The Old Country Newsletter – Hawkey, Danish Wars & Granny Ping-Pong

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Statistics you didn’t ask for

Sweden and Denmark of today are close allies, but that has not been the case for large chunks of their history. The two nations have a long history of conflicts, with over a dozen wars fought between them from the late Middle Ages to the early 19th century. These wars were largely driven by power struggles in the Baltic region and disputes over territory following the dissolution of the Kalmar Union in 1523. Key conflicts include the Northern Seven Years' War (1563–1570), the Kalmar War (1611–1613), and the Scanian War (1675–1679). The last significant conflict between them was the war of 1813–1814. This rivalry shaped much of Scandinavia's political and territorial history.

In other news

📚 A global skills test by OECD shows Swedish adults rank third internationally in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, trailing only Finland and Japan. However, the report highlights a growing literacy crisis, particularly among young people and foreign-born individuals, with significant challenges in integrating these groups into society and the workforce.

🕯 A four-year-old boy tragically died at a preschool in Umeå after his reflective vest got caught on a slide. While the family commends the staff for their quick actions, they urge discussions about preschool safety standards, including banning reflective vests and improving supervision near play equipment.

⚡ Electricity prices in Sweden have reached their highest levels since the 2022 energy crisis, with prices expected to rise even further. The sharp increase is largely due to a decline in wind energy production in Germany, pushing up prices as older, more expensive fossil fuel plants become the price-setters.

"Granny Ping-Pong" Scores Big in Swedish Village

Legacy Lanterns – shedding light on the stories of the past

Lucia - Saint Lucy's Day

On December 13th, Christianity has celebrated the feast of Saint Lucia on the darkest day of the year, the winter solstice according to the Julian calendar. Following the switch to the Gregorian calendar in the 18th century in Sweden, the solstice now falls on December 22nd, but the Lucia celebration remains on the same date.

Lucia is one of the few holidays in Scandinavian Protestant countries named after a saint—Saint Lucia, the patron saint of Syracuse, who died in the 3rd century. However, the name of the holiday itself is a more recent development than the celebration itself.

According to Nordic folklore, December 13th was considered a dangerous night, as people believed supernatural forces were active. It was also thought that animals could speak on this night. Traditionally, all Christmas preparations had to be completed by Lucia's Day, which was marked with extra food and drink. Even pets were given extra feed.

In Sweden, Lucia is sometimes linked with a figure called Lussi, a demon-like woman believed to ride through the sky accompanied by spirits, spreading chaos. This myth was most prevalent in western Sweden, particularly in Västergötland, where Lussi (sometimes depicted as a man) was feared as a force of evil. Lussi and her followers were believed to cause mischief during the nights leading up to Christmas, with children warned to be extra cautious during the night, as Lussi might snatch them away.

Around the turn of the 20th century, a common and widely spread Lucia tradition became established in Sweden. The modern Swedish Lucia celebration likely has its strongest roots in western Sweden, in regions such as Dalsland, Bohuslän, Västergötland, and Värmland, from which it spread across the country.

Celebrating Saint Lucia in the U.S.

In the 1920s, the Swedish tradition of celebrating Saint Lucia made its way to the United States, thanks to Swedish-American communities who brought the festival to life. The tradition grew in the U.S., with Swedish-American associations adding their own flair to the holiday. By 1939, the first Lucia competitions, similar to those held in Sweden, were introduced. These events quickly became a cherished part of Swedish-American culture, particularly in areas with large Scandinavian populations.

A notable place where the Saint Lucia tradition thrives is Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Founded by Swedish immigrants, this college has held an annual Saint Lucia celebration since 1941. At the heart of the celebration is the selection of six women who are chosen to be part of Lucia's court. These women are selected by their peers, recognizing their embodiment of Lucia’s legendary qualities, such as courage, leadership, service, strength of character, and compassion.

Through this evolving process, Gustavus Adolphus College has maintained a meaningful connection to its Swedish roots while also fostering an inclusive and contemporary way to celebrate the enduring legacy of Saint Lucia—a shining light of courage and compassion. This celebration remains a powerful link between Swedish traditions and modern-day Swedish-American communities.

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