Scandinavian Holidays
Scandinavia is the name of the northern European region, consisting of countries such as Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark. Though the Scandinavian region consists of five different countries, all these countries share similar ancestors, beginnings, and holidays. Scandinavian countries practice the primary holidays, such as Easter, Christmas, and New Years; however, other holidays are unique to their culture and history.
Some unique holidays practiced in Scandinavia would be Epiphany, which is in honor of the day the Three Wise Men visited the baby Jesus. A Catholic holiday, most Scandinavian businesses stay closed on January 6, and patrons find their way to the churches for celebration. Also celebrated in January is St. Knut’s Day, observed on the 13th. Most Scandinavians have this day off in honor of the end of the Christmas season. Celebrations include large carnivals and tons of food, which are carried out throughout the course of the day.
In Sweden, citizens celebrate National Waffle Day on March 25, which coincides with a religious event, the Feast of the Annunciation, and also signifies the first day of spring. Observed between June 20-23, Midsummer is the second largest festival behind only Christmas, and is in honor of the longest day of the year, June 21. Scandinavians spend their holiday feasting at festivals or around bonfires, listening to music, and enjoying the gayety of celebration.
Though some holidays in Scandinavia are popularly practiced worldwide, many others are celebrated only in this region. Scandinavian holidays are jovial occasions, and are representative of the regions culture.
