Christmas in Denmark is a traditionally joyful occasion spent with friends, family and loved ones. It is celebrated on December 24th, or Juleaften, after which many Danes take a break from their little merriment and spend the next day (December 25th) performing religious services and reflecting on the meaning of the season.
When Christmas Eve arrives, Danish families usually gather around the dinner table, typically loaded with pork dishes, potatoes, red cabbage and a variety of rich glazed pastries. Gifts are exchanged at the dinner table and the evening is filled with singing and sharing stories about the past year.
It is common for families to exchange presents and drinks and carry on the celebration well into the night. Christmas morning usually starts with a light breakfast and then a special lunch featuring Smørrebrød and the traditional Danish Christmas cake Rød Grød med Fløde.
One of the more notable Danish Christmas traditions is the custom of placing a small tree in the window of each home and decorating it with candles. This tradition is especially popular in rural areas, where families and neighbors sing carols while they light the tree and celebrate the coming of Jesus.
At the end of the day, Danes always remember to thank Jesus Christ and His gift of life. Christmas in Denmark, like many other places, is a time of thanks and celebration.
What traditions does Denmark have during Christmas?
Denmark has a variety of traditional activities that take place during Christmas. These include gift giving, decorating a Christmas tree, singing and listening to Christmas carols, and eating special Christmas dishes.
On Christmas Eve, a special dinner is usually held, with the highlight being a traditional Christmas rice pudding, known as Risalamande, which is served with a cherry sauce.
Gift exchange, or julegave, is a popular tradition in Denmark as well. Families and friends exchange gifts on December 25th, or Little Christmas. On Little Christmas, children often receive small gifts and candy.
Decorating a Christmas tree is a popular activity in Denmark. It is common to cut down a fir tree and place it inside the home, often on the night of December 24th. Ornaments, Christmas lights, and other decorations are then added to the tree.
Christmas carols are very popular across Denmark. Popular carols include “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
Finally, many dishes are prepared specifically for Christmas in Denmark. Popular dishes include roast pork, boiled codfish, and a variety of potatoes and herring-based recipes. Desserts often include Christmas cookies, rice pudding, and Danish pastries like Berliner.
What are Danish elves called?
Danish elves are referred to as Nisse in Danish folklore. They are believed to be small malevolent spirits, often found living in and around farmhouses and barns. In appearance, Nisse traditionally have a white beard and wear a red-pointed hat, which they never remove.
They are also often seen wearing a traditional farmer’s jacket. Nisse are mischievous creatures and enjoy playing pranks on humans, such as moving furniture around in their houses, stealing items, and even tipping over the occasional outhouse.
They can also be placated with offerings of porridge, which is traditionally left out near fireside chairs on Christmas Eve in Denmark.
Which country produces most Christmas trees?
The United States is the leading producer of Christmas trees, producing close to 35 million real Christmas trees annually. About 90% of these trees are produced in the six major tree-producing states of Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
These six states account for over 99% of all real Christmas trees sold in the United States. Furthermore, Oregon is the leading producer of Christmas trees and counts for nearly 42% of the production.
Over the years, Christmas tree production in the country has increased gradually, as more trees are planted every year and new technology is used to harvest and ship them more quickly.
What is the real name for Christmas tree?
The real name for a Christmas tree is a fir tree (or coniferous tree). It is typically an evergreen coniferous tree, such as a spruce, pine, or fir, that is cut down and used as a decoration during the Christmas season.
The use of evergreen trees to celebrate winter festivals was a tradition in many countries in Europe prior to the 16th century. By the 17th century, the Christmas tree had become a predominant tradition in Germany, and from there it spread to the rest of Europe and America.
How old is a Christmas tree?
The age of a Christmas tree can vary from tree to tree. Specifically, any evergreen tree can be harvested for use as a Christmas tree, although the species most commonly used is the Fraser fir. Depending on the species and the tree’s growth rate, the tree may generally be anywhere between 6 to 14 years old when it is cut down.
The trees are usually grown specifically for being sold in Christmas tree lots and typically reach a saleable size between 6 and 8 years of age.
How are Christmas trees decorated in Sweden?
In Sweden, Christmas trees are decorated with a combination of lights and ornaments. Lights may be either LED’s or traditional twinkle lights. Ornaments follow traditional Swedish Christmas style, such as wooden or paper hearts, stars and traditional floral decorations, which can be made at home, or bought in a craft shop.
Other festive decorations may include tinsel, small figures of Elves, and, the most beloved and popular, the Swedish Tomte – a tiny figure of an old man with a white beard that represents the spirit of Christmas.
Additionally, edible decorations such as ribbons of candy, gingerbread, and typisk Swedish decorations like the classic round cinnamon bun are often used to decorate the tree. Some Swedish households will even hang straw ornaments in honor of the animals of Christ’s nativity scene.
How do Danish decorate for Christmas?
In Denmark, Christmas decorations are an important part of the celebration of the holiday season. It often begins with putting up an advent candleholder on the windowsill, which holds four red candles representing four Sundays of advent, as well as a white candle in the center representing Christmas Day.
A Christmas tree is usually set up in the home with small, traditional decorations such as heart-shaped ornaments and stars with yellow-colored small candles for light. On the mantelpiece, a nisser (elves) figurine is placed alongside an array of small Santa Claus figures; flags with Christmas greetings are hung around the walls.
On the doors, there is often a wreath of evergreen branches with red ribbons and four-pointed stars made of straw.
Outside the home, Danes often hang up flags adorned with hearts and stars cut out of coloured paper. They also hang strings of white lights and sometimes small tress of evergreen branches. In the streets, the windows of shops and homes alike are lit up with Christmas decorations.
Christmas in Denmark is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings and carol singing. Danes often exchange small, handmade presents on Christmas Eve (or later during Christmas Day) made with traditional fabrics, lace, and embroidery.
Throughout the holiday season, you can find traditional Danish Christmas treats, such as gingerbread cookies, almond cookies, and nougat. Danish “Christmas beers” are also popular around the period!
What decorations do they use in Scandinavia?
In Scandinavia, decorations vary by country and tradition. A few popular decorations are Christmas trees, candles, stars, paper hearts, painted wooden animals and birds, and branches of evergreen trees and shrubs.
In Norway and Denmark, people hang a large Greenland Sheepskin Sledge on the wall, with small oil lamps attached to the sledge and a large candle in the middle. They also hang paper roses around the walls of their homes.
Stars and paper hearts, some rendered with colour, are popular in all of the Scandinavian countries. In Sweden, they use a lot of painted wooden animals and birds to decorate the home, often creating a three-dimensional figure that consists of a large wooden wall clock.
This clock moves its head up and down as the hour strikes, accompanied by music and often singing birds. Finally, branches of an evergreen tree or shrub are often decorated, often hung with colorful paper or fabric flags and streamers.
How do you make Scandinavian Christmas decorations?
Making traditional Scandinavian Christmas decorations is a great way to add a unique touch to your home this holiday season. The materials used are often simple – paper, fabric, wood, and paper ornaments – but the results are beautiful and add an extra cozy atmosphere.
Here’s how to make some of the most popular traditional Scandinavian Christmas decorations.
Paper ornaments:
Paper ornaments are a popular traditional Scandinavian Christmas decoration. To make your own, start by cutting out star-shaped or tree-shaped stencils from a piece of paper. Cut a few different sizes so that you can create a range of sizes for your ornaments.
Trace the stencils onto a piece of fabric – typically red or white – and cut them out. You can also use a variety of patterned fabric if you’d like. Punch a small hole at the top of each piece. Cut a piece of string that is long enough to tie a loop at the top of each ornament.
Finally, attach the fabric pieces to the string and tie a loop at the top. Hang the ornaments on your tree or anywhere else in your house.
Fabric Santas:
Fabric Santas are another popular Scandinavian Christmas decoration. To make these cute little figures, start by gathering fabric in the colors of your choice – typically felt in red, white and gold.
Cut out a large circle and a small circle from each piece of fabric. Now cut out 4 triangular “legs” from white fabric and one triangular “hat” from red fabric. Sew the two circles of fabric together, leaving the top open.
Sew the legs and hat to the bottom of the figure and use a white thread to create a smile on the Santa’s face. You can also add small beaded eyes to your Santa if you’d like. Hang your Santa figures from branches, shelves, or even from your Christmas tree.
Wooden Ornaments:
Wooden ornaments are another traditional Scandinavian Christmas decoration. To make these, start by gathering a few pieces of wood in your desired size. Using a jigsaw, cut out star, tree, or bell shapes and sand down the edges.
Once you’ve cut out all your shapes, use some wood stain or paint in your desired colors and style. You can use a variety of patterns, like Stripes or polka dots. Finish by folding some ribbon into a loop and attaching it to the back of your wooden ornament.
Hang the ornament from a tree or wall and enjoy your unique wooden Christmas decorations.
What is Sweden’s national tree?
Sweden’s national tree is the Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris). This species of pine tree is native to much of Europe and is the country’s most widely distributed tree. The Scots Pine is also the most common European species of conifer.
It’s branches support a variety of animals from birds to squirrels. In addition to its natural habitat, the Scots Pine is widely used as an ornamental tree for parks and public grounds due to its hardiness and attractive foliage.
The Scots Pine was designated as the national tree of Sweden in 2014 by the Swedish government and is a reminder of the country’s rich forestry.
What trees are most common in Sweden?
In Sweden, the most common tree species are pine, spruce, birch and alder. According to the Forest Encyclopedia of Sweden, pine is the most widespread and abundant tree species in the country, with about a third of all Swedish forests comprised of pine trees.
Other common coniferous species found in Sweden are Norway spruce, Scots pine, and larch. Broadleaf trees are also abundant in Sweden, with the most common species being silver birch, downy birch, and alder.
While none of these species are native, they have been widely planted since the 1950s and are now the most common tree types in Sweden. Birch trees are also becoming increasingly common, especially in the south and southwest of Sweden.
Additionally, other tree species can be found in Sweden, including oak, aspen, and ash. The prevalence of different tree species will vary depending on the location and terrain, with some areas more heavily forested with pine, while other areas are dominated by birch and alder.
Are there pine trees in Sweden?
Yes, there are pine trees in Sweden. Sweden’s boreal forest is comprised mostly of pine, spruce and fir trees. As of 2019, an estimated 28.5 million hectares of forest cover 57.2% of the country’s total land area.
Pine trees are found especially in the south, where the soil is nutrient-rich and there is plenty of sunlight. Pinus sylvestris, the Scots Pine, is the most common pine tree found in Sweden and it is distributed throughout the entire country.
Pine trees are a vital part of the Swedish ecosystem and have been for centuries. The trees were celebrated in Swedish folklore as a symbol of prosperity and well-being. Today, Swedish pines are still harvested and used in a variety of industries, including furniture making and paper production.
How do Swedish people decorate?
Swedish people often decorate their homes with minimalistic designs. They have a distinct style of modern, practical decorations that are generally neutral in color, emphasizing more on form, function and balance.
Common pieces of furniture used to decorate spaces in Swedish homes include sofa beds, armchairs and coffee tables, often made from natural materials such as wood and leather. Popular fabrics used in Swedish homes include cotton, linen and wools.
Natural tones and earthy shades of brown, cream, grey, tan and blue are popular for rugs, curtains and wall art. Popular accents include indoor plants, fresh flowers and candle holders. Swedish homes often feature a mix of both old and new items, creating an atmosphere of cosy nostalgia.
What are some important symbols for Christmas in Sweden?
Christmas in Sweden consists of various important symbols and decorations, such as the Julbock, St. Lucia’s Day, Advent Calendars, and a Christmas Tree.
The Julbock (Christmas Goat) is a unique symbol of Christmas in Sweden. The Julbock dates back centuries and is thought to have been introduced by Swedish settlers in the 16th century. It is a festive figure made of straw and considered to be a symbol of luck, fertility and wealth.
St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13th and is a very important holiday in Sweden. On this day, children dress up in white gowns with cone-shaped hats and crowns of candles and visit homes and public places singing traditional songs.
The Advent Calendar is an important part of Christmas in Sweden. The calendar consists of 24 doors, each representing a day leading up to Christmas. Behind each door is a small treat or gift, such as a toy or sweets, that the children receive.
A Christmas Tree is an important symbol of Christmas in Sweden. It is typically decorated with paper chains, stars, apples, and other ornaments. On Christmas Eve, it is traditional to light the tree with either traditional or electric candles.
Gifts are usually brought out on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning and typically placed at the base of the tree.
These are some of the important symbols for Christmas in Sweden. Other symbols may include parades, holiday treat baking, gift giving, and caroling.
How do you decorate a Swedish Christmas tree?
Decorating a Swedish Christmas tree is a fun and traditional way to celebrate Christmas in Sweden. To get started, it helps to have decorations in three different colors—silver, gold, and white—which symbolize the stars in the night sky.
Begin by hanging the silver decorations first, such as silver stars and snowflakes. Then hang the golden decorations, including bells and ornaments. Finally, fill the spaces between the decorations with white garlands or lights.
You can also add traditional Swedish decorations such as straw stars, tin stars, and hearts as well as sparkling butterflies and birds. As an added touch, hang lacy angels, mini Father Christmases, and tiny golden houses.
Finally, add a star to the top of the tree, and hang presents around the tree to complete the look. By decorating a Swedish Christmas tree, you can bring a bit of Sweden into your home without having to make a long flight.
What do Swedes do on Christmas Day?
Swedish Christmas traditions vary, but since the majority of Swedes identify as Christian, celebration of Christmas (Jul) revolves around the Christian holiday and its religious traditions. On Christmas Eve, some Swedes might attend church services, usually in the evening, to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
After church many people will attend a julbord (Christmas smörgåsbord) with their family and friends.
The julbord is an important part of Swedish Christmas, which consists of various dishes including pickled herring, potatoes, gravlax, meatballs, Janssons frestelse (potato casserole) and a selection of breads and cheeses.
Julbord will often be accompanied by a glögg, a type of mulled wine, and snaps.
Christmas presents are generally opened on Christmas Eve before or after the julbord. Once presents have been opened and enjoyed, many Swedes may then visit a Christmas Market (julmarknad) to enjoy stunning decorations, crafts and traditional Swedish treats.
On Christmas Day (Juldagen) many Swedes may cook together or have another julbord. It is common to spend the day relaxing around the fire with family and friends, sharing stories and playing classic board games.
Some might even take a trip outside to enjoy the snow.
What is a traditional Swedish Christmas dinner?
A traditional Swedish Christmas dinner typically consists of a variety of dishes. Surprisingly, this feast does not usually include turkey or ham. The main course of the meal is usually Julskinka, or Christmas ham which is simply a boneless pork roast.
Another main dish is Jansson’s Temptation which is a casserole made of mashed potatoes, cream and onions with anchovies throughout. Additional dishes may include potatoes with herring, meatballs, various cold cuts, roasted pork belly, and different types of fish.
For dessert, a Swedish Christmas dinner would include rice pudding with a single almond in it and a gingerbread cookie called Pepparkakor. This meal would be washed down with some classic Swedish glögg, or mulled wine.
A traditional Swedish Christmas dinner is very hearty and definitely makes for a delicious winter meal.
Why do Swedes celebrate Christmas on the 24th?
Swedes celebrate Christmas on December 24th due to their adherence to traditional Protestant practices, namely that Christmas Day is a spiritual celebration and should not be overshadowed by festivities and gift giving.
Originally, the traditional Christmas celebration in Sweden would be called the Julotta, which translates loosely to the “dawn of Christmas” and was held on late Christmas Eve. It was a time for family prayer and reflection that signified the start of their Christmas celebration.
This was then followed by a smorgasbord enjoyed by the entire family in the evening as a way to conclude the day of spiritual significance.
It is thought that the Swedes’ deep cultural connection to the Protestant faith is the main reason they celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December. This is also rooted in a long-standing local belief that Christmas Eve should be celebrated as a religious holiday, a time for worship instead of a shopping spree.
Ultimately, it is a way for Swedes to honor their Protestant roots and maintain a sacred holiday season.
