Lucia

Lucia is celebrated tomorrow in New Sweden, Maine at the elementary school at 6:30 as  has been the tradition for many years.

Around the world many versions of Lucia will take place.

In Helsinki, Finland the elected Lucia will descend the steep steps and ride in a beautiful carriage through the city streets in a parade.

In British Columbia, Canada students of the Scandinavian and Nordic Cultural Association present their version.

A youtube clip from Sweden in 2002 shares the young girls singing Santa Lucia.

In Mora, Sweden the Saint Lucia procession arrives at the old church in a horse-drawn sleigh.

Even New Zealand celebrates Lucia!

Christmas Fair in Sweden

It seems not so far distant. There’s snow. There’s Christmas music. There are home made foods for sale at the Christmas fair. It is Stockholm and we have a Stockholm too.
So even though there are many miles that separate the Old Town of Stockholm, Sweden and the little village of Stockholm, Maine, there are ties that bind. Enjoy the photos of the Christmas Fair in the Old Town of Stockholm.

Midsommar in Sweden 2009

Read about this year’s Midsommar festivities in a small village in Sweden here.  The “Swede Life” is written by an “American Mom and Midwife from Florida Living in Sweden.” Lots of great photos and even video of raising the pole!

A Letter From America

I stumbled upon this tale of a family that visited New Sweden, Maine to attend the Midsommar twenty-eight years ago. Some things have not changed too much.

It is written in Swedish and in English so you can see both versions.

Facedown Burials in Sweden

I found this article through a fellow blogger, but unfortunately I can’t recall which one. “Facedown Burials Widely Used to Humiliate the Dead”  discusses a study done by a Swedish researcher. Thanks to the blogger Tina Michael at “Campo Santo-holy ground” who posted this so we could read it.

Provinces of Sweden

Provinces of Sweden