The Old Country Newsletter – The Gävle Goat & Christmas

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Statistics you didn’t ask for

The Gävle Goat, a large straw Yule goat erected annually in Gävle, Sweden, has become infamous for frequent arson attacks. Since its first appearance in 1966, the goat has been destroyed or damaged 42 times out of 58 installations. Notably, in 2016, the goat was burned down just hours after its inauguration. Despite increased security measures, including surveillance cameras and guards, the goat continues to be a target for vandals, making its survival each year a topic of public interest and speculation.

In other news

🎆 A student at a school in Veberöd, Lund, set off fireworks, including an "airbomb," in a school corridor, resulting in minor injuries to some students, though no one required medical attention. The incident, involving three young individuals, is being investigated as assault, and classes have continued as normal.

❎ The Swedish government and Tidö parties propose that asylum seekers whose applications are denied must leave the country before reapplying, aiming to prevent individuals from staying illegally to reapply after four years. Other measures include extending reapplication waiting times, increasing re-entry bans, and removing the "track change" system, which allows some denied asylum seekers to gain residence permits through employment.

⚽ Rising soccer star Viktor Gyökeres scored his 61st goal of 2024 in a match against Boavista in the Portuguese league. His goal, which gave Sporting a 1-0 lead, was part of a 3-2 win. Gyökeres joins an elite group of soccer players, including Messi and Ronaldo, with 61 or more goals in a calendar year.

Homeless Receive 17-Day Christmas Feast

Legacy Lanterns – shedding light on the stories of the past

1783 - The Treaty of Amity and Commerce

Sweden was one of the first European countries to sign a treaty with the United States after its independence, a pivotal moment in establishing the young nation's diplomatic and trade relations. Signed on April 3, 1783, in Paris, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce was negotiated by Benjamin Franklin for the U.S. and Gustaf Philip Creutz for Sweden. Sweden, under King Gustav III, had long been a neutral power, seeking to expand its economic opportunities without being entangled in European conflicts. By recognizing the United States, Sweden was not only able to access the growing American market but also to secure itself as a neutral and respected partner in international trade.

The treaty’s key provisions focused on commerce, navigation, and mutual protection. Both countries agreed to mutual Most Favored Nation status, which granted each other's merchants equal rights and privileges in trade. This allowed Swedish merchants access to American markets while American merchants enjoyed similar benefits in Swedish territory. Additionally, the treaty granted both nations the right to hold land in each other's territory, enhancing the economic ties between them.

Another significant element of the treaty was its mutual protection of vessels and cargo. Ships from both countries were guaranteed protection in each other's territories, and any stolen property taken by pirates was to be returned. Additionally, the right to search ships for contraband was granted, but only after due process was followed, ensuring that seized goods were officially declared contraband. This provision helped maintain lawful trade practices and protected the interests of both nations.

The treaty also stipulated that both nations must remain neutral and agreed not to commission privateers against each other. In the event of conflict, the treaty ensured that merchant ships in enemy territory would be protected for nine months, offering a significant safeguard for trade routes. The mutual right to trade with enemy nations was also included, so long as the goods were not contraband.

A final provision of note was the right for both countries to establish consuls, vice consuls, agents, and commissaries in each other's ports, helping to further facilitate trade and diplomatic relations. Moreover, all ships were required to carry passports and cargo manifests to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts over their purpose or contents.

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce played a crucial role in shaping Swedish-American relations and remains a milestone in the history of diplomatic ties between the two nations. It helped the newly independent United States gain recognition in Europe and laid the groundwork for future partnerships.

Perhaps it also laid the foundation for Swedes’ perception of the United States as a safe haven when they left Sweden during the great wave of emigration.

Do you have a story from the past that could be worth sharing? I bet you do! Or would you like to see something else in the newsletter and have suggestions for topics? If so, lease reach out!