups are defined by their traditional source of livelihood and geographical location (e.g. The Mountain Sami, The Sea Sami). The Sami national day, common for all Sami, is on February 6. The date was chosen to commemorate the first Sami National Conference held in Trondheim, Norway in 1917. The Sami language is related to Finnish, and can be divided into several main dialects. Six of these have their own written form.

Sami art

4) The Swedish Christmas Market featured high quality Swedish art and craft, charming traditional Swedish Christmas decorations, and imported Swedish products such as Lingoberry jam, Knäckebröd (Crispbread) which has been baked in Sweden for 500 years and can be topped with just about anything, from plain butter to caviar.

Cards with Swedish design

Boxes of candlesticks
Table cloths
Star-shaped lights

Crispbread
Lingoberry jam
I love the multiculturalism in my city that enables me to experience the Swedish Christmas Fair, and brings back fun memories of my travel to far away places such as Sweden.

What fun activities did you enjoy this weekend? Please share below.

20 comments:

  1. You are so fortunate to have endless international and multi-cultural activities right outside your door!
    BTW - I definitely agree that you should write that post about your visit to Stockholm!

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    1. I'm fortunate, indeed, Donna. My visit to Stockholm is on my "to write about" list, which seems to grow much faster than my thought processing and typing speed!

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  2. I know what you mean by your "to blog" list... I loved the multi-cultural side to Sydney and Melbourne, but here in South East Queensland we lack that diversity. It's one of the only things I miss since moving away from Sydney. #TeamLovinLife

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    1. A "to blog" list is a nice problem to have. I'm hoping to tackle it in the winter when I'm home. Thanks, Jo, for commenting.

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  3. Oh I love Christmas Markets Natalie especially in Europe although I've never been. I'll look forward to your future posts. Have a great day xx

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    1. I was at the start of Christmas Markets in Vienna. The booths and light displays were all set up. It has become a big tourist draw. Thanks, Sue, for stopping by.

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  4. I think your Christmas Markets look a lot more interesting than the ones we have here in Australia. I would love to experience a Swedish one. #TeamLovinLife

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    1. We have many cultural communities in my city and it's truly wonderful when they showcase some of their holiday traditions. Thanks, Kathy, for commenting.

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  5. I love Christmas fairs. I haven't planned any this year but London and Winchester are nearby and you've got me in the mood! x #lovinlifelinky

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    1. I find it fun to browse at Christmas fairs and they're on annually just for about four weeks here. London or Winchester sounds like a nice get-away. Thanks, Maria, for stopping by.

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  6. Oh what a great experience. I know so little about so many other cultures and it's unlikely I'll travel to some of them! #teamlovinlife

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    1. I really enjoy having access to many cultural experiences in my home city. Thanks, Deborah, for commenting.

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  7. This looks like a great Christmas market. I have only been to them in the UK and am always disappointed. Maybe I could do some travelling to some next year - thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. I find the Christmas markets in Austria, Germany, Czechia and their neighbour countries very festive with many booths selling unique holiday products. It's fun to browse them even when I don't buy. Thanks, Emma, for stopping by.

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  8. I so love to experience the Christmas customs of other cultures, especially those who celebrate the festive season during winter :) #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Me too, Lyndall. The cooler temperature makes such a difference to the festive season. Thank you for visiting.

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  9. What incredible sights and sounds at this Christmas fair. Love the blue table cloth and the whittled wood carvings.

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    1. It was a nice Christmas fair, Leslie. I'm glad I went to it. Thank you for commenting.

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  10. I'd love to experience a European Christmas. Especially Sweden!
    #teamlovinlife

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    1. As soon as I saw the Swedish Christmas Fair announcement, I made sure to go and was glad I did. Thank you, Leanne, for stopping by.

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